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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 12:03 AM #16
Thank you very much for this post, Scooter. As I started to read it, I quickly switched back to firefox from EI. For some reason, I can't check my hotmail with Firefox. I have to switch to EI to see my hotmail. Weird. Then I forget that I'm using EI. But from now on, I'm going to be very careful.
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 09:16 AM #17
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[quote=chinook;613391]Thank you very much for this post, Scooter. As I started to read it, I quickly switched back to firefox from EI. For some reason, I can't check my hotmail with Firefox. I have to switch to EI to see my hotmail. Weird. Then I forget that I'm using EI. But from now on, I'm going to be very careful.[/quote
Hey Chinook!
Maybe Scooter can help you with that problem, he always has great tech advice on here!
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 10:31 AM #18
IE tab works for those that need internet explorer while using Firefox.
It's not flawless, but it is very stable and works for even Microsoft Update
To the person who was wanting to use IE only, I do understand what you are going though. Despite my love of Linux (which has been the major reason I haven't been posting, that and until recently, no time) IE still has it's users.
If they really want to change you over, what they should do is give you something like IE. Firefox is fine and good, but too many times, we're breathing down the necks of those that just want IE's functionality, which is it's simplicity. TheWorld Browser is an amazing compromise between IE and Firefox that might be worth a look for you.
And don't mind us, the nerds. We're only looking out for what's best for people. If you want to take my advice with a grain of salt, by all means. I don't mind. We're just looking out for the little guys and gals.
My parents use TheWorld Browser themselves, refusing entirely to go to Firefox, and while it's no IE 6, it's still secure enough for day-to-day use.
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 10:50 AM #19
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Interesting read right here!
LOL
Even microsoft themselves tell you not to use their browser... interesting how some people still use it anyhow. I trashed that piece of garbage long ago.
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 11:05 AM #20
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The point is, this isn't a debate about browser preferences.
The point is, an established security flaw that cannot be fixed has been identified by security experts as well as Microsoft themselves.
And the point is, that this post is to warn you that your computer can be easily hacked and your personal data stolen due to this if you continue to use IE. It's real, and its happening now, hence the warnings from the experts.
You are at risk of:
-identity theft
-use of your usernames and passwords for websites
-theft of your banking info and account balances including credit card numbers and Paypal accounts
-having files stored on your computer by remote users including illegal material in hidden folders.
-having personal documents and projects stolen.
-losing your data (valuable pictures, movies, documents, etc) if/when your computer becomes crippled and your operating system needs to be reinstalled.
Switching browsers is a lot easier than having to try and rebuild your life after having your identity stolen.
Linux Registered User #426194
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 07:18 PM #21
There was a bulletin on Yahoo today on the same thing...
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/08121...rime_microsoft
So does that mean I have to change all my passwords and everthing? I tried to uninstall IE but its still there....I installed firefox, but when I open my hotmail, IE still opens....I use WinXP Home Edition....Scooter?
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 07:44 PM #22
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You cannot uninstall Internet Explorer.
You can try but all that will happen is that you will revert to IE6 from 7 (if you have that version).
The best you can do is cripple it. See this article for the how-to.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/how_...t_explorer.htm
As for IE opening to Hotmail and not Firefox, have you made FF your default browser?
Linux Registered User #426194
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 08:12 PM #23
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That's right, you don't need to justify yourself -- it's a matter of curiosity, not an interrogation. Along the same vein, I will posit that someone who will stick with a (clearly) inferior browser, despite its shortcomings in terms of usability, security, and efficiency, and who would contemplate discontinuing the use of the Internet before abandoning it, is a very silly person indeed. And I feel no need to justify my opinion further.
73% of all statistics are made up, including this one.
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 11:47 PM #24
I don't appreciate you calling me names, its pretty juvenille.
I think I have a right to use whatever browser I want and not change it for whatever reasons when I've absolutely had no problems whatsoever ever (knock on wood of course)
I never asked you to justify yourself as I didn't say ''those who use firefox suck'' or anything like that. But thanks for sharing your opinion and feeling the need to down talk me and call me names.Last edited by Sally888; Wed, Dec 17th, 2008 at 11:50 PM.
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Wed, Dec 17th, 2008, 11:56 PM #25
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FF is my main browser too. When I click the little box on MSN it still opens in IE. If I want to open it in FF I have to click my bookmark instead and go that way.
It's been a pain all day not to click that little mail thing. I wish it'd just open automatically in Firefox.
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Thu, Dec 18th, 2008, 09:35 AM #26
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Whoa, touched a nerve there.
You'll note that I never called you any names, if you'll read my post again. Do you retract the idea that you posted earlier, that abandoning use of the Internet is preferable to switching your browser? Because that's what I said was silly, as is a person who would seriously contemplate it.73% of all statistics are made up, including this one.
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Sun, Dec 21st, 2008, 03:17 AM #27
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Okay, would have liked to have heard this stuff sooner but one works with what one has, I suppose?
My machine came preloaded with IE and AVG. Hadn't used IE in probably ten years so had no clue of vunerabilities, was a trusted service as far as I knew?
