Internet Explorer security alert

Alert from the BBC News site:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7784908.stm

Thanks very much.

I have been using IE for so long that I'm just used to it, but have decided to switch to Firefox, which I've had installed for ages anyway, because this bug sounds pretty worrying.

With IE, I've been using the Google tool bar, which includes a spell checker, but since FF has so many useful add-ons, I don't need Google's tool bar - except, for some reason, the FF spell checker (dictionary) doesn't seem to work on this site. Anyone know why?

(I apologise for any spelling errors - it's NOT MY FAULT!)

And another thing.....has anyone else noticed that my monkey's head shakes faster in FF than IE? Why is that, then?

As i am a bit of a noice on the computer AND still using internet

explorer can anyone tell me what is the procedure to change to

firefox. Also will all my settings be carried over to firefox or will I

need to start from scratch. TOLD YOU I WAS A NOVICE

Formentera,

I use firefox and is much more secure than internet explorer. I guess you can download it from internet. I am not sure about the settings as my husband did it all but I will ask him as soon as I can.

Ana

If you have favourites on IE you can import these to FF. However, cookies do not transfer so you will need to re-enter passwords, etc. Can be a bit of an irritation at first. Also FF is not perfect - in my experinece most browsers are pretty much of a muchness. PS the IE problem is now fixed as long as you install updates regularly. Patch was issued a few days ago

Hi SCAMPI AND NATI

thanks for the replies, if internet explorer is now okay

I will probably just leave it as I do not want to mess up

my computer by changing if it is not necessary now.!!

Just make sure you install the IE security patch otherwise your browser will remain vulnerable

Hi Scampi,

What is the internet explorer security patch.????

told you I was a novice.

We/ve all been there! 

1. Go to your Control Panel

2. Click on Security where it says 'Check for updates' - this will find any updates you need to install - including the recent one. you click install and wait until they are all done. If you have not been doing tis regularly it may take a while.

3. If you open the Security section there is an option to get windows to download and install all updates for you. It is possible your PC is already set to do this. If not you should do this.

Good luck

Hi Scampi,

have been into my control panel and my system

is full protected and up to date.

THANKS.

If you want to try Firefox, just to compare, you can download it from here You can keep Internet Explorer, so if you don't like FF you can just go back to using IE anyway. As Scampi says, they're much of a muchness in everyday use. You'll notice little differences (such as favourites are called bookmarks in FF) and in time, as I have, you may discover other differences that enable you to customize it to suit your pesonal preferences. I believe very much in the mantra "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", so now that the security problem with IE is supposedly resolved, you may wish to stick with what you know. But I always find it interesting to try out new programs, and it's a good way to learn more about your PC.

Hi all

This is my first regular post but I thought I could add something.

IE has long had problems and is a frequent target for hackers whereas Firefox is definately a lot more secure.

However it is not perfect.

Have a look at a, free, program called Sandboxie. (Google it)

It basically let's you surf online in a "virtual" environment.

There is a good article from Wikipedia explains it quite well. Just search for Sandboxie.

As I'm new I can't add direct links.

Since installing it 7 or 8 months ago I have not had a single infection.

Hope this helps someone.

Regards

Rick.