Infections such as this are good reasons to move to a 64-bit OS if you stay with Windows.
There are few exploits that can be made to work on a 64-bit system with the many extra protections there. Some 32-bit classes of viruses can do some things in a 64-bit system, but they can’t take it over. Also, memory space allocation is randomized and DEP is made effective for all executables so that malware that breaks programs can’t give out access (instead that application simply crashes).
However, all of your 32-bit programs work in an emulated environment and you need special 64-bit versions to truly take advantage of other features.
Everyone should move to a 64-bit OS ASAP.
“...if you stay with Windows...”
In terms of computer security knowledge, I’m somewhere is the middle, between neophyte and security guru, so I welcome other people’s perspectives. :-) Most exploits seem designed for the Windows environment (executable binaries, permissions), so would you agree that the Mac and Linux are inherently safer? How much safer? Are there actual threats in the wild that could exploit Firefox running on the Mac or Linux? I run both Windows and Linux, so this is not a trick question - I simply want the opinions of as many people as I can find. Thanks.
Wouldn't a 128-bit OS provide double the security?
By the way: What's an "OS," and how can I tell how many "bits" mine has?
Regards,