Microsoft Nixes Special European Version Of Windows 7
Friday, August 21, 2009
I previously wrote about how Microsoft planned to release a special version of Windows 7 in Europe, sans Internet Explorer. Microsoft has since decided not to do so.
To comply with European regulations, Microsoft will offer a "browser ballot" which allows users to select their preferred web browser. I think it's a great idea to allow users to select their own web browsers instead of assuming that everyone will use Internet Explorer unless they happen to be familiar with the reasons why that might not be a good idea. I hope this approach will also be offered in the U.S. because it may encourage users to explore alternate Web browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Opera.
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Posted byTriona Guidry at 3:46 PM 0 comments
Labels: internet explorer, pc, web, windows
Emergency Microsoft Patches Issued Tomorrow
Monday, July 27, 2009
Microsoft is releasing a pair of out-of-sequence security patches tomorrow, to fix vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer and Visual Studio. It's unusual for Microsoft to stray from their regular Patch Tuesday cycle (the second Tuesday of the month). While the Visual Studio patch will affect a small percentage of computers, the Internet Explorer patch applies to any computer running Windows.
To make sure you get these updates, either turn Automatic Updates on (bearing in mind the pros and cons of doing so) or visit update.microsoft.com to check for these latest patches.
Software patches (also called updates) are fixes for bugs that could allow malicious software to enter your computer. By staying current on these patches, you improve your computer's defense.
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Posted byTriona Guidry at 8:28 AM 0 comments
Labels: alerts, antivirus, consumers, emergency, Internet, internet explorer, malware, pc, security, small business, spyware, viruses, web, windows
Internet Explorer 8
Thursday, March 19, 2009
You may have heard that Internet Explorer 8 has been released. What does that mean to you? Expect Microsoft to push this new version of their web browser out to you via Automatic Updates sometime in April.
IE8 offers increased security as well as new features. However, some web sites are reported not to work with the new version. That could mean anything from failing to load a page to intermittent unusual behavior. Approach upgrades with caution, and try to use an alternate browser as your primary method of surfing the Web.
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Posted byTriona Guidry at 10:24 PM 0 comments
Labels: alerts, internet explorer, pc, windows
Break The Internet Explorer Habit
Monday, February 16, 2009
For many people, the Internet is synonymous with the Web. Actually the Web is a service that runs on the Internet, like email or file sharing; it happens to be the most popular service at the moment because it's so versatile. If you use Windows, you probably access the Web through Internet Explorer, the big blue E on your desktop.
I recommend that you not use Internet Explorer. Why? Because IE, for all that it comes with Windows, may not be the safest way to access the Web.
Built into IE are special mechanisms (collectively called ActiveX) used by web developers to create code. This is good in some ways; it makes web sites simpler and less expensive to design. Unfortunately the same mechanisms can also be used by viruses to infect your computer. Newer versions of IE offer more protection, but IE's intrinsic weaknesses are part of the reason why viruses are particularly virulent in the Windows world.
There is a Catch-22 in that some web sites require you to use Internet Explorer (or function so poorly without it that it's pointless to try). Often these addresses end in ".asp" or ".aspx," meaning they were written in Microsoft's web language. If you must use Internet Explorer, lock it down to minimize the risk. Otherwise I strongly encourage you to explore alternate web browsers.
In March I'll teach you about Streamlined Surfing. If you have any computer questions click Comments below this article, and don't forget to subscribe to the email version of Tech Tips for bonus tips and product reviews.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 12:34 PM 0 comments
Labels: beginners, Internet, internet explorer, windows
Alternate Web Browsers
If an alternate web browser is safer than Internet Explorer, which one should you use?
The most popular is Mozilla Firefox, available for both PC and Mac. I use it on both platforms. Another option for PC and Mac is Opera, which tends to do better with IE-insistent sites. Windows users might want to explore Google Chrome (a version for Mac is in development). And Mac users can rely on Apple's default browser, Safari. Be sure to set the alternate browser as the default when asked. For more information on alternate browsers, please visit the Alternate Browser Alliance.
You can also install plug-ins to enhance your browser's capabilities. I'm fond of McAfee SiteAdvisor for security. You can find Firefox plug-ins on Mozilla's site.
Next month we'll talk about How To Organize Your Email. If you have any computer questions click Comments below this article, and don't forget to subscribe to the email version of Tech Tips for bonus tips and product reviews.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 12:21 PM 3 comments
Labels: beginners, Firefox, Internet, internet explorer, mac, opera, safari, web