Below is a copy of AOL e-mail received today...

Here at America Online, we know that our members are the best source of good ideas for a better Internet. And you have told us that one of your biggest concerns is the threat of online viruses that can crash your computer, steal your personal information, or damage or delete important files.

So I am pleased to tell you that our newest version of the AOL software, called AOL® 9.0 Security Edition, now includes one of the leading virus-protection programs at no additional charge. I encourage you to upgrade today.

McAfee® VirusScan® Online protects your entire computer from tens of thousands of known viruses and is automatically updated to protect against the hundreds of new virus threats that emerge each month -- helping keep you and your family safe at all times.

No other Internet service provider offers this premium service to all of its users for free.

And that's only the beginning. Because of your interest in safety and security, we've built numerous enhancements into 9.0 Security Edition to better protect your PC from other online threats. Among them:

* Better defense against spyware: AOL Spyware Protection helps protect your computer from unwanted spyware and adware, and the new SpyZapper(TM) feature automatically targets the most disruptive forms of malicious software for removal.

* Improved spam and pop-up controls: Simplified spam control tools make it even easier to keep your e-mail box and instant messages free of spam, and our enhanced pop-up controls block more annoying pop-up ads than ever.

* New My Money Alerts: These help protect against unauthorized use of your credit cards and bank accounts by sending Alerts when your pre-set spending limits are exceeded.

If you want to learn more about how AOL is working to keep you safe online subscribe to our three-part e-mail series on online safety.

i_XpUser

Read CNet Press report HERE

Excerpts:

The AOL 9.0 Security Edition software includes McAfee VirusScan Online, AOL Spyware Protection, antispam control and a system to thwart instant-messaging spam (or "spim"), the company said. Additionally, the new software offers features that earlier versions did, including McAfee firewall protection, pop-up controls, parental controls and alerts for unauthorized bank and credit card activity.

AOL previously charged $2.95 a month for McAfee VirusScan, but decided to bundle it for free to attract customers looking for additional security. The new software can be downloaded from AOL's Web site.

Security Edition is free to subscribers of AOL's $23.90 dial-up access service and to its $14.95 "bring your own access" ("BYOA") version.

i_XpUser

Once again, I think I need to caution current and future AOL subscribers.

Exercise care with AOL Association Preferences.

You will be prompt with this dialogue:

Click "OK" below to select AOL as your preferred application for Web browsing, E-Mail, and newsgroups. We will also automatically sign on AOL to provide you with access to the Internet as needed.

Note: Clicking "OK" will permanently set this preference.

Once it is set, there is nothing you can do to reverse it except to reinstall XP. What this means is that you will not be able to connect to the Net without first signing on AOL.

i_XpUser

"Once it is set, there is nothing you can do to reverse it except to reinstall XP. "
Are you serious XPU??!!
Man thats some harsh s--- if you ask me.

Yes, assuming that repairing IE6 makes no difference.

i_XpUser