On this computer I am using at home there is AOL and AIM installed. On my laptop there is only AIM. This message pops up on both computers...

Active Update
The following update is ready to install.


Security Update - Critical: AOL has identified a security vulnerability that can be used to execute malicious code. To correct, install this update. You may need to shut down applications and restart your computer. Click here for details.



The only option is Install Now (which I don't want to do until I know what it is). So I just X it out and it pops up 10 minutes later. I searched on Google and the only thing found was that is was the "Sunshine Virus", but when I go for details it is the AOL site. I also ran my antivirus software and nothing came up.

Does anyone know what this update is and if it is harmful to my computer because these pop ups are driving me nuts!

In short, dont click on it. It sounds like a sort of spyware.

Run an application such as spybot S&D (http://spybot.com/en/index.html) or another good spyware detection and removal tool to see if it can get rid of it. I also use tools by Symantec to help fight these sorts of things as well with good results.

Hope that helps.

From the description, that actually sounds like a legitimate AOL update to me. If you aren't certain, though, it is better to be safe than sorry. My suggestion would be to send a feedback email to AOL asking them to confirm that the pop-up is really coming from them.

-Jeff

To go along with what Jeff said, you can always check with the AOL site to see if you have the most current version of the application. If you do, then the alert is most likely bogus.

Another thought is that because you have only the option to "install now" and not a "install later" or "cancel" option along with it, that sends up a flag to me.

But also agreed that it sounds like a note to AOL support is in order. If nothing else, I am sure they would be interested in hearing about it.