Important Excel Security Update 27 Mar 2008

Dear Fellows,

As part of my Home Computing FREE assistance for you I am posting
quick short alerts regarding important computing threats or
opportunities.

This one is about an important security update you have to to your Windows machine in case you use MICROSOFT OFFICE EXCEL.

This security update is rated Critical for Microsoft Office Excel 2000 Service Pack 3 and rated Important for Excel 2002 Service Pack 3, Excel 2003 Service Pack 2, Excel Viewer 2003, Excel 2007, Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats, Office 2004 for Mac, and Office 2008 for Mac.

The patch for this is available since several weeks ago, but
now the related threat that needs that patch is considered
CRITICAL.
That is since it was reported that there is an active
exploit code that could be launched on your PC in several means.

You should NOT panic, but do take the time to apply the patch (instructions here refer to Windows XP):

1. Use your Internet Explorer "Tools" menu and select "Windows Update"

2 . Follow the instructions on using "Microsoft Update" instead of just "Windows Update" since "Microsoft Update" takes care of office related patches as well as Windows Related patches.

2.1 Note that this will trigger ANY required update and not just excel, so try and select only critical updates or updates that you believe you need. I will be posting in the future instructions on how to choose the relevant updates.

2.2 Its always good you backup your PC before patching or at least create a system restore point.
If you do not know how to do it, relax -- I will be releasing a great video showing you exactly how to patch your Windows machine as well as backup and restore it.

3. Open your Windows "Start" menu and select "Control Panel"

3.1 Select "Add/Remove Programs..." option.

3.2 Review the software list and make sure this patch is marked as installed "MS08-014".

3.3 If the patch its not mentioned there you can review the microsoft URL I mention here to see if it should be relevant to you and download it for installation.

More info about the exploit here:

ComputerWorld report of the EXCEL exploit

Microsoft related info:

Jack - Your Best IT Friend
Free Computing tips
for Home Business Owners
http://www.bestitfriend.com