|
Security feature may need tinkering
Question : My web browser often
gives me a message that says "Your current security settings prohibit running
ActiveX controls on this page." What is ActiveX ?
Answer : ActiveX controls are little
programs that work within a web browser to provide things like interactivity
and animation to webpages. They can be helpful tools that let you do
calculations in a browser window or upload pictures to a photo-sharing site.
But there are also rogue ActiveX controls that secretly install software on
your computer or do other malicious deeds.
Internet Explorer has security
settings that can prevent pages from using ActiveX controls, which may be
causing the browser messages. You can see and adjust those settings by going
to the Tools menu, then to Internet Options, and clicking on the Security tab.
Browsers set to Medium security block downloading of unknown ActiveX controls.
The High security setting blocks even more potential threats, but it can limit
the functions of some webpages. You can tinker with the settings yourself by
clicking on the Custom Level button and adjusting the browser handling of
ActiveX controls.
Internet security software and antispyware programs can also block ActiveX
controls from running on a webpage. You can usually adjust your security
settings within these programs as well, but loosening the default restrictions
can make your computer more vulnerable. |