Security

Why I Recommend Firefox…

By terry Leave a Comment

I guess it’s been a long time since I’ve gotten on the Firefox versus Internet Explorer subject in my newsletter. For a while last year, I beat it to death…

But, recently, in responding to a reader’s question, I mentioned that I recommended Firefox over IE for web browsing. His response was “You Do?”

The reason that I recommend Firefox over Internet Explorer boils down to security while web surfing.

First, there’s the ActiveX issue.

ActiveX is a proprietary Microsoft technology that allows a web site to download a program to your computer via Internet Explorer � and to automatically run that program.

While Microsoft uses the innocuous term “ActiveX Control” for the program, you need to understand that this is a full-fledged program that can do anything on your computer — just like any other program can.

Unlike Java and JavaScript, ActiveX doesn’t run with any special security controls. That’s why people like Trend Micro can provide their marvelous online anti-virus scanner HouseCall to get rid of viruses. Windows doesn’t block their “ActiveX Control” from being able to work properly.

Unfortunately, the adware and spyware guys love this same feature — and use it to easily install adware, spyware, or usually “downloaders” (special programs that do nothing but download and install the programs that their masters wish you to run) onto your computer.

Before Windows XP Service Pack 2, Internet Explorer would blithely accept any ActiveX control that a web site wanted to give you.

Continue reading Why I Recommend Firefox…

Filed Under: Firefox, Free, Security, Software, Terry's Computer Tips, Usability, Web Browsers, Windows XP

Wi-Fi Hotspots and Computer Security

By terry Leave a Comment

Are you safe when you use the wireless network at your local coffee shop or airport? Maybe. Maybe not.

Are you accidentally sharing your files on your computer? Is your computer “trusting” connection attempts from the other computers at the hostspot?

A reader asked me

To improve security when using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or traveling, I’ve seen advice to uninstall “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks” on the active wireless connection in the Properties menu of Control Panel Network Connections. Is it necessary to do this – is there any downside to uninstalling this? Would it be sufficient to uncheck the box, or do I need to fully uninstall it?

Filed Under: Broadband, Internet Privacy, Intrusion Detection, Networking, Security, Stability, Windows XP, Wireless, Wireless Security

To Active-X or Not to Active-X

By terry Leave a Comment

I received a question from subscriber and friend Ralph Campbell, who asked:

A number of times I have seen you refer disparagingly of “Active-x controls”.
I have seen downloads that require Active X to run properly. I have read the definition of the program, but, I guess I am just dense. What is this thing, and why do you consider it so insidious?
Admittedly, I’m technical-challenged, but can this program be explained?
What does one do as an alternative, if the program you want to download, requires Active-X to run?
Ralph Campbell

Active-X controls are downloadable programs that have full capabilities to do anything on your computer.

I’m not sure why Microsoft chose such the innocuous word “control” for a program that had no security constraints imposed upon it.

Read the rest of the article in ActiveX or No ActiveX

Filed Under: Anti-Spyware, Internet Explorer, Internet Privacy, Security, Stability, System Control, Windows Updates, Windows XP

Wireless Security

By terry Leave a Comment

First, be sure to connect to the router using an Ethernet cable for your configuration work � otherwise, with the first change, you�ll get locked out. If you are using wireless to login to the router, if you get locked out, you�ll have to wait for the router to time out and close that login.

Know these definitions,

* SSID = Server Set ID � basically, this is the network name
* MAC Address = a unique code for every networking device
* WEP = “Wired Equivalent Privacy” (don�t you believe it!)
* WPA = newer technology “Wi-Fi Protected Access”

First, I recommend that you secure your network.

Many people believe in having their network open — available to anyone who might want to use it. Without considering whether such sharing this may or may not be in compliance with your ISP’s terms and conditions of your service, you should consider the impact on the individual computers of your network.

Read more in my Wireless Security article.

Filed Under: Firewalls, Internet Privacy, Other, Security, System Control, Terry's Computer Tips, Wireless

Back-to-School – Turn Off File & Printer Sharing

By terry Leave a Comment

Those of us with home networks usually share files, or at least printers, across our network.

This nice feature allows several computers to share and use one or more printers. At my house, we share an HP Laserjet 1200 and an HP ColorJet printer. That way, any printer can print color pages when we need them or print black and white laser quality pages (which also happen to be cheaper!).

But, as we send our children off to college, there’s a step that they need to take.

Windows allows us to easily turn OFF the “Windows File and Printer Sharing” in one place, rather than having to go and block each shared folder, drive or printer.

Filed Under: Anti-virus, Firewalls, Internet Privacy, Intrusion Detection, Security, System Control, Terry's Computer Tips