wow it's been forever since I've been online! Summer's been busy. anyways... thought you all might want to be warned.
there is a new bug going around and infecting websites. Then it sneaks into computers through those websites. Please try to limit your surfing untill they come up with a fix!! here's some info I got through AOL, so of course they're all about "use AOL stuff" but the general idea is to get the virus protection and be careful now (with this bug out) where you surf the internet, and follow their other guide lines. ::
What Is This New Vulnerability That I Am Hearing About on the Radio and on TV?
This newly discovered bug is in the software that runs the computers for many Internet sites. If a Web site's computers become infected with a virus that takes advantage of this vulnerability, those computers can then be used to spread other viruses. The virus only affects computers running the Windows operating system.
What Is the Danger to Me?
Malicious software can be downloaded and installed on your computer by simply viewing a Web site that is infected with a virus that takes advantage of this new vulnerability. You will not receive any notice of the download or installation or even have a chance to stop the download and installation of the software. This software could then be used to send spam from your account or even steal personal information.
How Do I Know if I Have Been Infected?
If you are infected with a virus, your computer might run much more slowly, shut down by itself, or even become unusable. You may also notice your computer accessing the Internet when it should be idle.
Because a computer could be slower or could access the Internet for legitimate reasons, the best way to know if you are infected is to update your anti-virus software and run a complete scan of your hard drive. If you don't have anti-virus software, you can subscribe to McAfee VirusScan Online -- Brought to you by AOL.
How Can I Protect Myself?
The three most important steps you can take are to update your anti-virus software, run a firewall on your computer, and patch your operating system.
1. Update your anti-virus software. Anti-virus software must be kept up-to-date to be effective. Instructions for updating your software should be included with the software.
Your e-mail attachments are automatically protected with your AOL membership. AOL automatically scans all incoming e-mail attachments for viruses and repairs the attachment when it is able to do so and rejects any attachment it can't fix.
Important: Only e-mail that is sent to an AOL e-mail address (e.g.,
YourScreenName@aol.com) or e-mail from another AOL member is scanned for viruses. E-Mail that is sent to any other e-mail account (such as your work e-mail account) is not automatically protected by AOL. You must run anti-virus software on your computer to ensure you are protected from known viruses.
If you don't have anti-virus software, you can subscribe to McAfee VirusScan Online -- Brought to you by AOL and get the latest updates every time you sign on to AOL.
2. Run a firewall on your computer. A firewall will notify you that data is attempting to enter or leave your computer from a source it does not recognize as legitimate. With a firewall, you can allow data to be sent or received, or block the sending or receiving of data. If you are an AOL for Broadband member, you can download a free firewall at AOL for Broadband -- Firewall.
3. Patch your operating system. To update your Windows operating system and your Microsoft Internet browser, go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Follow the instructions on the Web site to scan for updates and download and install any critical updates.
For more information about helping to keep yourself safe online, see AOL Keyword: Safety.