Just wanted to say that this forum is the best resource for computer main/info that I have run across on the net. I have been helped with a couple of small problems by you folks already; but probably the most important aspect is what I have learned by simply reading the various posts and the responses to same. I am a bit of a tweaker and have made quite a number of small adjustments to the OS based on the recommendations / suggestions. I really don't know how the moderators find the time to responded(and sometimes the patience ). - Webster 
AIM worm plays nasty new trick
Posted by: Tweaker
Date added: 14:49, 29th October 2005 GMT
Source: ZDNet News
A worm found spreading via America Online's Instant Messenger is carrying a nastier punch than usual, a security company has warned.
The unnamed worm delivers a cocktail of unwanted software, including a so-called rootkit, security experts at FaceTime Communications said Friday. A rootkit is a tool designed to go undetected by the security software used to lock down control of a computer after an initial hack.
"A very nasty bundle is downloaded to your machine" when you click on the worm link, said Tyler Wells, senior director of engineering at FaceTime. "This is the first time that we have seen a rootkit as part of the bundle of applications that is sent to your machine. It is a disturbing trend."
In addition to the "lockx.exe" rootkit file, the new worm delivers a version of the Sdbot Trojan horse, said FaceTime, which sells products to protect instant-messaging traffic. Sdbot opens a backdoor on the infected PC. The worm also places several spyware and adware applications, including 180Solutions, Zango, the Freepod Toolbar, MaxSearch, Media Gateway and SearchMiracle, the company added.
The advice to users is to be careful when clicking on links in IM messages--even when they seem to come from friends--and to use up-to-date antivirus software. When receiving a link in an instant message, the best practice is to verify with the sender if the link was sent intentionally or not.
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