Microsoft to Offer

A couple of weeks ago, the world learned just how much damage an innocent-sounding e-mail message could do to a personal computer. <br><br>Perhaps millions of PC users saw this icon in incoming e-mail,

Friday, May 19th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A couple of weeks ago, the world learned just how much damage an innocent-sounding e-mail message could do to a personal computer.

Perhaps millions of PC users saw this icon in incoming e-mail, opened it up and launched a chain of events which is still being cleared up.

What we now know as the "love bug" worm, specifically targeted a vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook e-mail software. In a notice published on its website, Microsoft says it is preparing an Outlook update to deal with this security flaw, and you can set your computer to be notified when it is available.

Until then, to protect your PC, be sure that you install antivirus software which is widely available from major names like Norton, McAfee and Trend Micro.

If you already have antivirus software, update it with the latest virus "signatures" available for download from the manufacturer.

Also: if you have a computer linked full-time to the World Wide Web by a cable modem or DSL line, be sure to install a personal firewall to block any malicious attacks.