Hi, No doubt by now you are aware that a version of the BadTrans virus is actively invading many home users. Even if you have the latest antivirus definitions downloaded, this virus exploits a flaw in Internet Explorer versions 5.01 and 5.5. Simply put, once you open, or even just preview, an infected mail message, the virus begins to infiltrate before your antivirus software can react. The shame of it is, a security patch to address this flaw was released by Microsoft - 8 MONTHS AGO (to catch your attention). Some of you have been negligent in applying Security Patches or Service Packs to update your Internet Explorer browser software. The security patch that addresses this particular virus can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-020.asp . The home page for Microsoft Security issues is http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/default.asp , and if you use IE and Outlook or Outlook Express, I STRONGLY recommend that you subscribe to automatically receive Security Bulletins in your email (see the above link.) Review of good security precautions: ---------------------------------------------------- (1) ALWAYS use an anti-virus program, and update your antivirus definitions at least weekly. (2) Consider STRONGLY using personal firewall software. I use ZoneAlarm - ZoneAlarm is a free download, and its email script protection quarantined the virus files sent to me before my anti-virus software could even act. (http://www.zonealarm.com) (3) If using IE/Outlook/Outlook Express, check regularly for Microsoft security patches (see above.) (4) Configure your e-mail program to minimize risk. For Outlook Express, here's one good how-to website, easy to understand, with diagrams: http://www.tames.net/security/oesettings.htm (5) Practice good mail housekeeping. Don't leave mail unread, permanently delete messages from your "Deleted Items" folder regularly. (These five stepts were adapted from a list in the VIRUS-DISCUSSION newsgroup from Caroline Gurney.) Thanks, Mark Williamson ARJACKSO listkeeper [email protected] (The ARJACKSO list is temporarily on "moderated" status.)