A new vulnerability has been found in Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat. In order to stay protected until a patch is issued, Adobe recommends that users disable JavaScript in these programs.

Disabling JavaScript is a fast, simple procedure. From within Adobe Reader, go to Edit, choose Preferences, then on the left-side of the window, click JavaScript. Uncheck Enable Acrobat JavaScript, then click OK.

Adobe is expected to issue a patch for this vulnerability during the second week of January. Until then, you can stay protected by disabling JavaScript.

Adobe has issued a new security update for Adobe Flash. The new version, 10.0.42.34, fixes a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to take control of an affected PC.

If you use other browsers besides Internet Explorer, download and install both updated Flash Players (One is for IE and the second is for all other browsers).

Microsoft has just unveiled Microsoft Online Safety. It's chock-full of tips, information, and the latest security news to help you protect yourself, your family and your PC while using the Internet.

Keeping track of software updates has become so much easier thanks to FileHippo.com Update Checker . This is a simple program that does it's job beautifully. It scans your computer, then presents a list of all the programs you have installed that have updated versions available for download.

Adobe has release updated versions of it's Flash and Reader software to plug critical vulnerabilities that could enable an attacker to take control of your system by allowing malicious code to run.

Downloads:

• Flash Player for Internet Explorer (download to your PC, then double-click downloaded update to install).

• Flash Player for Firefox (once downloaded, double-click update to install).

• Adobe Reader (note: this patch can only be applied to version 9.1.2. If you are unsure, update to the latest version of Adobe Reader via the help menu in the program).

Update Adobe software as soon as possible to help keep your PC protected.

Yesterday, Microsoft took the unusual step of releasing two emergency updates, one for a Critical Vulnerability in Internet Explorer and another for Visual Studio. It is rare for Microsoft to deviate from it's monthly patch schedule, which should give you an idea of how important this particular update is. Normally, patches are issued once a month (on the second Tuesday).

Users of Internet Explorer in Windows 2000 and XP are being targeted thanks to a Video Active X exploit in DirectShow that is allowing PCs to become compromised.

Many websites have been hacked with a malicious script that checks for the vulnerability and if you visit the website with Windows 2000 or XP and do not have the vulnerability patched, the site will attempt to re-route you to a malicious site that will silently download and execute a keylogging program.

In addition to this latest exploit is another vulnerability in DirectShow that has not been patched by Microsoft either and affects ALL browsers. Both vulnerabilities are dangerous and considered “drive by downloads“.

Patches for these exploits are not yet available via Windows Update but Microsoft has created Advisories for each and Workaround fixes that can be used in the meantime to mitigate your risk.

The newest version of Firefox has arrived. Firefox 3.5 boasts improved anti-phishing, anti-malware, bookmark organization, session restore and is actually faster than previous versions. It also includes a new Private Browsing mode similar to Internet Explorer 8's InPrivate.

Microsoft Windows 7 is currently available for Pre-Order until July 11th (while supplies last). At only $49.99, the Premium Home version is a steal. I wasted no time in pre-ordering my upgrade licenses and will be counting down the days until October 22nd (the expected shipping date). If you don't plan on purchasing a new PC in the near future and your PC currently has Windows Vista or XP, this is your best chance to get a fantastic Operating System at a great price.

This month Adobe implemented a new program that aims to provide a regular schedule for patches (similar to Microsoft's Patch Tuesday) in order to keep vulnerabilities to a minimum.

The first quarterly patch goes to Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat. This new version patches critical security vulnerabilities that crash the programs (Reader and Acrobat) and can allow an attacker to gain access to your PC.