A "safer" web browser?

Did you know? The World Wide Web is often mistakenly referred to as "the Internet" — but surfing the Web is only one form of communication on the Internet; others are instant messaging, email, etc.

A web browser is the program you use to "browse" (surf) the World Wide Web. Popular web browsers in order of estimated world-wide use are Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera and others.

Firefox is often touted as a safer web browser than Internet Explorer by those who abhor Microsoft's perverted version of Mosaic (the original web browser). I can say "perverted" as it is not compatible with the web browser standards as set by the organization that sets these standards — W3C or World Wide Web Commission.

Be that as it may, by and of itself, Firefox has been proven to NOT be a safer web browser than Internet Explorer — that would correctly be the title of the Opera browser: "The coolest, fastest, and most secure free Web browser available."

However ...

There are free additions ("Addons") to Firefox that make Firefox either more useful, and/or safer than most other web browsers.

Some of these additions are:

  • NoScript — https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/722
    Javascript is a type of programming that is used by many web pages to allow menus and displays to work - but it is also the main way that adware, spyware and malware in general are installed on your computer without your knowledge. NoScript stops Javascript from running unless YOU choose to allow them for a particular site (with the right-click menu item.)  Simply allow the site you are on, and not others listed for your highest security.
  • Flashblock — https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/433
    Flash is another way of making pretty web pages - and installing adware, spyware and malware in general on your computer without your knowledge.  Flashblock stops flash from running until you click in the flash box.
  • Adblock Plus - https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1865
    Advertising banners are being used more and more these days as a way of installing adware, spyware and malware in general on your computer without your knowledge using one or more of the above methods. (Remember the last two MySpace "infections" that hit many visitors?  It wasn't MySpace that was infected — it was the advertising banners.) Adblock Plus will block most advertising negating this threat, but unfortunately it also negates the income many websites need ...

There are MANY more Addons in the form of:

  • Feeds, News & Blogging
  • Web Development
  • Download Management
  • Privacy & Security
  • Search Tools
  • Interface Customizations
  • Bookmarks
  • Language Tools
  • Photos, Music & Videos
  • Social & Communication
  • Alerts & Updates

You can find these here:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/browse/type:1

Ah!  But you say you NEED Internet Explorer for some sites!

This is true for a few of you. Some websites (mainly financial and insurance sites) decided to limit access to ONLY users of Internet Explorer. (Which of course limits their number of visitors, but that's a problem they chose to take on.)

So, if you wanted to protect yourself with Firefox and it's myriad of addons, but still need Internet Explorer once in a while, you would want to use this little gem:

Is there more protection?

Of course there is! :-)

You can block many parasites (adware, spyware, malware, etc.) with a simple file on your own computer.

How?

By default, your computer looks to find where a website is located by first looking at a file on your own computer, then by asking a server where it is, only then can your computer display that website.

What if that file on your computer told your web browser that a site didn't exist? You would never get there from here!

Now, if a good website has a command in it to make your web browser visit another website that is known to contain crapware, and that file on your computer told your web browser that it doesn't exist — you would never get infected... Nice, eh?

Note that this is a file you yourself would have to regularly update as the list of known crapware sites is always increasing. So if you're interested in protecting yourself more, visit this website:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

Follow the instructions and you will do fine. If you need help, you can call us anytime at 818-352-8700.

THIS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL COMPUTERS!!!

Cheers!
Dan Renner, Editor
Los Angeles Computerhelp Computer Networking News

Call (818) 352-8700 or email now to enhance your efficiency and productivity.
If you have other questions or need something else, we'll be happy to help.

Home : Computer Networking News

Visit our IT Diaries Blog
Computer Networking Specialists · Computer Repair in Los Angeles · Glendale · Pasadena
© 1998-2008 Computerhelp, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | DianeV. Web Design - Los Angeles