Microsoft recently determined that people using Windows 98 and Windows Millenium Edition (Windows ME) are vulnerable to intrusion from the Internet.  Microsoft has chosen not to fix this issue.  See this news article for more details.

This news article causes us to remind you of points that bear repeating...always use your computer on the Internet safely.

There are five really important things you need to remember with your computer and the Internet:
1. Install critical software upgrades for your computer operating system (like Microsoft Windows update) at least on a weekly basis.  Windows 2000 and Windows XP users can setup their computers to automatically download and install these critical updates for you if you prefer.
2. Keep your computer anti-virus software current and automatically scanning your entire computer for viruses at least on a weekly basis.
3. Keep your computer anti-spyware software current and automatically scanning your entire computer for spyware at least on a weekly basis.
4. Use a hardware or software firewall to protect your computer from intruders on the Internet (even if you think you have nothing of importance on your computer, intruders can use your computer to attack other victims).
5. Backup your files and make sure your backups actually work.

For more helpful information on these topics, please see the EONI Safety Zone.