Despite efforts to close security loopholes with Microsoft Internet Explorer, problems abound. USA Today reports in a recent article entitled, “Security risks swell for Microsoft’s Explorer”, that using Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Web browser to surf the Internet has become a marked risk, even with the latest security patches installed.
Other media outlets have followed suit. The British journal The Inquirer reported that the US Government has sent out a warning out to internet users through its Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), pleading users to stop using Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. Furthermore, in a vulnerability note released by US-CERT, it says “there are a number of significant vulnerabilities in technologies relating to the IE domain” and that “it is possible to reduce exposure to these vulnerabilities by using a different web browser.” Well, they’re right.
So what do you do if you need to surf the Web and don’t want to use Internet Explorer? It may be time to give Firefox a try. Firefox is an award-winning, free Web browser from Mozilla, the folks who brought you Web browsing before Microsoft jumped on the bandwagon.
According to the latest release notes, “Firefox protects you from viruses, spyware and pop-ups. Enjoy improvements to performance, ease of use and privacy. It’s easy to import your favorites and settings and get started.” Specific adware and spyware prevention features of the latest edition of Firefox include automatic updates, pop-up blocking, and stronger overall security enforcement.
Supporting automatic updates, the new Software Update feature makes it easy to get the latest security and feature updates to Firefox. Firefox automatically downloads these small updates in the background and prompts you when they are ready to be installed. It is easy to forget to check a Web site to download new versions of software or install security patches.
If you have ever been annoyed by pop-ups, Firefox’s built-in pop-up blocker has been enhanced to block more unwanted pop-up and pop-under ads.
And speaking of stronger security, Firefox keeps you more secure when you’re browsing the Web, closing the door on spyware, worms, and viruses. The Firefox community of developers and security experts works around the clock to monitor security issues and release updates to better protect you.
Finally, an overlooked security issues (particularly on shared computers) is the exposure of private data like credit-card and social security numbers. Firefox protects your privacy with the new Clear Private Data tool. With a single click, you can delete all personal data, including browsing history, cookies, Web form entries and passwords.
So if you’re tired of adware and spyware issues with Internet Explorer, I’d recommend switching to Firefox, or at least trying it in parallel for a while. I’ve made the switch and I wouldn’t go back.
About the Author
Andrew Morris is a technical professional and writer living in Austin, Texas. Learn more about adware and spyware removal at Remove Adware Components.
Written by mellow on March 28th, 2007 with no comments.
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You know you need protection from spyware. But what brand of protection should you use? There are lots of extremely helpful anti-spyware programs out there. Take a look at a few of them:
1. Windows Defender
Windows defender is an anti-spyware program you can get for free. It secures your computer against slow performance, annoying pop-ups, and other threats brought about by spyware. With its “Real Time Protection,” Windows Defender can monitor and suggest actions that eliminate spyware. It even has a new interface that cuts down the interruption and makes user time more productive.
Recently launched Windows Defender was created to make internet surfing safer. It can automatically pinpoint and remove the threats.
The Beta 2 version of Windows Defender is expected to enhance the performance of the PC by scanning the PC?s engine. It has an interface that can be modified for fit by anyone. Not knowing how to use the program will never be a problem because of its language support system and other universal features.
The Windows Defender is an great innovation: spyware gets detected, pop-ups get killed and your system is sped up.
2. SpywareGuard v2.2
Formerly known as Browser Hijack Blaster, SpywareGuard v2.2 monitors Internet Explorer’s components, so that hijacks and spyware are prevented. Thus, when an invader tries to modify Internet Explorer’s homepage, SpywareGuard takes care of it. It also keeps a vast database of spyware in order to immediately boot out a threat.
3. CWShredder v2.1
Say that someone already has SpyBot: Search and Destroy, and Ad-Aware ? those two programs alone are not enough to stop some parasites, like the virus-laden CoolWebSearch. But thanks to a student in Netherlands named Merjin, CWShredder was born. This program gets rid of CoolWebSearch and its derivatives. Intermute brought CWShredder to the market.
4. Yahoo! Toolbar with Anti-Spy
If it?s from Yahoo! it must be effective. This program fits just right into the Yahoo! browser. Each search filters out spyware and other threats.
5. Ad-Aware Personal
You need to be protected from aggressive spyware, hijackers and other negative programs. Ad-Aware Personal takes out malicious content in a short period of time. It keeps your computer secure by taking out keyloggers and other bad programs.
6. Silencer v1.1
An online freebie is Silencer v1.1, and it works like magic. Silencer makes peeking and privacy-invasion nearly impossible. Incorporating Aureate/Radiate, Web3000, Cydoor, and Conducent/TimeSink, Silencer detects spyware instantly and automatically.
7. Webroot Spy Sweeper 4.5
This is effective, fun, and best of all, free! Webroot Spy Sweeper is the top anti-spyware program, taking out even the worst spyware available. It has been highly-recommended — users never fail to leave impressive reviews online. It?s also got a huge footprint database, plus some awesome options that keep the system secure and safe. Only a trial version is available for free, but after trying it, a user will undoubtedly go out of his way to buy it.
The internet has become a gold mine of freebies. Mail, webspace, newsletters, and even anti-spyware programs! Take advantage of these free programs! Download your free anti-spyware now!
About the Author:
Robert Johnson enjoys writing for several web sites, on technology and home topics.
Written by mellow on March 28th, 2007 with no comments.
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