RealPlayer Update Fixes Security Glitch

Keeping your computer safe from viruses and other online security threats doesn't stop with downloading the latest patches from Microsoft. Hackers today are opportunistic and will spread their junk programs by any means available, and media players remain an attractive target.

Earlier this week, RealNetworks Inc. released a new version of its ubiquitous "RealPlayer" (a.k.a "RealOne") video and audio application to fix a security hole that could allow attackers to gain control over computers running the vulnerable software. The bug affects nearly all recent versions of Real's products.

RealPlayer users can check to see if they have all the needed patches by using the program's "check for updates" feature. To check for updates, open RealPlayer, click on "Help" and then "About RealPlayer," then click "Check for Updates."