Spysweeper Update Draws Complaints

Although many online reviews rate it highly, some users of Webroot's Spysweeper 5.0 complain that the new version slows down their PC. Webroot's Support Q&A says that such problems may be due to 5.0's need for more RAM. To improve performance, the company recommends installing version 5.0.7, build 1608, and turning off the Keylogger Shield. Get the update and more info at Webroot Support Center. As a worst-case solution, Webroot recommends rolling back to version 4.5.

Word 2000 Flaw

Hackers recently sent out poisoned e-mail attachments to hit a critical Word 2000 security hole before a patch was available. As usual, you should be extremely suspicious of unsolicited attachments. Microsoft will distribute the patch, once it's ready, via Automatic Updates. For more information and for a link to a free workaround that involves using Word Viewer 2003, browse to Microsoft Security Advisory 925059 ("Vulnerability in Word Could Allow Remote Code Execution").

Bugged?

Found a hardware or software bug? Send us e-mail on it at bugs@pcworld.com.

Stuart J. Johnston is a contributing editor for PC World.