CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Time now, though, for a little business buzz. Microsoft is warning about a major security flaw in its Windows software. So how could it affect you? Carrie Lee has the answer for us. Good morning -- Carrie.</s>CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. That's right, if you use a Windows-based personal computer, you're going to want to listen to this. According to published reports, Microsoft says that most of the PCs that use its software, Windows, have an operating flaw and that flaw could let hackers access user's files and personal information. So that means hackers can get into data, access personal e-mail, as well as delete files. Now this problem affects Windows technology used to share data between computer networks, and some experts say hackers could use this flaw to break into Windows systems within months. Now Microsoft says users should go to its Web site and obtain a free patch to repair this flaw as soon as possible. Most corporations do have firewalls to block the bug, but still, individual users really need to be aware of this. And once again, Carol, go to the Microsoft site and you can repair it through the site.</s>COSTELLO: Good idea. A quick check of the futures.</s>LEE: Things look very weak this morning. Last night we heard from IBM reporting profits for Q2, among other things, so that's part of the reason for the sell off. Today we're going to hear from Microsoft after the bell and a lot of Dow components before the bell, including Altria, the new Philip Morris, Coca-Cola, General Motors, Honeywell. All of these companies in the Dow, so it looks like it's going to be profit reporting front and center affecting the markets today. We'll also get a report on weekly jobless claims and housing starts, so a lot to keep our eye on today -- Carol.</s>COSTELLO: All right. Carrie Lee live from New York this morning. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Microsoft Urges Users to Fix Flaw With Patch