Named after the father of modern mechanics, the Newton Virus introduces the concept of gravity causing your desktop to behave exactly as it would in the real physical environment. Desktop icons become susceptible to Newton's invisible force and fall, roll and tumble in whatever direction gravity pulls them.
Thanks to the onboard motion sensors of MacBooks, the ‘virus’ delivers a little bit of reality to your virtual environment - perfect for spicing up your unwitting colleagues' day or simply enjoying this modern marvel of Newtonian technology.
Following much anticipation you can now download the Newton Virus, the first (friendly) ‘virus’ to hit the virgin territory of Apple Macintosh.
The current ‘virus’ works on any Mac laptop installed with OS X Tiger onwards. If you are the proud owner of a desktop computer you needn't worry. Even though the ‘Newton Virus’ was designed for laptops with motion sensors, it does work on desktop computers...
For manual infection simply download the 'Newton Virus Install to USB' software onto your own USB key. Insert the USB key into your preferred ‘victim's’ computer and release the ‘virus’ while he or she is away from their desk.
Once they return the ‘virus’ will strike 30 seconds after they have resumed working on their computer. The ‘virus’ will then stay active for 1 minute and erase itself guaranteeing to leave no trace nor damage.
For those who'd just like to enjoy it selfishly and continuously on their own computer the Newton Virus is also available as a screensaver.
(Click here for 'Step-By-Step' instructions on how to install the Newton Virus)
Price: $9.99
This version allows you to install the Newton Virus onto a USB key and as a screensaver.
System Requirements
Newton Virus FAQ
Terms of Sale
- To Download, Purchase and Run the Newton Virus will take 3 minutes from clicking 'Buy now'.
- It's tiny — less than 1Mb — it'll take a matter of moments to download.
- The Newton Virus poses no danger to your computer, is harmless, doesn't spread, and is 100% safe.
- The Install to USB version restores your desktop after 60 seconds. The screensaver is like any other, restoring upon mouse movement or a key press.
- Works on Tiger and Leopard. And by way of the mouse, it even works on desktops.
- You can read about how the Newton Virus was made.
- Contact us at support@troika.uk.com anytime.
Price: $4.99
This version allows you to install the Newton Virus onto USB key. You can infect any number of computers.
System Requirements
Newton Virus FAQ
Terms of Sale
Price: $6.99
This version allows you to install the Newton Virus as a screensaver.
System Requirements
Newton Virus FAQ
Terms of Sale
All Intel-based Apple portables such as the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, PowerBook G4 computers starting with PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.5GHz), PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz), PowerBook G4 (17-inch 1.67GHz), and iBook G4 computers starting with iBook G4 (Mid 2005) running OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or 10.5 (Leopard).
It will work your Mac desktop, as long as it has either Tiger or Leopard installed. However all movement will be governed by your mouse; desktops do not have accelerometers.
Snow Leopard 10.6 Update
We're currently working on bringing the Newton Virus to Apple's new Snow Leopard platform.
Specifically Apple have changed the requirements for third-party screensavers with Snow Leopard. You can read about it here. We're working on a 64-bit version.
Please check back soon: we hope to have a new release ready shortly.
Q What is the difference between the download 'Install to USB' and the 'Screensaver'?
A There are 2 versions of the Newton Virus available. 'Install to USB' is for downloading and installing the ‘virus’ onto a USB key of your choice. Once you insert this USB key into any Macintosh laptop you can release the virus and 'infect' the computer. The Newton Virus only works from the key. If you like to repeat the infection on the same or a different computer, you will have to re-insert the USB key.
The screensaver works like any other screensaver. Once you have downloaded it you will be able to select it as a screensaver in your System Preferences. All icons fall down after a set amount of time. As soon as you touch any key on your keyboard all your icons on the desktop will go back to their original position.
Q Can I put the 'Screensaver' onto a USB key and infect other computers?
A No you cannot. You will have to download the 'Install to USB' version to infect other computers.
Q Can the Newton Virus damage any software or hardware on my computer?
A No it cannot. It won't destroy any files, send itself to your friends or anything similar you might know from other viruses. The ‘Newton Virus’ is 100% safe.
Q How do I install the Newton Virus on my computer?
A Please see 'Installing Step-By-Step' for 'Newton Virus Install to USB' and 'Newton Virus Screensaver'.
Q When does the Newton Virus strike?
A Once the ‘Newton Virus’ has been released it will strike after 30 seconds. However, it checks that a user is at the computer by detecting mouse movement at 10 second intervals over a 30 second period.
Q For how long can I play with the Newton Virus?
A 'Install to USB':
The ‘virus’ will stay active for 1 minute before terminating, guaranteed to leave no trace or damage.
'Screensaver':
Like with any other screensaver, as soon as you press a key or move your mouse all your desktop icons will restored to their original position.
Q Can I put the Newton Virus onto a PC?
A No you cannot. This virus is designed exclusively to hit the virgin territory of Apple Macintoshs.
Q Can I put the Newton Virus onto a desktop computer?
A Yes you can, though it might prove difficult to turn your screen... The icons will fall and tumble following your mouse movement.
Q My icons are falling in the wrong direction!
A Use the 'Invert X-Axis' option described in 'Installing Step-By-Step'. If you have an early version of the 'virus' without this option please contact us for an update.
Q Who do I contact if I have a problem?
Installing the 'Newton Virus Install to USB'
- Insert a USB key into your computer.
- Drag and drop the ‘Newton Virus’ to the USB key.
- Double click on the ‘Newton Virus’ icon. You will be asked to register your copy of the ‘Newton Virus’.
- Enter your serial number. You will have received this in your confirmation email and on your invoice.
- You can now infect as many computers as you want.
- For infection, insert the USB into your ‘victim's’ computer.
- Double click on the ‘Newton Virus’ icon on your USB key and select 'Release Virus'.
- The USB key ejects itself. Unplug the USB and wait for the 'victim' to return to his/her computer. The ‘Newton Virus’ will strike after 30 seconds of continuous mouse movement by your victim.
- Should you find your icons fall in the opposite direction to what you would expect, check 'Invert X-Axis' before 'Release Virus'.
Installing the 'Newton Virus Screensaver'
- Double click on the 'Newton Virus Screensaver' in your downloads folder.
- Your System Preferences window will open automatically. Select 'Install'.
- Click on 'Options' and enter your serial number. You will have received this in your confirmation email and on your invoice.
- The 'Newton Virus Screensaver' is now installed as your screensaver.
- Should you find your icons fall in the opposite direction to what you would expect, check 'Invert X-Axis' in the screensaver options found in System Preferences.
