Is Your Web Browser Putting You At Risk?
It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by approximately 94% of the Internet population. It also poses an unacceptable security risk. What am I talking about? If you guessed Internet Explorer, you're right on the money. So, is your web browser putting you at risk? If you're one of the 94% using Internet Explorer, the answer is a definite *yes*. By my math, quite a few people require critical information for protection.
What's the problem with Internet Explorer (known as "IE" from here out) and how does it put you at risk? The main problem with IE is the numerous security flaws. As an example, between April 2001 and June 2004, Microsoft documented *153 security flaws* in IE. When a security flaw is discovered Microsoft releases information about the flaw and the potential impact. *Usually* at this point Microsoft provides a downloadable security fix to remedy the problem. Since many people don't know about the flaw and the fix, frequently people remain vulnerable for long periods of time.
Just how serious are some of these security flaws? Some of the critical security flaws allow attackers to basically gain control of your computer and run whatever malicious programs they chose. In many cases, your vulnerable computer can be compromised just by visiting the wrong website. Here are but a few of the malicious programs I've seen loaded on people's computers through security holes in IE:
- Browser Hijackers. These are programs that do nasty things like change your home page to another page, usually something pornographic in nature. They can also install software and links on your desktop, of course *without* your permission.
- Spyware. This is extremely devious and malicious software, and in many cases, it's used by criminals for online identity theft. Once it's on your computer, Spyware sits quietly in the background recording information about you. Do you shop and bank online? This is one threat to be extremely concerned about.
Stop letting IE put you at risk, and switch to another web browser. How exactly will switching web browsers help? Quite simply, there are so many security exploits on the Internet targeted specifically to IE that just by using another browser, you'll happily avoid most of them. The good news is that there are several alternative web browsers available free of charge like Netscape, Mozilla, Opera and Firefox. For more information a great website to visit is http://BrowseHappy.com. This website is dedicated to getting people to switch from IE.
It's full of "real life" stories about why people switched, and what browser they're using now. So, what's the best browser of the bunch? Well, it's highly subjective of course, but my vote goes to ? Firefox, "Rediscover the Web" A new browser called Firefox has quickly become my web browser of choice. First off, Firefox was written to be "lean and mean" and it certainly delivers. It's faster at loading web pages than IE and even provides features not found in IE. Something I suspect will quickly become a favorite feature is called tabbed browsing.
Tabbed browsing allows you to load multiple web pages in the same window, and quickly switch between the loaded pages. Tired of pop-ups? Firefox has the best built-in pop-up blocker I've seen. I have yet to see a pop-up get past it. When it comes to security, Firefox receives *high marks*. Firefox definitely has a positive "buzz" going right now, and it's easy to see why.
If you're interested in trying out Firefox, you can download it for free here: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/ I'll conclude by saying that switching browsers is only one of several steps necessary to protect yourself from the many threats on the Internet, but it's certainly a good place to start. Here's to practicing safe computing.? Doug Partridge - All Rights reserved.
Doug Partridge is co-author of a new eBook, "How to Secure Your Computer Using Free Tools and Smart Strategies." This is the missing Internet security guide that should have come with your Windows computer, but didn't. Free Details => http://www.SecureYourComputer.netFree Pop-up Killer Pro Software with Subscription to Antivirus E-mail's Email and ISP Services
Fort Lee, NJ (ContentDesk) June 8, 2005 -- Antivirus Email, a consumer products company offering subscription e-mail and ISP services, is now including pop-up blocker software as part of its suite of privacy protection software that is free to users with a monthly subscription to Antivirus Email.Antivirus Email recognizes the inconvenience of constant pop-up windows. Now with Pop-up Killer Pro, software designed to stop unwanted popup window ads, customers can surf the internet rapidly and with ease. Once the Pop-up Killer Pro software is downloaded, it provides the user control over what goes on their PC.Additionally, Pop-up Killer Pro comes with added bonus items to further protect the PC against Spyware, and annoying pop-ups.A standard monthly Antivirus Email subscription rate is $14.95 a month for four email accounts and ISP service along with the free online protection software bundle. The entire package includes anti-virus software, PC Cleanser, Spyware Slayer and internet accelerator...
Free Pop-up Killer Pro Software with Subscription to Antivirus E-mail's Email and ISP Services
Spyware > Free Pop-up Killer Pro Software with Subscription to Antivirus E-mail's Email and ISP Services
Anti-Virus Software Free with Subscription to Privasafe's E-Mail and ISP Services
Fort Lee, NJ (ContentDesk) June 29, 2005 -- Privasafe, a consumer products company offering a suite of privacy protection software, e-mail and ISP services, will now offer anti-virus software as part of its bundle of online protection software. The entire package, free with the standard monthly subscription to Privasafe, includes spyware protection, a pop-up blocker and internet accelerator software along with the new anti-virus software.With the ongoing threat of damaging viruses to computer systems and the increased awareness to the threats of identity theft, consumers are at risk more than ever. Privasafe recognizes the critical need to provide consumers with an anti-virus product which is both easy to install and easy to use. Privasafe's new anti-virus software comes complete with full technical support and virus updates, which automatically install on the consumer's PC, keeping them protected against the latest online threats, as well as streamlined processing which does not interfere...
Anti-Virus Software Free with Subscription to Privasafe's E-Mail and ISP Services
Spyware > Anti-Virus Software Free with Subscription to Privasafe's E-Mail and ISP Services
Pop-up Killer Pro Software Included with Subscription to Privasafe's Email and ISP Services
Fort Lee, NJ (ContentDesk) August 24, 2005 --Privasafe, a consumer products company offering subscription e-mail and ISP services, is now including pop-up blocker software as part of its suite of privacy protection software that is free to users with a monthly subscription to Privasafe.Privasafe recognizes the inconvenience of constant pop-up windows. Now with Pop-up Killer Pro, software designed to stop unwanted popup window ads, customers can surf the internet rapidly and with ease. Once the Pop-up Killer Pro software is downloaded, it provides the user control over what goes on their PC.Additionally, Pop-up Killer Pro comes with added bonus items to further protect the PC against Spyware, and annoying pop-ups.A standard monthly Privasafe subscription rate is $14.95 a month for four email accounts and ISP service along with the free online protection software bundle. The entire package includes anti-virus software, PC Cleanser, Spyware Slayer and internet accelerator software, as well...
Pop-up Killer Pro Software Included with Subscription to Privasafe's Email and ISP Services
Spyware > Pop-up Killer Pro Software Included with Subscription to Privasafe's Email and ISP Services
Pioneer And Most Popular Screen Saver Author Moves Website To Larger Website Location Due to Rapid Growth
(ContentDesk) October 13, 2005 -- The new location of the site allows for faster downloads which offers better service for the clients who purchase screen savers. "The continuing support of repeat clients and their word of mouth to their friends and family, and the 141 affiliates have helped in the continuing growth of my website" stated owner and Author Lisa Cruz. Even in spite of recovering from cancer, has not stopped Lisa from creating and
offerring
custom created and special effect screen savers created in several catagories such as Patriotic,Nature, Scenic, animated, animals, Nature, Desktop Clocks, and Holiday.Several Types of screen savers are offered such as the rain, lake,waterfall, fish aquarium, and snow effects. These screen savers are compatible with Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP.The new website is updated frequently and new screen savers are added often. Free demos are offered so that you can try before you buy.
There is also a mailing list you can...
Pioneer And Most Popular Screen Saver Author Moves Website To Larger Website Location Due to Rapid Growth
Spyware > Pioneer And Most Popular Screen Saver Author Moves Website To Larger Website Location Due to Rapid Growth