Still bailing the IE leaky boat for users that think this.
Can you share what the proper protection is?
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Still bailing the IE leaky boat for users that think this.
Can you share what the proper protection is?
The main reason is summed up in the article: ''There is one caveat: Symantec counts only those security flaws that have been confirmed by the vendor. According to security monitoring company Secunia, there are 19 security issues that Microsoft still has to deal with for Internet Explorer, while there are only three for Firefox.''
Microsoft doesn't always acknowledge all of their vulnerabilities, and have outright denied some of them in the past after they were found by security analysts. Thus, who knows how many flaws IE6.0 really had/has. In addition, it takes Microsoft, on average, over a month to fix major flaws, while it usually takes Mozilla less than a week. Personally, I wouldn't want to wait that long while hackers exploit the flaws, even if it was less flawed as Firefox.
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From what I've seen, IE7 won't stand a chance against Firefox because it'll only be available for XP SP2 users (Firefox is available for everyone), still isn't as customizable (themes? download manager? advanced font/color control?), and doesn't have the community backing (free extensions and themes, plus volunteer debuggers). Opera isn't free (have to pay for the ad-free version) and overall isn't as full-featured. Netscape, while it sports the best of both worlds, is, IMO, still too bulky and not as powerful as Firefox. AOL's browser debut is geared towards newbies and cannot be customized. Basically, no other browser gives Firefox a run for its money, and unless something can prove it's superior to Firefox (namely the upcoming 1.5 release), I won't be switching anytime soon.
John
I posted something like this a few months ago. Got the same response from those who hate IE.
Now.
I've run IE since forever. I have XP Home SP-2 on my two main machines, properly updated, behind a router, behind Zone Alarm, monitored by AdAware, NAV 2005, MS AntiSpyware Beta, Spybot S&D, Spyware Blaster. I have never been invaded (by something I didn't cause).
Now (again).
To sum it up.
All browsers have holes. All browsers will be exploited.
Was that an aim and shoot your own foot off issue?
I won't go into it, but it was my fault. I did something stupid. The Winfixer got installed because I made a wrong decision. That damn sure won't happen again.
But I learned a lot, to the point I can read my Hijack This log. I know what is supposed to be there and what is not. And I can decipher the running processes using Process Explorer, and now know what is hooked to what. And found out that Safe Mode is not so safe, ALL the recommended fixes said to to this and do that in Safe Mode. I learned that ain't always so.
Sooooo, it was a learning experience. I still stand by my IE and proclaim that a properly protected machine will stay clean.![]()
It was something I downloaded. I forget where I got it, really, but it looked benign. It was the only change I had made in forever, being happy with my machine. I think it was the little utility IE Maximizer which maximizes IE on every open. There are two versions, 2.3 and 2.4. I don't remember which version I installed, but I got the problem after I installed it. It's gone now, naturally.
It was a great little utility and I may reinstall it just to see if I get Winfixer again, now that I know how to remove it.
With open source projects, people not only can look for black box (can't see inside the software) issues, but with the source code available one can look inside (open source) to see if there are issues.
When a source code leak occurs at Microsoft, the results are new security issues (example of the JPEG exploit).
Since open source is already open, that gives it an edge to be more secure.
Microsoft's security was and is based on not knowing where the security issue are.
Bob
Bob, I have been using Firefox for a couple of months or so and I love it. There will be no invasion through Firefox to my computer. I have disabled Symantic/Norton about a year ago. Really lame program that just runs constantly in the background and was a waste of money for me. By the way, Bob, I run a G4 Mac Quicksilver Server.
No viruses on a Mac since 1998 I think.
Why would anyone have multiple apps for virus protection running at the same time. Wouldn't that bring your PC system down to a crawl?
I can just imagine the sounds from the computer now?
click-clack-clikkity-clat ten thousand times a minute.
Thanks, Bob, I love Mac.
-Kevin
John, Nice info for us all. Very accurate.
Where the heck do you get your knowledge from?
I still want you to be an editor for PC & Mac Magazines.
By the way, thank you for the post last week on updating to the newest Firefox edition. Works well.
The way programmers are writing for Firefox, there may be new updates monthly.
Internet Explorer: RIP.
-Kevin
That was just a brief, of the top summary/explanation of my personal takes on the various browsers. I use Firefox 1.0.7 as my main browser, IE6 when I need it, plus have Netscape 8, Opera 8, and AOL Explorer 1.1 installed for occasional use...I enjoy using all for comparison purposes. I chose not to do a more in-depth analysis, like I have with other topics, because there are so many variables it would make the post too long.
Opera's now free:
In an effort to keep up with Firefox, Opera has officially made their browser free. Looks like their one-day giveaway last month was just to see the public's reaction, leading them to make their final decision.
New version of Firefox:
As far as Firefox goes, version 1.0.7 is available, as of late yesterday. While it shows no performance enhancements, it does fix a few security and stability flaws in the software. It is recommended that everyone upgrade to the current version as soon as possible.
Upcoming version of Firefox:
Firefox version 1.5 Beta 1 was released last week, and shows a lot of changes/enhancements. The biggest is that you no longer have to download the entire program when an update is released...it will automatically download and install the update. In addition:
* Tabs can be rearranged
* Better support for Mac OS X...enjoy, Kevin
* Easier to clean private data
* Report a broken site wizard
* And lots more
The only thing I don't like is that the new built-in ad blocker doesn't seem to be very configurable. I know this was meant to be a good thing, as blocking ads usually is, but with the extension AdBlock, you could simply remove the ad. With the built-in feature, instead of removing the ad, it replaces it with an error stating that the ad server's page could not be found. Personally, I think this is counterproductive, destroys the abilities of AdBlock, and looks worse than the ads themselves. (Just download 1.5 and load these forums...you'll immediately see what I mean.) Hopefully they'll make this feature a little more advanced and worth-while prior to its final release. Other than that, I love the new release and will make it my primary browser as soon as more extensions are made compatible.
Opera Update:
Opera has announced they are planning to update the browser, including a complete redesign of the interface, but isn't releasing many details.
Internet Explorer 7:
I've seen IE7...I've seen Firefox 1.5...I've seen Microsoft once again blow a chance to create a superior product. Unless IE7 Beta 2 has some MAJOR enhancements and incorporates features not previously planned/announced, IE will continue losing ground, and in a fast rush.
John