US Gov't Says DO NOT Use Internet Explorer

[Jonbo298]

THE US GOVERNMENT has sent out a warning out to internet users through its Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), pleading users to stop using Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

Following a malware attack last week which targeted a known flaw in IE, like so many other attacks, the US-CERT recommended using alternative browsers thanks to their increased security. Microsoft is hurriedly trying to increase IE's security with the Windows XP Service Pack 2, but it's not fast enough for many.

In a vulnerability note released by US-CERT, it says "there are a number of significant vulnerabilities in technologies relating to the IE domain" and that "it is possible to reduce exposure to these vulnerabilities by using a different web browser." Well, they're right.

The latest "extremely critical" IE bug has still not been patched by Microsoft

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=16922

Well, if you haven't figured it out by now, don't use IE. Someone had a hack out that could've been launched into a super worm/super attack on the internet because they used a simple backdoor in the hole to attach a file to alot of IIS servers (don't ask me what IIS means..im not sure at the moment) and when you went to a popular website, it redirected really quick to a russian server that (when using IE only), installed a little piece of malware on your computer and when this server got enough computers ready/zombified, it was gonna launch a MAJOR attack against the internet because this exploit is really easy to do and they did say it was seen present on a search engine and other things (if needed, ill try and get the other article). So it was gaining steam really fast because of the relative easyness of it. And with Microsoft being lazy on getting this very critical patch out, who knows.

BUT...they had tracked down where the server that was getting this all ready was in Russia and the ISP shut it down thus preventing something major from happening. But the exploit can still happen.

So everyone, please consider using an alternate browser. Something like Mozilla, Firefox, Opera..just about anything besides IE

[Typhoid]

So, do we delete IE, or just dont run the program?

Im not too worried, i think i've had that happen to me, but i use Firefox now...

[GameMaster]

The only people I know who use IE are grown-ups and young kids. Both generally aren't very computer-savy. Oh also, one of my friends uses IE, I'll have to help him.

[Jonbo298]

So, do we delete IE, or just dont run the program?

Im not too worried, i think i've had that happen to me, but i use Firefox now...

Just don't use IE until MS gets a patch out fixing this

[Dyne]

I used to use it; still do for my FTP. It works well.

When I switched to Firefox I didn't really notice any big differences but this justifies the switch now.

[Jonbo298]

Yeah..I only use IE if a site is very poorly coded or for ftp'ing into things since it works best. But I haven't used IE for normal browsing in quite a bit just because of the uncertainty of security vulnerabilities and the damn popups (at least until SP2)

[manasecret]

I use IE exclusively. It's simple, it works for practically all websites, it doesn't add a bunch of extra features that I don't want or need; it simply does what I want at all times.

I build my own computers, if that's savvy enough.

I've never had security problems, and I've been using broadband for at least four or five years. Knock on wood I suppose.

Pop-ups never got on my nerves that much. I just right-click and close. And stopped looking at porn.. :sneaky: And since I got the Google searchbar which is free and includes a free pop-up blocker, I've had zero problems.

I don't see why everyone hates it so much.

[Null]

I don't see why everyone hates it so much.


i dont see how you dont. its old. it doesnt have the new options that should be standard now *coughtabbedbrowsingcough* its got more holes then swiss cheese.

to put it bluntly, its a pile of ****.

not to mention Opera and Firefox are faster than IE, much more customizable.

google searchbar adds spyware. and popups never bothered me much either but its so much easier just never seeing a popup again (even on porn sites). i NEVER get a popup on firefox and even if i did it wouldnt open a new program. just a new tab that i prolly wouldnt even notice anyway.

plus sometimes when using IE it can install stuff on its own with out telling you. even with turning security up.

[Hero2]

I personaly dont have a problem with IE. IE is just a big sign with a target painted on it.


P.S.
Has anyone else noticed that porn servers are the fastest and best servers out there. >.>

[manasecret]

i dont see how you dont. its old. it doesnt have the new options that should be standard now *coughtabbedbrowsingcough* its got more holes then swiss cheese.

