GEEK TALK
J.R. Shoemake
Hey Surfers,
I would like to first thank my buddy, Willie, for inviting me to write an article for PolkCountyToday. I hope that I can keep you informed and entertained on how to protect you and your computer, during your travels on the Internet. So, let’s take a look at what’s going on….
Microsoft issued an emergency patch on Wednesday, to fix a very serious vulnerability with Internet Explorer 7 web browser.
The vulnerability, which affects Internet Explorer, not Windows itself, is being exploited in the wild — primarily on Chinese websites where the malicious software goes after passwords for computer games. However, security experts are worried that more serious threats will emerge. While the known exploits target IE 7, Microsoft says that all supported versions of IE (5.5 through 8) are affected.
If your Windows Update is turned on, you should have seen the patch pop up on late Wednesday or like me, on Thursday morning. If not, you can go to the Microsoft download center and download the patch.
You can even ditch Internet Explorer altogether, by using either FireFox or Opera. Both browsers function very well. Even though each browser has their own vulnerabilities, FireFox and Opera are more secure than Internet Explorer.
Thursday, I downloaded a new entry into the Web Browser arena. Google, has developed a new browser called Chrome. So far, I like what I see. Chrome is faster than the other browsers mentioned. It will import your bookmarked favorites and seems to be compliant with the current web standards. Only time will tell if there will be any vulnerabilities with Google’s Chrome. I will probably keep this browser on my computer and use it as part of my web design tools.
I have tried Internet Explorer 8 Beta. Even though IE 8 is still in the testing stage, I wasn’t very impressed with the way the browser functioned. Microsoft, once again, failed to incorporate current web standards into IE 8. IE 8 like IE 7, starts slow and downloading web pages, aren’t any faster. I can only hope that Microsoft will listen to users and developers to fix IE 8 before it is released to the general population.
Be sure to tune in to 92.3 FM The Eagle on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for Geeks Corner.
Until next time, happy surfing!
Webmaster JR
J.R. Shoemake is a professional website builder. You can visit his website: www.cyberlakepress.com You can also hear his computer advice show on Saturdays from 10 am - 11 am on KETX 92.3
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