Topic: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

A malignant security flaw found in all versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser has yet to be fixed, and the problem is spreading. Microsoft detailed the flaw in a security update blog post six days ago. Since then, the problem has spread across the globe, hitting at least 2 million computers.

Unlike other computer exploits, this one does not require users to click on fishy links or download mysterious software: it plagues computers that simply open an infected Web page.

Internet Explorer is currently used by 69 percent of Web surfers. The flaw hides inside the data binding function of the browser and causes IE to quit unexpectedly and reopen vulnerable to prying eyes.

So far most of the attacks have been geographically centered on China and have been used for the purposes of stealing computer game passwords. But with a flaw as gap-toothed as this, the possibilities of nefarious action could include the massive theft of personal information such as administrative computer passwords and financial data.

Even though there is currently no patch for this problem, Microsoft has offered a variety of workarounds. Most involve disabling or crippling the "oledb32.dll" file. Other methods include setting Internet and local intranet security zones to "high" and configuring Internet Explorer to prompt before running Active Scripting or to disabling Active Scripting.

Though it's always wise to keep your antivirus software updated, it may not protect you in this case, as most antivirus software does not monitor Internet traffic. The easiest way to keep your computer safe is to stop using Internet Explorer. And while other browsers aren't entirely devoid of bugs, they are a better alternative in this case.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/2008121 … afestill_1

If heartaches were nickels
I'd be the richest fool alive

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

I saw that too Mindy.

Personally, I haven't used Internet Explorer for years. I've never really liked it.

I prefer Firefox. I've also used Opera and I recently downloaded and have been playing with Google Chrome which is different, but has some nice features.

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Lee wrote:

I saw that too Mindy.

Personally, I haven't used Internet Explorer for years. I've never really liked it.

I prefer Firefox. I've also used Opera and I recently downloaded and have been playing with Google Chrome which is different, but has some nice features.

ditto.. Firefox owns IE.  Chrome is pretty cool too but I love all the user friendly add ons for Firefox.

Don't play leapfrog with a unicorn

4 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2008-12-17 09:29:44)

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Google Chrome is great too, brand new
http://www.google.com/chrome

Apple's Safari is also available now for PC
http://www.apple.com/safari/

and, of course the gold standard: FireFox
www.firefox.com

***IT IS NOT CALLED FOXFIRE!*** that is so annoying when people call it that. The same people could not say "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" lol - they always found a way to mess it up. C'mon people, its not that hard. I digress...


All of the above internet browsers are far and away better than IE. Anyone still using IE is living in the "Old West" of internet hackers running wild.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Firefox is the shiznit. Screw Explorer.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

My ReverbNation page for Dees & Friends - check us out!
www.reverbnation.com/deesfriends

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Last time i remember using insternet explorer was when i was a wee kid and we only had dial-up internet at the time lol

Firefox ever since.

Matt

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Lee wrote:

I saw that too Mindy.

Personally, I haven't used Internet Explorer for years. I've never really liked it.

I prefer Firefox. I've also used Opera and I recently downloaded and have been playing with Google Chrome which is different, but has some nice features.

Firefox is much faster than IE aswell, so more people SHOULD be using it.
Ive told all my skl mates to use it, and they have, my whole family uses it now, my little bro will log on, and i'll say:
'No, use this one instead of Internet Explorer' LOL

Seriously though, it is much superior to IE

Rus

Jamming with Joe and Bernie Marsden:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18zqg3brNH8

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Dont know about the rest of you , but I got viruses trying to get me all day...I'm having to scan and clean this computer everyday...sometimes twice a day...with my limited skills I've managed to fix some...a couple of days ago, it took my daughter 6 hours to clean up all the crap...

Shred

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Hey Shredit,

Don't know what type of connection you have out to the 'net, but hopefully you are not plugged directily into your cable/dsl box. If you don't have one already, put a router inbetween your PC and the Internet and be sure to keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date plus run system scans on a regular basis.

And NEVER, EVER click on the OK button to install or run anything off the 'net unless you are absolutely sure what you are getting. The hacker types have gotten very good at burying code and twisting wording so that even very attentive users can get caught and end up with an infected PC.

