Internet Explorer
An
ActiveX control is a software component that is
downloaded by your browser from a website. The ActiveX standard is
a Microsoft creation. ActiveX controls are a security risk and
should ideally be turned off, but some
internet banking and
software sites require these controls to function. If you use these
kind of websites then it's best to set Internet Explorer to prompt
you for each ActiveX control.
Cookies are another bugbear
because they are so useful, they are used by websites to record
essential information about you - for example the contents of your
shopping basket. A reputable website uses cookies to temporarily
store information about you so that it can identify you and provide
you with a custom web surfing experience.However unreputable
websites use cookies to monitor your website visits and track you -
they can't find out who you actually are but they can track that
workstation activity - which doesn't breach any privacy laws but it
does provide them with a means of target marketing at that
workstation based on websites it has visited. There are also some
more dubious uses for cookies. It is recommended that you review
your cookies and delete anyones you don't want.
Adaware by Lavasoft
will look at your cookies ard remove any dubious ones.
www.lavasoftusa.comYour best weapon is
caution be aware of what you are using your computer for and
which websites you are visiting.
Internet Explorer Secure Sites
A secure website will display a padlock in the lower left corner of your web browser.
This padlock means that your browser is encrypting the information between it and the server. Any website you use to enter any personal information should display this padlock - if there is no padlock and you are not comfortable entering your information onto the website, then don't do it.
Clicking on the padlock opens up details of the owner of the encryption certificate and this can help you identify the website you are using and assure you.
