Microsoft Security Patch

[Donna D.]

Here we go again...for those using Internet Explorer to surf the web: Microsoft warns of critical Windows flaw

[Gina D.]

That looks like the same old warning.. just change the date

Fire
Fox

I only use IE at work because THEY set everything for it AARGH.

[jdtrotter]

Thanks, Donna

Just downloaded the updates.

Diane

[Bill Hamilton]

Thanks, Donna

Just downloaded the updates.

Diane

Try using FireFox. It has a lot of features that IE does not have and is much less susceptable
to hacking and viruses.

[jdtrotter]

Try using FireFox. It has a lot of features that IE does not have and is much less susceptable
to hacking and viruses.

I was going to change to Firefox before, but at that time it would not let me download any updates---some problem. I assume that is fixed, so maybe I will try it again.

Oh, if you use Firefox as your default browser, do you still leave IE on your computer?

Thanks
Diane---a barely computer literate person

[Gina D.]

Yes, youi have to leave IE on. It is the "Chassis" for the operating system.

Doesn't mean you have to actually USE the browser. I got a new comp last month. I have used IE on it once. To downlaod Firefox LOL!

Haven't opened it since.

[Nick]

I only use internet explorer to download Windows updates. It works well for that.

Used Netscape Navigator as my default browser and switched to Opera a few years ago. Now using Opera 8.5 and will probably stick with it for a while longer altho 8.51 is out

Nick.

[Byron Kinnaman]

I was going to change to Firefox before, but at that time it would not let me download any updates---some problem. I assume that is fixed, so maybe I will try it again.

Oh, if you use Firefox as your default browser, do you still leave IE on your computer?

Thanks
Diane---a barely computer literate person

There's many things that IE is needed for, and some web sites won't render(display) properly with firefox. What I've done is this.
1. Left IE as default browser, when I double click on a link IE comes up, with some exceptions, see below.

2. Most web surfing is done using FireFox. If I find a site that won't render properly I switch to IE for that site.

3. I use Opera for sits I go to ofter. This site is via Opera as is my web mail when I'm on the company computer. One of the nice things about Opera is that when I'm in Opera and double click on a link here, it opens up in another Opera window.

It still a good idea to download and install all security updates from Microsoft. I have my computers set to do that automaticly. When I came into the office this morning an update happened last night while I was busy sleeping.

[Patrick M.]

Firefox makes you enjoy surfing the Internet again! Really!

Firefox has Extensions that are small programs that add unique functions. One of those is adding IE compatibility. This allows using Firefox to go to websites that require the non-Internet-standard IE for some reason.

Years ago when Microsoft and IBM were partners, I remember reading that Bill Gates was at IBM HQ and noticed that all the workers were using very old IBM computers and came to the conclusion that IBM was a dinosaur and he needed to move on from their partnership.

Well, Microsoft has become that dinosaur and IE is a great example of that.

Everyone should move on to Firefox. You won't regret it!

[Big Eddy]

Here we go again...

Keeping thoroughly on-topic... ... Microsoft ends the year with yet another Windows security hole as reported by The Washington Post yesterday:

[b]Windows Security Flaw Is 'Severe'
PCs Vulnerable to Spyware, Viruses

A previously unknown flaw in Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system is leaving computer users vulnerable to spyware, viruses and other programs that could overtake their machines and has sent the company scrambling to come up with a fix.

Microsoft said in a statement yesterday that it is investigating the vulnerability and plans to issue a software patch to fix the problem. The company could not say how soon that patch would be available.

Mike Reavey, operations manager for Microsoft's Security Response Center, called the flaw "a very serious issue."

Security researchers revealed the flaw on Tuesday and posted instructions online that showed how would-be attackers could exploit the flaw. Within hours, computer virus and spyware authors were using the flaw to distribute malicious programs that could allow them to take over and remotely control afflicted computers.

Unlike with previously revealed vulnerabilities, computers can be infected simply by visiting one of the Web sites or viewing an infected image in an e-mail through the preview pane in older versions of Microsoft Outlook, even if users did not click on anything or open any files. Operating system versions ranging from the current Windows XP to Windows 98 are affected.

Microsoft has found itself under attack on several instances and has been forced to issue a number of patches to keep computers running Windows safe. [b]Mac and Linux computer users are not at risk with this attack... Because the vulnerability exists within a faulty Windows component, security experts warn that Windows users who eschew Internet Explorer in favor of alternative Web browsers, such as older versions of Firefox and Opera, can still get their PCs infected if they agree to download a file from a site taking advantage of the flaw.

[Per Walthinsen]

What's this I hear about Internet Exploder?......etc., etc.

My son took pity on the old man eons ago by insisting on Firefox: "Trust me, old man, it's good for what ails you."