Autorun Vs Autoplay

Essentially, AutoRun and AutoPlay are both the same, in that AutoPlay is the successor of AutoRun from older versions of Windows like XP, 2000 and earlier. 

 

If a CD/USB contained a file called autorun.inf in the root directory, Windows would detect it automatically and follow the instructions in that file.

Normally, this file would call an application on the CD/USB, usually the setup file or install file. You’ve probably noticed this when you pop in a new Windows XP or Windows 7 CD into your computer, a splash screen will automatically pop up with options to install Windows, etc.


Sometime it becomes very dangerous for your computer because if your USB drive contains any virus then it gets executed along with auto run files. As a result your computer or operating system becomes slow and will be at risk.


On the other hand         

AutoPlay, a feature first introduced in Windows 98, which examines newly discovered removable media and devices and, based on content such as pictures, music or video files, launches an appropriate application to play or display the content

Depending on the operating system you are running, Autorun and Autoplay will work differently!Dont be confused.here is the solution...


In all versions of Windows from XP to Windows 7, Autorun is executed before Autoplay, unless Autorun is disabled. If it’s not disabled, Autorun will execute and it will search for the Autorun.inf file.

In Windows XP, if the Autorun.inf file is found, Autorun can go ahead and bypass Autoplay altogether and launch an application without asking the user first.

In Windows Vista and Windows 7, Autorun cannot skip past Autoplay. If there is an Autorun.inf file, it will still be read, but instead of the application being launched automatically, a dialog box will pop up with a list of choices, some of which could be from the Autorun.inf file. Gone mad yet?


Overall, the Autoplay feature is not going to harm your computer because no program is actually being executed. Autoplay just detect the media and display options based on the content.


So it is better to diable autorun feature in your PC.