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Web Browsers

All PC’s use special programs called Web Browsers to access web sites on the Internet. As a PC owner you have a choice of several different Web browsers. The most common choice is Microsoft’s Internet Explorer that comes with Windows or Vista.

There are actually three Internet Explorers from which to choose: Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) that comes with Windows XP, Internet Explorer 7 (IE76) a security upgrade to Internet Explorer 6, and Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) the new kid on the block and the most recent Internet Explorer incarnation. The difference between these versions is that the new versions, IE7 and IE8, have more security like Phishing filters than does IE 6. However, this added security comes at a price of slower overall PC performance.

All versions of IE use a programming language called Active X to interact with Web sites, especially the Microsoft web sites. Active X permits web pages to run programs in your PC that control the operation of the PC. Web site Video often also requires the MacroVision Flash Player software add-on to IE. Active X and the Flash Player control the operation of the web pages like menus, animation, pop up advertisements, downloads and more. They are used by malicious software to install spyware and viruses in your PC. PCs using Active X web browsers are the ones most attacked by viruses. Moving to IE7 or IE8 does not necessarily make a PC more secure, but it most certainly slows the PC down. At this time we are holding off on IE8 because the hardware needed to run it well and not compromising overall PC performance is expensive.

Other web browsers use Java instead of Active X. These include the old Netscape, Firefox by Mozilla.org, Chrome by Google, and Safari, and Opera. All Java browsers are less susceptible to virus attack than the Active X browsers. That is why the PC in the MAC TV advertisement must wear spy get up to not be spotted and feel secure. When the PC uses a Java browser it is less susceptible to virus and spyware attacks similar to a MAC PC. However, there are just some sites (especially Microsoft web sites) that require you to use an Active X browser.

Firefox, a free web browser, is most widely used. The look and feel of Firefox is closer to IE6 than the look and feel of IE7 and IE8. It remembers and completes forms better than IE. Google’s chrome seems to be a less cluttered version of Firefox aimed at the coming Internet video evolution. Both are free and based upon Open Source software. Other web browsers are similar in their function – after all they all must support visiting Internet web sites, but differ in their menus, security features, and performance impact on the PC.

The most effective combination of web browsers is to use a Java browser and IE6 or IE7 when required. If something does not work with Firefox or Chrome, I then try Internet Explorer to see if that makes a difference. Web pages can display differently in IE and Firefox. Both IE6 and Firefox browsers can increase text size but Firefox has a whole page zoom (hold down the CTRL key and tap the + key to zoom in or the – key to zoom out) or a text only zoom (requires a menu selection to change IE6 text size).

So as all web browser programs transition to using more video – e.g. face book and my space, keep in mind that viruses primarily infect your PC by entering through web browsers. The IE Active X browsers are more attacked than the Java browsers. Java browsers are also attacked so MACs can get viruses. It is not the North Koreans that are attacking you with viruses and spyware but rather socially inept, frustrated and nasty Geeks (nerds would never create viruses). Finally, it is best to use a combination of web browsers IE and Firefox or whatever other Java web browser you prefer. Then, just have fun surfing.


Link to "Web browsers listing for Windows"

P. D. Moulton and Dial A Nerd, a local Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland(MD) PC repair, computer repair, laptop computer repair, Wi-Fi network and wired LAN network configuration & repair, Windows XP repair, Windows Vista repair, Windows 7 repair, network server computer support, and virus & spyware removal. Dial-A-Nerd repairs PC (s), computers, networks, removes viruses & spyware and upgrades slow computers 24 hours a day 7 days a week. DialANerd provides immediate remote access as well as fixed price computer repair, network repair, virus & spyware removal services at its local Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland(MD) repair shop. Repair completion is typically 24-hours to 48-hours. Dial A Nerd recovers hard disk data and saves your data. Each hard disk is tested for errors for free. Dial A Nerd makes a fixed disk image, recovers and saves your data for about a 90% of the desktop computer, laptop computer, and netbook PC (s) serviced. Dial A Nerd, a local Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland(MD) repair business provides fast PC repair, computer repair, desktop computer repair, laptop computer repair, Wi-Fi network and wired LAN network configuration & repair, Windows XP repair, Windows Vista repair, Windows 7 repair, network server support, and virus & spyware removal services with a warranty. Dial A Nerd works on many PCs including Sony computers, Gateway computers, Hewlett Packard computers, Compaq computers, Toshiba computers, Emachines computers, Clone PCs, and Dell computers in the local Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland(MD). The Dial A Nerd mission is delivering the best quality, affordable cost effective PC repair, computer repair, laptop computer repair, desktop computer repair, Wi-Fi network and wired LAN network configuration & repair, Windows XP repair, Windows Vista repair, Windows 7 repair, network server support, virus & spyware removal, home PC repair, printer configuration, PC - desktop computer - laptop computer - netbook computer performance optimization & speed up service. Homes and small businesses with limited IT service and IT support budgets in the local Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland(MD) hire Dial A Nerd.


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