This still isn't my usual, but it is more re-enforcement for leaving Internet Explorer. If and when MS fixes the problem you can consider going back. I will not be going back, I like one of the alternatives better - Firefox.

"Microsoft still has not released a patch for a major zero-day flaw stemming from IE6 that was used by Chinese hackers to attack Google. After sample code was posted on a website, calls began for Microsoft to release an out-of-cycle patch. Now, France has joined Germany in recommending its citizens abandon IE altogether, rather than waiting for a patch. Microsoft still insists IE8 is the 'most secure browser on the market' and that they believe IE6 is the only browser susceptible to the flaw. However, security researchers warned that could soon change, and recommended considering alternative browsers as well."

Keep in mind too, when Internet Explorer 8 is running in the mode that makes it the safest, you can't view Java Script without interaction, Flash or other rich content. This makes it difficult to click results in search engines, view news articles or generally use the web. My computer is totally secure when turned off and unplugged from the wall, however, I prefer a reasonable level of useability.

Now, just an FYI in case you are wondering what a Zero-Day vulnerability is: Called either Day Zero or Zero-Day, it is an exploit that takes advantage of a security vulnerability on the same day that the vulnerability becomes publicly or generally known. Zero-Day exploits are usually posted by well-known hacker groups. Software companies may issue a security bulletin or advisory when the exploit becomes known, but companies may not be able to offer a patch to fix the vulnerability for some time after.

I am curious why this particular flaw is being labeled a zero-day flaw. The Black Hat society has been pointing it out for years in their regular security bulletins.

If you have seen conflicting articles, the MS executive summary is at the related link below and the second paragraph covers it all: "Our investigation so far has shown that Internet Explorer 5.01 Service Pack 4 on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 is not affected, and that Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 on Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, and Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7 and Internet Explorer 8 on supported editions of Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2 are vulnerable."