Microsoft on Wednesday was calling on users of its Windows and Office 2000 software to install security patches that prevent hackers from taking over their computers.
Software updates designed to fix vulnerabilities “that could allow an attacker to take complete control of an affected system” could be downloaded for free at the www.microsoft.com/security website, the company said.
The Redmond, Washington, software giant also made available monthly installments engineered to remove malware.
Microsoft recommended that Windows users sign up for automated software updates intended to make systems more secure.
Release of the patches followed an announcement by Microsoft that it had stopped supporting its Windows 98 and Millennium Edition (ME) operating systems, effectively abandoning the old version of its software.
Microsoft no longer provides security updates, telephone advice or other technical support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows ME, according to the company.
Microsoft has been hit with criticism that it is a ripe target for hackers and for failing to launch its newest software on schedule.
Microsoft delayed the launch of its next-generation operating system, Vista, and an updated version of its Office software, saying it wanted extra time to improve performance of the applications.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates went on record this week saying he was “80%” certain that the company’s next generation operating system, Vista, will be released in January.
The new Office software package was rescheduled for release at the end of this year.
The Office suite, which includes the Word program for word processing, the Excel spreadsheet and PowerPoint presentation software, is one of the key products for Microsoft along with its Windows operating system. – AFP