Microsoft fixing security bug in Internet Explorer

The permanent solution to the problem will be automatically installed on PCs running on Microsoft8217;s Windows operating system if the machine is set up to receive important updates. The temporary repair requires clicking on a link.

Microsoft Corp,which is based in Redmond,Washington,is urging PC users who haven8217;t enabled their machines for automatic updates to retrieve and install the permanent patch as soon as possible on Friday.

Although Microsoft says the vast majority: of users have not been bit by the security bug,the potential for trouble prompted a German technology agency to advise using other Web browsers besides Internet Explorer.

Once the dominant Web browser,Internet Explorer has been losing market share in recent years to Google8217;s Chrome,Apple Inc.8217;s Safari and Mozilla8217;s Firefox.

At least one research firm maintains that Chrome eclipsed Internet Explorer as the world8217;s most popular browser earlier this year. Other measures still rate Internet Explorer as the market leader.

Google Inc,one of Microsoft8217;s fiercest rivals,touts Chrome as a faster and safer alternative to Internet Explorer.

Microsoft,the world8217;s largest software maker,will release a new version of Internet Explorer along with a dramatic overhaul of Windows on October 26.