WHO IS AFFECTED BY THIS ALERT? ------------------------------
Users of Netscape Navigator 2.0 or 2.01. To determine what version of Netscape you are running, do the following:
1. Open Netscape Navigator. 2. Pull down the Help menu. 3. Click on About Netscape. 4. Check to see if you have version 2.0 or 2.01. If so, read on. If not, then you can not be affected by this alert.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? --------------------
There have been reports lately of a hostile Java applet (a Black Widow Java applet called JAVA) that is downloaded and executed automatically when certain sites are visited with Netscape versions 2.0 or 2.01. Java applets are small applications that are automatically started when you access certain web pages. This particular Java applet is a malicious program that can destroy data, interfere with your network, and possibly even upload sensitive material to a third party.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? -------------------
Upgrade to Netscape Navigator 2.02.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU CAN'T DOWNLOAD VERSION 2.02 RIGHT NOW? ----------------------------------------------------------------
You can temporarily protect your PC or Macintosh by disabling the Java functionality. However, this should only be a short-term fix as many legitimate web sites make use of Java applets. To disable the use of Java applets, do the following:
1. Open Netscape Navigator. 2. Pull down the Options menu. 3. Click on Security Preferences. 4. Under General, place a "X" in the Disable Java and the Disable Java Script boxes in the Java window. Click on OK.
After upgrading to the latest version of Netscape Navigator (version 2.02), re-enable the Java applets by doing the following:
1. Open Netscape Navigator. 2. Pull down the Options menu. 3. Click on Security Preferences. 4. Under General, remove the "X" in the Disable Java and the Disable Java Script boxes in the Java window. Click on OK.