Like I said, I don't need a bunch of new options. I like the simplicity. And tabs in one place are the same as tabs in another place, to me.

to put it bluntly, its a pile of ****.

Your mom! ;)

not to mention Opera and Firefox are faster than IE, much more customizable.

How do you notice that? I never notice how long IE takes to load a page, unless it's a slow site.

google searchbar adds spyware. and popups never bothered me much either but its so much easier just never seeing a popup again (even on porn sites). i NEVER get a popup on firefox and even if i did it wouldnt open a new program. just a new tab that i prolly wouldnt even notice anyway.

It's spyware that you don't have to accept. Just change the options. And thus the rest of your argument is NULL!!1! ;)

plus sometimes when using IE it can install stuff on its own with out telling you. even with turning security up.

Since when? I know you're probably right, but I don't have all these problems that everyone mentions. Or at least if I do, they don't ever bother me or my computer.

I just don't get what everyone complains about. I use Norton anti-virus, have hardware firewall, run Ad-Aware every blue moon, and I'm happy.

[manasecret]

I personaly dont have a problem with IE. IE is just a big sign with a target painted on it.

I agree, even if you're being sarcastic.

IE is only so vulnerable because everyone uses it. If everyone used MoZilla or Opera or Inter**** Explorer or whatever, I think they'd find just as many vulnerabilities.

[Ace195]

Exactly, I use IE and I consider myself very internet/computer/networking/computer programming/ whatever savvy. I just have grown usted to it and don't feel like changing, I mean I know that there are better faster and more easily accessed programs out there. But when it comes down to it I like this best because It came with my computer and there was no download time, I suppose if I loan hero2 my laptop again and it had firefox on it I'd use that. But until that day happens... Meh to you good sirs!!



*poof* *vanishes*

[Joeiss]

Is Netscape okay? I find when I use IE I get a lot of pop-ups... Netscape has rarely any.

[Jonbo298]

Is Netscape okay? I find when I use IE I get a lot of pop-ups... Netscape has rarely any.

Netscape is ok also. Its just Mozilla with a different skin.

[Danchastu 4.0]

I use Crazy Browser. Based off IE but blocks all pop-ups, allows tabbed windows, and has a bunch of other settings I don't bother with.

[Vampyr]

Ummm...IE really does suck, you guys who are defending it. And tabs in one place are NOT the same as tabs in another place. It gets extremely annoying haveing several windows open and chatbox opens. It's confusing and stupid.

And you said that you didnt want these new features because you "liked to keep things simple"...well Firefox is about as simple as it gets. It basically comes as a barebones browser, which is one thing that contributes to it being faster (yes, that's actually true: it is faster.)

IE may have been good at some point in time...but not any more. There are obviously better browsers...doesnt this thread speak for itself in that area?

Like GM said...most people who use IE arent very computer savvy and dont realize that there is something better. (Unless you are lazy, like Ace. ;))

Of course, if you are really set in your ways...cant really convince you otherwise, and it's no skin off my back. :p


(Now it's time to warn my parents and brother to stop using IE.)

[Typhoid]

Yeah, i recomend Firefox, its super easy to use.

As my good freind Ron Bergundy would say, is its jazz baby.

Firefox i think is the best one you can use, its super easy to use....so just get the god damn firefox.. I mean what more do you want? You get a fox...and fire.....put them together and you get a Firefox...what kind of person doesnt want a fox made of fire?

[Jonbo298]

A simple under 5 megabyte download is soo hard to do with a broadband connection. And oh my, having to click the mouse a few times is just so time consuming to do it

[Danchastu 4.0]

And tabs in one place are NOT the same as tabs in another place. It gets extremely annoying haveing several windows open and chatbox opens. It's confusing and stupid.

Um, what exactly does that mean? One place not in another?

From foxfire website: "View more than one web page in a single window with this time saving feature. Open links in the background so that they're ready for viewing when you're ready to read them."

