Sometimes, as with the release of its spyware removal tool, Microsoft seems to be serious about the security of its software.

However, users of Internet Explorer will have to wait until 'Patch Tuesday' on 11 April to download a defence against a recently discovered vulnerability that uses active scripting.

The market has spotted the opportunity, however, and two security firms have released 'unofficial' patches of their own, earning themselves good publicity and a reputation for being able to move fast. The offer is controversial, though, and not everybody would agree that installing third-party patches is a good idea.

PC World reports that two alternatives to countering this particular threat is simply to switch off active scripting or use a different browser.