I visited an infected site, or two or three apparently. AVG said they were safe but then once there, exprienced the unwanted ads and taking over of display and shooting you to a site you didn't want to go to - right in the middle of your game. Grrrrrrr!!! Began to get my emails in multiples a few days later after I noticed a SC friend's arriving to me like that. Sent a large file to my lawyer of receipts and did not know that was a no-no. Canceled the mail in progress but it kept trying to send anyway and I got it returned 3-4 times. Managed to erase those files but now my email is totally seized. LOL just don't know if I've been hacked or if I did it to myself with the helpof a bug that multiples your mail but hopefully nothing more bothersome than that? I am forwarding from my webbased mail account but can't read any of my old mail stored on my machine. Hope that means hackers can't either?
I don't put my SIN on my Internet computer and I don't pay bills online but I do use PayPal which seems to be being left alone by "bad guys" but I have been very worried all the same and am unsure what to do, or at least what to do first?
My email is "badly corrupted" MTS said and I'll need to have a geek fix it since MTS said too complicated a fix to explain over the phone, or at least for the person I had to talk to. Once it is repaired intend to switch both IE and AVG. Until then what can I do? Not much good to stay offline now is it? Either they got my info or they did not?
What a pain! Was not online for a very long time and then my last hook up just before this one was using an apple computer but not IE. I bought this new PC in spring and trusted the techie that sold it would know what's best to use, it was the owner of the small computer company that kindly pre-loaded the basic programs and OS. Oh well?! I like my computer but theonly program I really like that was loaded for me was the XP. To tell the truth, I think I like '98 better?
Can I get rid of IE BEFORE I get the corruption fixed? Would changing to Firefox be possible with a corrupt IE email program? Would it be one way to fix or do I need to get IE fixed first then switch? Anybody know?Last edited by Mbgurl; Sun, Dec 21st, 2008 at 03:19 AM.
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Sun, Dec 21st, 2008, 10:30 PM #28
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@ Mbgurl:
OK, so if I understand you correctly, you are using Internet Explorer to access your Hotmail or other webmail. You also are using AVG for protection. And you are wondering if you can uninstall Internet Explorer and switch protection programs.
As for Internet Explorer:
You cannot uninstall it. It is an integrated Windows component. It can be disabled though, with the effect that if you try to use it afterwards it will simply route you back to your computer. It is far easier to just not use it.
If your webmail is being interfered with when you use Internet Explorer, odds are you have malicious cookies or scripts cached in it. I recommend you download and install CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) and run it. It will clear out your cache. It's free.
I also recommend using AdAware 2008 to find and eliminate malware. It may also help to remove trojans. Its also free.
If you are using Outlook or another email client program, delete all unessential emails and any remaining mail infected with viruses or malware should be identified and removed by AdAware or another program.
If you wish to purchase an excellent all-in-one program to protect you, I recommend ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite. There is a cost but the protection is great. It integrates antivirus and antispyware with a robust firewall and on-access scanning so that offending files are identified before they can write to your system.
I hope this helps, let us know how the free programs work for you.
Linux Registered User #426194
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Mon, Dec 22nd, 2008, 08:31 PM #29
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So just to be clear, as long as you don't actually use IE, you're fine, right?
I personally never liked IE....switched to Firefox as soon as it was available and I love it. I have had some small issues though with a few of the latest updates, nothing major, just a bit of an annoyance. I'd love to try Google's browser when it becomes available to the public.
I would love to one day switch over to Linux....but right now I find it a bit hard to adjust to.<center><embed src="http://www.widdlytinks.com/myfamily/silhouettes/silhouettefamily.swf" flashvars="t1=The Bernard Family&pv1=0&pn1=6&px1=251.55&pf1=1&pv2=0&pn2=22&p x2=186.8&pf2=0&pv3=0&pn3=12&px3=305.85&pf3=1&pv4=1 &pn4=9&px4=278.8&pf4=0&pv5=1&pn5=3&px5=226.8&pf5=1 &pv6=0&pn6=1&px6=102.8&pf6=1&pv7=1&pn7=24&px7=317. 8&pf7=1" quality="high" wmode="transparent" name="My Family Silhouettes" allowscriptaccess="samedomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="230" width="500">
My Family from WiddlyTinks.com
"A squirrel walks up to a tree and says, "I forgot to store acorns for the winter and now I am dead." Ha! It is funny because the squirrel gets dead." - Dug from "Up"
</center>
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Mon, Dec 22nd, 2008, 10:35 PM #30
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Not using IE means you don't expose it to web-based malicious scripts, hence, it will not act as a gateway to infect your machine.
As for trying Linux, Ubuntu is currently the most popular version of Linux available with both community and telephone-based support, and has corporate backing. It is installed on many systems available for purchase from large computer companies. It is free of charge and is a very robust operating system.
If you are interested in trying it, you can download Ubuntu as a live CD that you can use risk-free. Download it from http://www.ubuntu.com.
Simply download the latest version which is an ISO image. Burn the image to disk. You may need to enter your computer's setup to set the boot sequence so that the computer looks to boot from the CD/DVD ROM drive before the hard drive (Windows). Insert the disk, restart your computer, and Ubuntu loads into memory - you can try it this way without disturbing your Windows. When you are finished, select to restart your computer and remove the disk. Nothing is changed unless you select to install it.
Linux Registered User #426194
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