Finding AJAX tool kits; Locking the worms out of your network

* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass helps a reader find AJAX tool kits * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter offers advice on virus protection

* Finding AJAX tool kits

By Steve Blass

Q: We want to revise some forms to use the Asynchronous JavaScript + XML (AJAX) approach with background data submissions and page updates. Are there options for an AJAX development kit to simplify the process?

A: There are several AJAX tool kits, from commercial products (Backbase) to open source offerings such as the Simple Ajax Tool Kit (www.modernmethod.com). More information is available at www.ajaxian.com.

To read Steve’s response in its entirety, click here.

* Locking the worms out of your network

By Ron Nutter

Q: With the Kama Sutra (among its other names) worm that is due to come out on February 3rd, I am concerned that we have taken all the necessary steps to avoid problems. What can you suggest that we look at?

A: The area that should be of most concern is user education. Unless you have an automated method in place to keep everything updated, you will need to enlist the users help in making sure that all of the Windows updates are installed on a regular basis. If you are also using the Microsoft Office Suite of applications, there are updates that need to be applied here as well. Fortunately, recent changes to the way that Microsoft’s Windows Update site works has helped streamline this process so that both Windows and Office updates are downloaded at the same time.

To read Ron’s response in its entirety, click here.