Exactly the same as the one I use so don't know what you talking about. *shrug*

And is it just me or does it seem stupid to wear a t-shirt (http://www.mozillastore.com/products/clothing) of the browser you use? Next thing you know they'll have a foxfire army killing IE users. "Heil FoxFire!"

[Hero2]

I use Crazy Browser. Based off IE but blocks all pop-ups, allows tabbed windows, and has a bunch of other settings I don't bother with.
You might want to look into "My IE" it looks alot like crazy borwse but IMO runs a little better then crazy browser.

[Happydude]

i'm with all the IE guys...i just find it works well and it never caused any problems for me...*shrug* but just for the hell of it, i'll get firefox...just to see the differnece

[Null]

Like I said, I don't need a bunch of new options. I like the simplicity. And tabs in one place are the same as tabs in another place, to me.
hehe. thats what they all say about tabs till they actually use it for a while. Theres a reason why every browser has em now, and even the new IE will have em. its simply.... BECAUSE THEY'RE BETTER. :p

and the simplicity thing doesnt make you sound like you tried firefox at all..... its bare bones. all the extra options you download the ones you want. they dont come with it.


Your mom! ;)

pwns yours. :p


How do you notice that? I never notice how long IE takes to load a page, unless it's a slow site.

it depends on what your doing. but they way they operate, opera and firefox and programed smoother with newer code. most sites i personally wont notice because i have a 4mb/sec connection.

but i've used it on a dialup at work and timed it on the same page, and firefox will do it faster. same with opera. they just tend to pop the pics up faster.



It's spyware that you don't have to accept. Just change the options. And thus the rest of your argument is NULL!!1! ;) the program itself is basically spyware. it installs others that you dont know about even if you change the options



Since when? I know you're probably right, but I don't have all these problems that everyone mentions. Or at least if I do, they don't ever bother me or my computer.

I just don't get what everyone complains about. I use Norton anti-virus, have hardware firewall, run Ad-Aware every blue moon, and I'm happy.
i was happy too untill i gave the others a solid chance. same with most people. i didnt switch cuz i had a problem. i switched cuz i wanted to try something new... i stayed because its better.

:p

[TheGame]

~tries to forget he read this topic and continues to use IE~

[Vampyr]

Um, what exactly does that mean? One place not in another?

From foxfire website: "View more than one web page in a single window with this time saving feature. Open links in the background so that they're ready for viewing when you're ready to read them."

Exactly the same as the one I use so don't know what you talking about. *shrug*

And is it just me or does it seem stupid to wear a t-shirt (http://www.mozillastore.com/products/clothing) of the browser you use? Next thing you know they'll have a foxfire army killing IE users. "Heil FoxFire!"


Like I said, I don't need a bunch of new options. I like the simplicity. And tabs in one place are the same as tabs in another place, to me.


And tabs in one place are NOT the same as tabs in another place. It gets extremely annoying haveing several windows open and chatbox opens. It's confusing and stupid.

Understand now? I was making a point that having your tabs in one window is a lot better then having every internet page at the bottom of the screen. Manasecret said having them in once place was the same as having them in another (ie. having them in one window or at the bottom).

[Jonbo298]

And it doesn't use as much memory to have tabs. When you open each IE window, its another chunk of memory used by the browser. With tabs, its still gonna use a little more for each tab, but its not gonna hog as much memory as opening a whole nother browser

[Seven7]

At moment I can't use IE ... well maybe I could If I set up wine for that but WHY? heh

I used to use it; still do for my FTP. It works well.

When I switched to Firefox I didn't really notice any big differences but this justifies the switch now.
Bah... use a nice FTP client like FileZilla (http://filezilla.sourceforge.net/) :p ..(not related to mozilla.org)

And who was it that got you using "Firefox" Dyne .. >_>


By the way for FTP upload, the Mozilla 1.7 release and newer should have single file FTP upload now. This may not happen in Firefox untill after 1.0 release. There is a old ftp upload extension that still worked for me but it's a hassle in that it would be faster/easier to use a FTP client instead of the old extension.

