Can simply playing a DVD damage a computer through virus transmittal?
If the DVD contains a virus, and your computer has its autorun
feature turned on, then yes, it is conceivable that your computer
could get a virus by just putting the DVD in the DVD drive. Its
very unlikely in the case of a commercial DVD, but if it is a
burned DVD, I would be careful and make sure you have an up to date
antivirus program installed and running properly. There has been
instances where attempts by a movie studio to copy protect their
product inadvertently resulted in malicious software being
installed. Google for Sony Rootkit for more information on
that.