Carole, I don't know of any, but I go to the desktop wallpaper sites and just take my chances. I got the worst infection I've ever had on a grapics site. With the help of people like the ones here I cleared up my computer, then went back and got what I wanted and cleared it up again. Just make sure your computer software is up to date and scan when you finish surfing. Also if you post in any forums that has smileys I think you can save them from there..

I found one site that has a lot to choose from and claims to be free of all spyware, viruses, etc. (Yeah, I realize they all do.)

On the menu at left, click on "my freeware," then scroll down to "Smiley Vault." You can also check out his Avatar Vault, Animation Vault, etc.

HTH

Here is a link that might be useful: David Pye

That's a good site for wallpaper.

When ever you visit sites offering free gifs, smileys or clipart it is a smart move to run something like Superantispyware or your favourite program. That not only ensures your computer is clean after the visits but it gives you the user peace of mind too.

".....just take my chances....."

You have to be kidding.

DA

The typical DA. response.

Typical? Hardly as anyone who has followed my posts through out all these years would know. Shocked? Absolutely.

How anyone could with intention place themself at risk is beyond me let alone exposing others to the line of thinking. And then insinuate that after having done so individuals will be available to help if you do have a concern is just baffling.

DA

You are also putting the people you email to at risk. DA is not out of line at all.

I like to add Smiley's to my emails (and my online posts) - but I NEVER would use a smiley site.

What I have done is gathered a large collection of them (mostly from other message boards) and saved them on my computer (I have made a file so I can easily find them)

When I want to use one - I just attach it in the body of the email like I would a picture - only it is really small so it fits in with the text.

When you see a smiley you like - just Right Click, then select Save As - and save it to a folder you can find easily.

I have uploaded some to Photobucket so I can use them at GardenWeb forums. If you want them, just right click and save!

Hi, iowagirl !

Good idea. You mentioned it to me long ago in a post I had asking a similar question. And I think that's what David Pye himself did at the site mentioned above. I believe he collected a bunch of smileys from around the internet (message boards, etc.) into a personal file and offers it to any who want it. At least, from what little I've read at his site, I don't see what reason he would have to put spyware of any kind in his "free stuff."

I personally would never jeopardize my machines or my friends by using any type of smilie site and when I get email with that crud on it I do not appreciate it and I strip it clean before I ever consider forwarding it.

For goodness sakes at the very least put dr.web on your browsers and scan those site links before you even go there and definitely each item before you download it.
http://www.freedrweb.com/browser/
Free Dr.Web LinkCheckers for your browsers

On the pro security help forums if we see the same person come in with infections on more than 2 occasions we know they do not care about their own pc, others pc, or our time that we are volunteering to help. We will move on to someone that needs and appreciates the help.

It is being smart and safe surfing and not being part of the problem, safe hex!

If you save any thing including a smilie file from anywhere before you ever open it and preferably before you download it scan it for viruses. right click on it and choose scan. That sure won't protect you from everything but it might save you from some infections.

The main issue today is that I am seeing hundreds of websites that look legit that are infecting pcs daily with the dreaded antivirus xp and let me tell you that is nothing to sneeze at because the new ones we are working on are carrying rootkits and if you don't know what a rootkit is then get busy learning, you DO NOT want one on your pc.

Hi, Ravencajun

Wise words, indeed ! And thanks for the link to Dr. Web.

Actually, I had already done what you suggested: scanning the downloaded file with my AV before ever opening it. Nothing was found so I assume it was safe. (And, yes, I know what happens when you "assume".....) ;-)