has released an update, to version 2.0.0.10. It fixes a bunch of memory bugs that could lead the browser to crash. Or it could in theory allow an attacker to seize control of your computer. It also patches that cross-site request bug that could give a hacker unauthorized access to a Web site.

This second flaw involves the way handles compressed Java Archive or . Like Internet Explorer, Firefox did not properly check these files, allowing attacks against someone using the Firefox browser.

This problem has been known since February. It is the so-called vulnerability, which you may have heard about. When you clicked on a special link in your browser, such as mailto:youraddress@yourisp.com a hacker could have launched an attack against you.

To see what version of Firefox you have, launch the browser and click Help, About Mozilla Firefox. To get the , click Help, Check for Updates. You should get the updates automatically, but if Firefox is not your default browser, you may have to update manually. It just takes a minute.

If you do not have the Firefox browser and would like to try it, click here: http://en.www.mozilla.com/en/

As I mentioned the other day, Firefox 3 Beta is out. This is a test version of the new browser, and you can download it if you want. But this is entirely at your own risk. Unless you are an experienced user, you might be wiser to wait for the final release.

Syd Tash is a noted computer security consultant and author of How to Protect Your Computer Online. He has been keeping Internet surfers safe and secure since the last century. Find out how he does it; protect your own computer with five layers of protection right here: => http://MyPCSecuritySite.com

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