I'm not Lance, but here are my 2 cents. The latest security flaw in Internet Explorer can be temporarily fixed by turning off Active X scripting. This has been recommended time and time again. If your Active X controls are turned off and your virus software is up to date, you will not have a problem. The new Service Pack (due shortly) is in it's final stages of testing. It has been a release candidate for awhile. Microsoft says that if you are running the RC2, this is not a problem. If you've followed this list for awhile, you would see quite a few problems that have been created by people installing alternate browsers and then later trying to remove them. I use IE as my default browser but also have an alternative one installed (Opera). Reason: There are some (actually, quite a few) that look better in Opera. Also, since my Active X controls are disabled in IE, if the pages uses extensive Java scripting, it will not load. I then note the address and go back and load it into Opera (if I really want to see the page). Hope this is of some help? Art >Lance, this is from CNET Download: What are your thoughts on this? Janet > >July 2, 2004 >A recently discovered security flaw in Microsoft's Internet Explorer has >prompted experts to recommend using alternative browsers until the flaw can >be remedied. Thankfully, Download.com's top five alternative browsers are >more than happy to take you surfing in the interim. In New Releases, >accomplished utilities WS_FTP 9.0 and SANDRA Standard 2004 SP2 would make >noteworthy additions to your home PC. > >TitleDate Added > >WS_FTP Home 9.0 >A brand-spanking-new interface and improvements when connecting to secure >servers highlight the most recent release of this popular FTP client. > >SANDRA Standard 2004 SP2 >Improved support, as well as compatibility and reliability with new >hardware, strengthen this comprehensive diagnostics utility. > >Mozilla Firefox 0.9.1 >The latest revision of this lean open-source browser sports a new default >theme, data migration from other browsers, and a theme manager. >License: Free > >Easy Message 2.3.663 >Chat with friends using this multiservice instant-messaging app, which was >recently updated to restore service to Yahoo's network. >License: Free > > > >==== GEN-COMP-TIPS Mailing List ==== >DO NOT open unexpected file attachments from people, even if you know >them. Verify with the sender first. This may be your only line of defence, >other than AV Software, against mail "viruses" > >============================== >Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration >Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237

I am considering moving to Mozilla. Is it better at avoiding virus etc? Or are virus codes written so that any browser and/or mail program is vulernable. I use AVG. Holley >

Holley, one of the reasons alternative browsers aren't subjected to the security attacks Internet Explorer suffers is that hackers realise that the majority of users have Internet Explorer. More importantly, they know ALL users of Windows XP HAVE to have IE installed. So, if you were a hacker would you waste time composing security attacks for browsers that aren't widely installed? It is only a matter of time, though, when they decide it may be "fun" to do just that, especially as more users switch browsers. No matter which browser you choose to use, just make sure ALL your security measures are up to date and installed. Things like anti-virus programs, firewall, Adaware, SpyBot, Pest Patrol are a must for any computer connected to the Internet. Make sure security updates from Microsoft are installed as soon as they are released. Scan any new downloads or attachments for viruses BEFORE opening or installing. Use a good anti-spam program that lets you examine for spam and unwanted attachments in your mail BEFORE you download it. All of those measures will help, regardless of which browser you choose to use. As a matter of interest, I use IE 95% of the time and I do have Mozilla as an alternative. Lance Too much spam? Let Mailwasher check your mail first. It really works! http://entier.ecosm.com/system/redir.php?ad=15&aid=2359 -----Original Message----- From: Holley [mailto:Holley@pa.net] Sent: Wednesday, 7 July 2004 09:38 To: GEN-COMP-TIPS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [Gen-Comp-Tips] Mozilla I am considering moving to Mozilla. Is it better at avoiding virus etc? Or are virus codes written so that any browser and/or mail program is vulernable. I use AVG. Holley --- avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 0428-1, 2004-07-09 Tested on: 10/07/2004 9:50:01 AM avast! - copyright (c) 2000-2004 ALWIL Software. http://www.avast.com