So I was trying to find the latest Windows update, which our computer people say is necessary to head off the next virus blast. But I’d already stopped using Microsoft browsers and email programs because of the last virus problem. Now when I try to log on to download the update I get:

Thank you for your interest in Windows Update

Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you get the most out of your computer.

You need to be running a version of Internet Explorer 5 or higher in order to use Windows Update.

Download the latest version of Internet Explorer

Once Internet Explorer is installed, you can go to the Windows Update site by typing http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com into the address bar of Internet Explorer.

If you prefer to use a different Web browser, updates to Windows may be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center.

Not that Microsoft would be abusing its monopoly power to cross-promote products. No sir-ee.