Microsoft Issues a critical update for Internet Explorer

[MrTony]

Microsoft has released a critical update to patch a security hole found in internet explorer which would allow a virus to install itself onto a computer just by visiting websites. This could allow hackers to steal passwords or credit card information.

You can go to Windows Update (http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp) to install the patch. There's also a news story about the problem on CNN.com here: http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/internet/07/02/alternative.browsers.ap/index.html

[0ldman]

I am advising all of my customers to use Firefox right now. It is stable, faster than IE, and will not pick up spyware, viruses, etc, as easily.

My tripod site autoinstalls garbage on IE browsers. It has no effect on Firefox.

http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Totally free, looks kinda like IE, and it doesn't have the irritating toolbars, features, etc, that Netscape has. Popup blocker, google search built in.

No activex, so online antivirus scans and Windows Update will not work on it. It is not a full replacement, but I have yet to find a website that does not work with it.

[MrTony]

Yeah, I use Firefox most of the time as well. Version 0.9.1 was just released about a week ago. For those of you who are scared to try a new browser instead of IE this should be a great choice because its not that difficult to learn how to use and I love the ability to add extensions to it and open new windows in tabs which make browsing even more enjoyable.