Direct X is primarily used for media functions, so unlike the MSBlast worm which spreads itself by infecting computers through an open port, any exploit for this problem would require the user to actually view malicious content.

This is similar to embedding a virus in an email attachment - the user needs to actually choose to execute it. In this case, an attack could simply consist of a web page address that is sent to you in an email. So be suspicious of any unsolicited email suggesting that you should visit strange looking web addresses.

More information is available here:

http://www.zdnet.com.au/newstech/security/story/0,2000048600,20277435,00.htm.

Windows users can keep their systems up to date by pointing their browsers to windowsupdate.microsoft.com and simply following the prompts.