Have a great holiday!

Nothin' but the Blues

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Shredit wrote:

Dont know about the rest of you , but I got viruses trying to get me all day...I'm having to scan and clean this computer everyday...sometimes twice a day...with my limited skills I've managed to fix some...a couple of days ago, it took my daughter 6 hours to clean up all the crap...

Shred

Sounds like you need some better anti-spy detection/deletion software. You don't want to skimp on coverage these days since a virus could be running in the background while your inputting your personal info and some fool gets it without you even knowing it. 

  Credit/Identity fraud is never fun to deal with.

Don't play leapfrog with a unicorn

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Thank you peeps, I listen closely to something I know nothing about....my guru (computer geek buddy) is going to fine tune this machine asap...in the meantime, my daughter is keeping me under raps...but thanks really, I do appreciate it smile

Shred

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Shredit wrote:

Thank you peeps, I listen closely to something I know nothing about....my guru (computer geek buddy) is going to fine tune this machine asap...in the meantime, my daughter is keeping me under raps...but thanks really, I do appreciate it smile

Shred

Tell me you are not using Internet Explorer. I've been using PC's for years and haven't had any problems as long as I use Firefox. Viruses come when you open some infected email, or go to some "questionable" (uh huh-huh-huh) websites wink

just be conscious of where you go on the net and what you open in email and you should be good.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

I have a confession...I've ONLY used IE (up until yesterday that is)...I never really knew that there was anything else.

After seeing this story, I tried to d/l Firefox but it won't work for me.  So then I got Google Chrome, and it's been working pretty good for me so far.  I really don't see anything with it that makes it any better than IE, but if it's just safer, that's good enough for me.

If heartaches were nickels
I'd be the richest fool alive

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Mindy wrote:

I have a confession...I've ONLY used IE (up until yesterday that is)...I never really knew that there was anything else.

After seeing this story, I tried to d/l Firefox but it won't work for me.  So then I got Google Chrome, and it's been working pretty good for me so far.  I really don't see anything with it that makes it any better than IE, but if it's just safer, that's good enough for me.

Are you getting some kinda error message when you try to d/l firefox?  I've never run into any problems using it anywhere.  I even use Firefox portable so I can take my stuff everywhere I go and not worry about bookmarks or passwords. 

  What I like about Firefox (besides the obvious security features built right into it) are the add ons that really make things a lot easier.  Yeah, Firefox uses more virtual memory but hey, with every system now capable of running high drain programs, who cares?   smile

Don't play leapfrog with a unicorn

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

I d/l it ok but when I try to open it, I get this message:

We're Sorry, Firefox had a problem and crashed.  We'll try to restore your tabs and windows when it restarts.


I have no idea what's up with that lol!

If heartaches were nickels
I'd be the richest fool alive

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:
Shredit wrote:

Thank you peeps, I listen closely to something I know nothing about....my guru (computer geek buddy) is going to fine tune this machine asap...in the meantime, my daughter is keeping me under raps...but thanks really, I do appreciate it smile

Shred

Tell me you are not using Internet Explorer. I've been using PC's for years and haven't had any problems as long as I use Firefox. Viruses come when you open some infected email, or go to some "questionable" (uh huh-huh-huh) websites wink

just be conscious of where you go on the net and what you open in email and you should be good.

Uh nope...and I dont go to them "questionable" websites, but my friends do and send me alot of that stuff...juveniles I tell ya...need to get rid of the scoundrels

Eagle Scout

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

Mindy wrote:

I d/l it ok but when I try to open it, I get this message:

We're Sorry, Firefox had a problem and crashed.  We'll try to restore your tabs and windows when it restarts.


I have no idea what's up with that lol!

Hmm...are you getting that from the Mozilla site directly?  Delete what you already have and try to download it again and see if your original download was messed up or something.

Don't play leapfrog with a unicorn

Re: Internet Explorer is Unsafe ... Still

No, its just one of those pop up windows...did what you said, uninstalled it then reinstalled it and I'm still getting the same thing.  Guess it wasn't meant to be! lol

If heartaches were nickels
I'd be the richest fool alive