You can also use Spyware Shooter (the link is in my signature) to block downloads from malicious websites. If the sites you went to aren't listed, email them to me at additions@spyware-shooter.50free.net and I will add them in the next update.
From our Security Downloads Page download and install Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D and also the Spyware Shooter file mentioned above. All 3 contain protection measures to help protect you from spyware, especially useful if you choose to stay on Internet Explorer. Update them often to keep the newest protection on your system.
Short-Media recommends Firefox for a safer, faster internet browser. It is less likely to be hijacked even if you do visit a malicious site, as it does not use ActiveX, one of the main "engines" that IE has which enables malware writers to hijack your system.
Good firewall software and IE should protect you without having to install any of the programs mentioned above. The trick is correctly configuring all the settings for both. I would read your firewalls (if you have one) documentation and also read up on IE security settings.
I don't recommend Firefox as a browser. It is only used by a handful of people. The vast majority of websites are designed with IE in mind because it is by far the most used. Some sites may not show up correctly using Firefox.
552211, although most websites are designed for IE, the topic here is security. Firefox is MUCH better on security holes. It does not allow iframes, which may mess up site design, but will also patch the "run an object through an iframe" flaw. It has a built in popup blocker too (Although Windows XP SP2 does also). I shouldn't say much because I still use IE, but I block malicious sites with Spyware Shooter and the HOSTS file.
Good firewall software and IE should protect you without having to install any of the programs mentioned above. The trick is correctly configuring all the settings for both. I would read your firewalls (if you have one) documentation and also read up on IE security settings.
I don't recommend Firefox as a browser. It is only used by a handful of people. The vast majority of websites are designed with IE in mind because it is by far the most used. Some sites may not show up correctly using Firefox.
I wouldn't call 10% of the entire internet population "a handful"
Firefox is a much safer, much more secure, faster, and more full featured browser. Why do you think major universities recommend it, the US Department of Homeland Security recommends it, and the vast majority of network security experts recommend it? Because it's just plain better.
Good firewall software and IE should protect you without having to install any of the programs mentioned above. The trick is correctly configuring all the settings for both.
Firewall software will not stop your browser from visiting a malicious site if you did not already have that site in your firewall's block list. The only way to get that site into your block list is to add it from a source which lists known bad sites. Guess what the programs and methods mentioned above do...? They list known bad sites and block them, either at the Hosts file, or at the Restricted Sites zone.
A firewall may be configured to block all Active X activity, or Java activity...but seeing as you can do that right in your browser, you don't need the firewall to do that. And since many sites rely on Java, and several MS based sites like Windows Update rely on Active X, then you don't necessarily want to be doing that either.
Firewalls are best for stopping unwanted outside traffic from coming into your LAN, or for configuring / restricting inside traffic trying to get outside. They are not the best tool to prevent hijacks, toolbars, spyware, etc.
Oh, and as of this morning, their have been approximately 14, 211,000 + downloads of Firefox...somewhat more than a handful. If you don't recommend it, I'd be interested to know why, since it is proven to be safer, less liekly to be hijacked or exploited, faster, and open source..... how does any of that make you not recommend it?
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Short-Media recommends Firefox for a safer, faster internet browser. It is less likely to be hijacked even if you do visit a malicious site, as it does not use ActiveX, one of the main "engines" that IE has which enables malware writers to hijack your system.
Dexter...
I don't recommend Firefox as a browser. It is only used by a handful of people. The vast majority of websites are designed with IE in mind because it is by far the most used. Some sites may not show up correctly using Firefox.
I wouldn't call 10% of the entire internet population "a handful"
Firefox is a much safer, much more secure, faster, and more full featured browser. Why do you think major universities recommend it, the US Department of Homeland Security recommends it, and the vast majority of network security experts recommend it? Because it's just plain better.
Firewall software will not stop your browser from visiting a malicious site if you did not already have that site in your firewall's block list. The only way to get that site into your block list is to add it from a source which lists known bad sites. Guess what the programs and methods mentioned above do...? They list known bad sites and block them, either at the Hosts file, or at the Restricted Sites zone.
A firewall may be configured to block all Active X activity, or Java activity...but seeing as you can do that right in your browser, you don't need the firewall to do that. And since many sites rely on Java, and several MS based sites like Windows Update rely on Active X, then you don't necessarily want to be doing that either.
Firewalls are best for stopping unwanted outside traffic from coming into your LAN, or for configuring / restricting inside traffic trying to get outside. They are not the best tool to prevent hijacks, toolbars, spyware, etc.
Oh, and as of this morning, their have been approximately 14, 211,000 + downloads of Firefox...somewhat more than a handful.
Dexter...