When I use the term "script" I'm referring to instructions (code) created using a computer programming or scripting "language". A computer programming language allows a person (programmer) to write instructions that can control your computer. The instructions (code) must be written following specific rules or "syntax". The amount of control the script (code) can have over your computer is in part dependent on the programming language used and how securely your computer is configured. JavaScript and VBScript (Visual Basic Scripting Edition) are two common scripting/programming languages you might find included within Web pages and HTML e-mail. They are often used to add interactivity to HTML e-mail and Web site pages. For example, the "... Free Software ..." drop-down list on the upper left hand side of our Web site uses the JavaScript programming/scripting language to make it functional.

If you open a Web page or HTML e-mail any included script (code) could execute its instructions. It is possible for a person (programmer) to write script that can pose a threat to your computer and security. When you go to a Web site or open an HTML e-mail you have no way of knowing if the script included within might pose a threat.

I've included an example of what "script" looks like for those of you who do not have experience with computer programming. The script below is written using the computer scripting/programming language called "JavaScript". It is included in every page of our Web site. The script asks YOUR computer what the date and time is. It then writes/includes the time in the upper right hand corner of each page you visit on our Web site. It does not pose a threat to your computer or security. However, an unethical or malicious person could include a dangerous script within any Web page or HTML e-mail.

     ----------------- Example of JavaScript code -------------------


function GetDay(intDay){
     var DayArray = new Array("Sunday", "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday",
                          "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday")
     return DayArray[intDay]
     }

   function GetMonth(intMonth){
     var MonthArray = new Array("January", "February", "March",
                                "April", "May", "June",
                                "July", "August", "September",
                                "October", "November", "December")
     return MonthArray[intMonth]
     }
   function getDateStrWithDOW(){
     var today = new Date()
     var year = today.getYear()
     if(year<1000) year+=1900
     var todayStr = GetDay(today.getDay()) + ", "
     todayStr += GetMonth(today.getMonth()) + " " + today.getDate()
     todayStr += ", " + year
     return todayStr
     }