For those users out there who use Microsoft Outlook Express as your email software or Microsoft Internet Explorer as your web browser, there are new patches available from Microsoft to protect your computer.

This week Microsoft released Security Bulletin MS03-014 which addresses some critical new vulnerabilities in Outlook Express. The patch is a cumulative patch which includes all previous Outlook Express patches as well.

This was followed immediately by Security Bulletin MS03-015 which addresses new vulnerabilities with Microsoft Internet Explorer. Like the Outlook Express patch, this patch is cumulative and contains all previous patches and updates for Internet Explorer as well.

This week on the Internet / Network Security site was devoted to pop-up ads- the scourge of the Web. Everywhere you go windows keep opening on your screen advertising online gambling, cheap airfare or low insurance rates. These windows eat up bandwidth and impact your ability to get to the information you really want. In extreme cases they may also pose a security risk.

To learn more about pop-up ads and what you can do to stop them read the article (Pop, Pop, Pop). If you want to find a utility that will help you block pop-up and pop-under ads while you surf the web see the new Top Picks (Pop-Up Blockers). If you would like to express your opinion about this form of advertising, vote in the poll.

Have a great week!