Expert: Brian Benosky - 9/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: Recently, in a question I posed regarding audio popups, you suggested that perhaps I needed to "adjust your ActiveX settings."  Would you be more specific?  What exactly should I look for (or avoid) in ActiveX settings?  And, what's the purpose of ActiveX?  Thanks, Alida

ANSWER: Hi Alida

Using Internet Explorer, you can set the ActiveX scripts to prompt you to run or disable them completely.  See the site below for securing settings:

http://support.real-time.com/browsers/security/ie/activex.html

Brian



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the great site with step-by-step instructions on setting ActiveX Controls.  I'm a little confused, though.  I followed their advice & changed my ActiveX prompts and now, every single time I click on any program or site, I get this message:  "Do you want to allow software such as ActiveX controls and plug-ins to run?"  What is the point of restricting the ActiveX settings if my answer is always going to be "Yes, I want to access the site I clicked on."  Would you be able to elaborate on why it was good to follow Real-Time's instructions about the settings?  Thanks, Alida

Answer
Hi Alida

Yes, that is the problem with restricting ActiveX.  Although you are now more secure, basic functions are limited.  Two things I would recommend:  If you haven't already done so, upgrade Internet Explorer to version 7 which is more secure than 6.  Then follow the ActiveX settings on this page:
http://surfthenetsafely.com/ie7configure.htm
Finally, I highly recommend using Firefox as your default browser.  It is more secure, faster, and highly configurable.  Check it out here:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Brian