6 replies to this topic

[angelle]

Hi, I am running IE6 at the moment, but I was using Mozilla Firefox for a while and I really liked it. The reason I don't have it anymore is because some things that I had downloaded were not compatable with Firefox and for it to be made compatable I needed to change my proxy server/setting and I had no idea what to do there. So, I regrettably uninstalled Firefox. Now I notice that most websites I go to are plugging Firefox, so I was just wondering what you guys thought about it. IE or Firefox or something else all together?

[shelf life]

IE with some tweaking can be a secure browser, most people use it in its default settings though. Firefox is more secure ( no ActiveX) simply to use and not bloatware, you can use both if you want. i prefer firefox myself

some things that I had downloaded were not compatable with Firefox

like what things?

[angelle]

Sorry I've not responded until now. My computer sort of crashed. Firefox wasn't compatable with Earthlink without changing proxy setting. WindowBlinds wasn't compatable. All of the effects in the WB downloads weren't usable in Firefox, like the icons for the toolbar, ect. Really, nothing important. I don't have either Earthlink or WindowBlinds since the crash, so I will most likely be reinstalling Firefox because I really did prefer it. It even seemed to load webpages faster and since I have no choice in my area but to use dail up, that is a real plus. I guess my IE is in it's default setting, although I am using AOL right now. What do you advise doing to make IE more secure?

[alsocom]

Here are a couple of links to read to help better secure not only Internet Explorer but the whole computer.

Link 1
Link 2

[shelf life]

hi angelle,

here are some links to some changes you can make to IE

https://netfiles.uiu.../ie/ie-opts.htm
http://www.markusjan...enbid.html#safe
http://www.microsoft...y/settings.mspx
http://www.dslreport.../remark,1333507
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/8489

thats alot or reading to wade through- start with this:
Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable.
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some apps to help secure IE:
http://www.bleepingc...showtutorial=49
https://netfiles.uiu...rce.htm#IESPYAD]
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browser security check:
http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/
http://www.jasons-to...rowserSecurity/
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want to see what your browser can reveal:
http://gemal.dk/browserspy/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
some tips in general:

All it takes is a few changes:

much of the software listed below is free. Support them by donating or purchasing paid versions.

Make sure you keep your Windows OS current by visiting Windows update
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. With out these you are leaving the backdoor open.

Also download, install and keep updated- Antivirus Software (and use only one):
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download
AVG free version 7.0
AntiVir Personal Edition

Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser.
Like Firefox,
And Pegasus Mail for a safer e-mail, no tweaking needed.

Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser.
look here
and here


Install a firewall. A firewall will control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. A firewall will also alert you when a application trys to connect to the internet from your computer, this is a good way to catch crapware or trojans, trying to connect out bound from your computer- whats that and why does it need a internet connection? You can deny it access it until more investigation is done. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. Microsoft XP firewall only provides inbound protection. SP2 adds in and out bound protection which is better than nothing, but is not as robust as third party firewalls, Be sure to run only >one< firewall.If you use another, be sure to disable XP's built in firewall. A inexpensive NAT hardware router with SPI (firewall)would be even better,along with a software firewall.
Zone Alarm
Kerio Personal Firewall
Outpost Firewall
Sygate Personal Firewall
Tiny Firewall
BlackIce



Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
CounterSpy Free trial version
Spybot Search and destroy
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition
Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta version)
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"-- there are many "rogue/suspect" programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.

Other programs to consider:
Process Guard
SpywareBlaster
IE-SPYAD
CleanUp

AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free
Ewido Security Suite
Trojan Hunter (30 day trial version)
TDS-3 trail version discontinued as of 07/05
Tauscan trial version


Learn More:
Staying Parasite Free
Safe Hex
Shelf Lifes site
Home Computer Security
Wilders Security Advisors

Watch what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software. Make sure you understand what it is you will be downloading and installing to your computer. Visit the makers website, learn more about the program, Does the program you want come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? What do the 3rd party programs do? Will they deliver ads? Track your surfing habits?.You may be installing more than you think. Read the EULA agreement, you know, that paragraph of stuff you "agree to" before the software installs? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software. Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks. If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. A small file (in KB) is probably not what you think it is.


shelf life

Edited by shelf life, 23 October 2005 - 04:01 PM.

[angelle]

Thanks for those, Alan.

[angelle]

Wow, that's a lot. Thanks so much, shelf life. I've actually done some of those things. After your last post I started doing some research around the forum and found it to be very helpful. Again, thanks for taking the time to share this information.