Microsoft offers Explorer patch ahead of schedule(emergency fix)

[RedEarth]

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday released a security patch to fix a "critical" hole in its Internet Explorer Web browser that the world's biggest software maker said could allow an attacker to take control of a user's computer.

The patch was released two weeks ahead of a regularly scheduled monthly security update after Microsoft said it became aware of a "public attack utilizing the vulnerability." The company added that the impact on customers was "limited."

Microsoft typically issues security patches at the beginning of the month.

The flaw rated at critical -- the highest level -- exists in the coding for Vector Markup Language, or VML.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyID=2006-09-26T233047Z_01_N26381005_RTRUKOC_0_US-MICROSOFT.xml

[Kolesar]

1. There has to be one "worst operating system on the planet" doesn't there?

And a web browser too.

[Pab Sungenis]

2. Easiest way to achieve this patch....

...don't use Internet Explorer.

[Anakin Skywalker]

3. Right On!

Lots of nicer alternatives out there.

[martymar64]

4. 50 foot fence

51 foot ladder. Enough said. Buy a Mac.