[Danchastu 4.0]

You might want to look into "My IE" it looks alot like crazy borwse but IMO runs a little better then crazy browser.

Thanks, really liking MyIE.



And tried FoxFire just to try it. The lack of customization really turned me off. Plus when using WindowBlinds the screen jumps up and down.

[Null]

Thanks, really liking MyIE.



And tried FoxFire just to try it. The lack of customization really turned me off. Plus when using WindowBlinds the screen jumps up and down.


uh, lack of customization?

didnt actually try it for very long did ya? its really one of the most customizable ones out there.

[Jonbo298]

gah people, its not called FoxFire. FIREFOX

But Firefox is a barebones browser when you get it. YOU are the one who gets to customize it and add whatever you feel (in the form of Extensions), not Mozilla

[Seven7]

How Mozilla's Firefox trumps Internet Explorer. http://slate.msn.com/id/2103152/

I wonder if this guy still has his job....

[Jonbo298]

I read it all. Good read for anyone unsure about the switch. I hate when people say "IE only has holes because more people use it and not another browser..If Firefox was used alot, it would too"..I just reply back "But it doesn't have as many users as IE, now does it".

But I've been set for quite awhile now that I'm not ever going back to IE for regular browsing. Too many risks I'd be taking and the fact that MS bundles it with their OS just makes the world go round

[manasecret]

I read it all. Good read for anyone unsure about the switch. I hate when people say "IE only has holes because more people use it and not another browser..If Firefox was used alot, it would too"..I just reply back "But it doesn't have as many users as IE, now does it".

But the article says you still have to use IE..

Firefox doesn't work for everything, including all websites. Interesting that IE does, I wonder why.. :sneaky:

When switching to Firefox, you have to spend time finding all the plugins again and reinstalling it all yourself.

You have to figure out a new email client that, as the article states, has nowhere near as many options.

Y'all seem to ignore all the downsides of Firefox.

I've been using Firefox for about a week and, yeah, sure it's nice. But it isn't God like y'all are making it out to seem.

Like I said before, to me, tabs in one place are the same as tabs in another. Y'all may love it but I don't care. In fact, I prefer the tabs to be hidden as they can be with the Start Menu.

Speed increases and memory saving is a joke. For speed, maybe if I was still running a Pentium 2 machine with dial-up I'd notice, but with the computer I have speed is a miniscule improvement, if that.

For memory, I checked with XP how much memory each new window of IE takes and it's so little it doesn't matter. Maybe when I have 30 IE windows open while playing Half-Life 2 with Photoshop rendering and SETI@Home churning data in the background, I'll fire up Mozilla instead.

Seriously, though, I rarely even have five IE windows open, let alone more. Whenever I'm doing anything memory intensive such as games I turn everything else off anyway. So again, the movement of tabs doesn't matter.

Something I kinda liked but what I don't remember anyone mentioning (:confused: ) is the Download Manager. It helps me remember what I've downloaded; but even then I think it's cumbersome and gets in the way. I can take care of my downloads myself.

And like I said, I've never had security problems with IE before.

So what are the advantages of switching from a browser I have no problems with and does everything I want already?

A bunch of wasted time. Get off your high horses. :p

[Null]

Firefox doesn't work for everything, including all websites. Interesting that IE does, I wonder why.. :sneaky:

because IE doesn't obay the standards code and allows user inputed error in code to still work. aka, its more forgiving for people who dont know as much making a website. :sneaky:


When switching to Firefox, you have to spend time finding all the plugins again and reinstalling it all yourself.
This i dont get, what in gods name are you talking about?

1, when switching to firefox you dont HAVE to go find anything, pretty much everything one needs is there. you want EXTRA options, you download and install and extention which takes all of 5 seconds.

2, if your just switching. W T F would you be reinstalling? you just installed!!! how would you REinstall anything?

3, its not talking about using firefox, there are MANY other browsers besides IE. Opera comes loaded with pretty much every option.

