"Some security experts, though, have advised IE users switch to another browser until an update is released. The next scheduled patch is not due until January 13 but it is not unusual for Microsoft to release an emergency patch".

I've gone over to Firefox until such time as Microsoft get that 'emergency' patch out, although I doubt hackers are interested in the likes of me, but one never knows - people DO do their personal banking on line, so ..

I suppose keeping Windows Live Messenger open is OK provided you don't use it for browsing?