Serious Internet Explorer Flaw Leaves Windows Users Vulnerable
The risk of infection and hijacking is very serious since a user simply has to visit a Web site to fall prey to it. Criminals have been exploiting the security hole for about a week, primarily through links included in spam. Microsoft is working on the problem, but since the flaw was just recently discovered it may be a little while before it figures out how to plug the hole without breaking other features. Of course, we know from experience that Microsoft likes to take its sweet time with these things.
The flaw lies in how Internet Explorer and its notorious ActiveX controls handle video playback. Microsoft is encouraging users to disable the vulnerable ActiveX controls -- even in versions of Windows not known to be affected by the security problem -- until it can release an emergency patch later this month.
Microsoft has instructions for how to disable the feature manually, but unless you're comfortable digging around the registry (and have a whole lot of free time on your hands), we suggest using Microsoft's automated work-around. Simply click the 'Fix This Problem' button on this page to automatically turn off video ActiveX controls.
Another way to avoid this problem is to simply use an alternative browser like the newly released Firefox 3.5 or Chrome -- neither of which use ActiveX controls. [From: Associated Press and Microsoft]
A Peek Inside the New Windows 7
In Windows 7, the Internet Explorer address bar offers automatic pull-down menu links to similarly-spelled sites and favorites you've already visited.
Improved jump lists let you quickly hop to frequently used applications or areas, as well as recent ones, on your computer.
New 3-D library icons give you a more complete sense of what's inside each folder.
The new look of the lightweight Windows Media Player.
The full-screen magnifier lets you zoom in on anything on your screen.
The Peek feature lets you quickly look at a window by just hovering your mouse over a taskbar thumbnail.
The 'Play To' feature lets you play media on compatible network-connected devices (say, your Xbox 360 or a PC in another room) with just a couple of clicks.
Easily choose between your computer's screen or a projector or monitor with the 'Projection' feature.
More Windows taskbar previews.
The personalized Windows Media Player JumpList aims to help you find your favorite music faster.
_thumbnail.jpg "Vintage Keyboards")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
matthew cobb said 1:14PM on 7-07-2009
vista sales must have dropped more so now we are to: ok everyone go buy vista so you are safe. keep running xp and we will kill your computer.
Reply
classicmbz said 2:43AM on 7-08-2009
Exactly what I thought when I read this latest scare tactic to get people away from XP I Hate Vista and still have this piece of trash, many comp savy friends have Gone back to XP from Vista... that makes MS look REAL BAD. Is MS newest product "7" going to be better ??? Gimmee a Break !!
Millerson said 7:22AM on 7-08-2009
SIMPLE SOLUTION - BUY A MAC. Look at the poll - over 68% of people here have been the victim of an Internet virus. I have an office with Macs running for nearly 20 years and ZERO virus problems EVER - and I run NO anti-virus software. The PC is for morons.
zephead said 2:10PM on 7-07-2009
Internet Explorer flaw, huh? So uhh... what else is new?
Reply
darlene.rhoads said 3:17PM on 7-07-2009
they just found it a week ago that's funny real funny I had my e-mail address hacked into June of 08 they sent everyone on my contact list a letter telling them I needed money as I was stranded in Nigeria I don't even like planes.
How we found it my husband got into his account & there was the letter I only use IE for things if they are stolen aren't getting much my husband Larry had his account hacked into Feburary of 09 there were 2 things on our phone bill he did not order some one else did.
Larry C. Rhoads
Robert said 2:12PM on 7-07-2009
Microsoft will not be fixing it because it was intentionally left in there as a back door for "Big Brother".
Reply
Lisa LeBlanc said 2:18PM on 7-07-2009
I have Vista and when I tried to use the new IE8, Windows treated it like it was a virus. so I had to download Windows Service pack, and now I have to wait a week to try the IE8.
What the hell...
Reply
Jon said 8:13PM on 7-07-2009
ok what you need to do is download Firefox, then forget Internet Explorer ever existed. for anyone that has XP: Don't worry, it's better than vista anyway. Just use Firefox, which is free and better, you get less spyware with it anyway. If you don't know what spyware is; its' bad stuff that makes popups and slows down computers
Bob said 2:25PM on 7-07-2009
D'loading and installing the new IE8 crashed my system. What else is new.
Reply
Karla said 5:34PM on 7-07-2009
Me too, I thought It was something I did wrong because I am not really computer savy.
blthacablegurl said 2:29PM on 7-07-2009
Here's a simple solution: download Firefox and never open IE again. It will make your life so much easier.
Reply
Darrell Mayeda said 7:30AM on 7-08-2009
there is only one thing wrong about never using IE. Some sites REQUIRE you to use IE or you can't use any of the links on the site or it just blocks you saying you have to be using IE. I use firefox now and only use IE when I absolutely have no other choice. There is one sure fire way to make sure no one can remotely control your computer. Turn it off when not in use and unplug your internet connection for local programming. That's what I do. I didn't know firefox had a 3.5 available. I'm
running a 3.0 version.
Brittany said 2:30PM on 7-07-2009
Here's a simple solution: download Firefox and never open IE again. It will make your life so much easier.
Reply
peaceloveoxoxox said 4:53PM on 7-07-2009
I agree 100% since i switched to Mozilla Firefox--Mozilla is so much better -Never had a problem. Internet Exployer sucks compared to Firefox-Will never use IE again. Dont sit and complain about IE switch..Its pretty simple..
Kailey said 2:38PM on 7-07-2009
So if I have Windows Vista I don't have to worry? I still click the Internet Explorer Icon to get on the internet, but the internet home page is AOL. I don't even know if that's relevant. Can anyone help me, though? I'm fat from a computer genious.
Reply
vbuzz08 said 4:26PM on 7-07-2009
Even though AOL is your homepage, you are still accessing that from Internet Explorer.
To download Firefox, go here:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/upgrade.html
To download Google Chrome, go here:
http://www.google.com/chrome/index.html?hl=en&brand=CHMI&utm_source=en-et&utm_medium=et&utm_campaign=en
Sandy Shepherd said 1:18AM on 8-01-2009
Kailey...please let me know if anyone else replies to your post. I am having the exact same problem with my new laptop and Vista. I am far from a computer genius, as well.
8271943 said 5:08PM on 7-07-2009
I probably know less than you but one thought: why don't you use AOL to get online instead of I.E.? Have never used I.E. to get online, just the AOL icon. Good luck.
brandonclaflin said 12:52PM on 7-08-2009
Go to tools>Internet Options>Homepage settings to change it.
If you've recently downloaded aim or got a new AOL account it tries to make the homepage aol by having a box that says make aol my homepage.
Hope it helps.
victrolaguy said 2:56PM on 7-07-2009
Windows XP has been around HOW long... and they're JUST NOW figuring this out? This is ridiculous.
Reply