If you use a Windows computer that is connected to a network, a new bug may cause havoc on the machine. According to a news report, XP, 2000 and Server 2003 are the most vulnerable versions of Windows. Vista and Server 2008 are vulnerable as well but not as severely. Microsoft has issued the patch immediately.

In the new Windows Secrets newsletter, Susan Bradley recommends installing the patch. She suggests people restart their computers first to verify that the machine is bootable. Then, she asks to reboot again to install the patch. Her article includes direct links to the new patch for each Windows version. If, for some reason, you cannot run Windows/ Microsoft Update, you can download the patch manually and install it.

If you are not sharing any files and/ or printers on a local area network, you need not have the server service running - bug or no bug. For more safety, check how your firewall is configured. Firewall configuration widely varies. But if you are employing the Windows firewall in XP, exception for this is termed File and Printer sharing.

Firewalls are among the effective shields against this kind of problem. With this in mind, you may add a second router to a LAN to ensure additional firewall protection for your most important computers.