'iTunes' AIM worm

It's unlikely to turn the family PC into a zombie, but it's the kind of malware that can. CNET describes "a new instant messaging worm that masquerades as Apple Computer's iTunes application and drops adware on infected Windows PCs has been found." It comes as a link in a message that reads: "This picture never gets old." If you click on it, it looks like you're installing "itunes.exe." What it really does is download and install four adware applications - "software that displays pop-up advertising on a computer screen," CNET explains. It's not spreading that rapidly, so nothing to lose sleep over, but a good reminder for everyone in the family never to click on a link, even if it appears to be from a friend, without first opening a new window and asking that friend if s/he sent it. Also, keep that anti-virus software up-to-date! See also "Tips from a tech-savvy dad: IM precautions."