BTW, if you like IE so much. check out http://www.myie2.com
its a replica of IE, but adds the new features that IE lacks.


You have to figure out a new email client that, as the article states, has nowhere near as many options.

firefox doesnt come with a email client, you still use outlook.
(unless you want a better one, then you can check out Thunderbird)
Opera Comes with a email client built in. but still, you dont have to use a new one just because you got a new browser.


Y'all seem to ignore all the downsides of Firefox.

every browser has downsides, but ones like firefox and opera have VERY few compared to IE which by far has the most downfalls that you seem to ignore.


I've been using Firefox for about a week and, yeah, sure it's nice. But it isn't God like y'all are making it out to seem.
no one said its god like. infact even tho i use firefox full time, (IE is uninstalled) i still find Opera to be better than firefox. i just use ff cuz its more simple.



Like I said before, to me, tabs in one place are the same as tabs in another. Y'all may love it but I don't care. In fact, I prefer the tabs to be hidden as they can be with the Start Menu.
thats fine, most say that before they get used to em. but they are better, and after IE gets its upgrade, the last browser without tabs will be gone. so everyones going to get familar with them eventually.


Speed increases and memory saving is a joke. For speed, maybe if I was still running a Pentium 2 machine with dial-up I'd notice, but with the computer I have speed is a miniscule improvement, if that.

for the most part your right. its not going to truly matter on a good system what the hell you use. but there are certain times you'd be suprised how one thing can be a bit faster.

that case is rare tho on a good pc.

For Memory, a tabbed browser does use quite a bit less when compared, but to the average pc thats tiny.



Seriously, though, I rarely even have five IE windows open, let alone more. Whenever I'm doing anything memory intensive such as games I turn everything else off anyway. So again, the movement of tabs doesn't matter.

Something I kinda liked but what I don't remember anyone mentioning (:confused: ) is the Download Manager. It helps me remember what I've downloaded; but even then I think it's cumbersome and gets in the way. I can take care of my downloads myself.

And like I said, I've never had security problems with IE before.

So what are the advantages of switching from a browser I have no problems with and does everything I want already?


Something i like myself with the tabs, is that i can open 5 webpages, when doing something, comparing or searching around for different things, i can save that tab session, then later on open up and all 5 tabs with 5 webpages load right back up where i left off.

The download manager, i really like too. i HATE IE's download system, with a download manager on firefox or Opera and such i can download, pause. resume later, have a list of what i recently got,
then theres extentions that carry it on further, one i have sorts my downloads. i have it all goto my download folder, then it puts it in the correct folder by file type, then a sub folder by what website i got it from.

i manage my files myself too, but thats a time saver and i can easily find stuff later.

the security risks dont always apply to everyone for normal usage, i never had major probs myself. but IE can install things like ad/spyware without telling you. and i always hated that.

The advantages of a new browser are there. people just have to look with an open mind.
1 thing is, Microsoft does it to make money, they just want everyone using thiers, and they dont update or upgrade it because why should they? basically everyone uses it.

these people like firefox dont do it for money, they do it because they want a decent browser, they add options and things people want and listen to people. They get no money off this. IMO, i just like that.


No one is telling you to use it, use what you want. basically these topics are just informing people. because honestly man. i dont give a rats ass what browser you use.

:p hehe

i do however suggest you give that myIE2 a try, i hear people who dont want to switch from IE love it.

[Typhoid]

Pwned. :cool:

[ominub]

Ive never had a problem with IE. I am not going to stop useing it because someone says otherwise either.

I dunno why everyone has to bash other people :(

Seriously you guys should keep your opinions to yourself. But I guess everyone likes to get into arguements.

[Typhoid]

Ive never had a problem with IE. I am not going to stop useing it because someone says otherwise either.

I dunno why everyone has to bash other people :(

Seriously you guys should keep your opinions to yourself. But I guess everyone likes to get into arguements.



So your telling me your saying your not going to agree with the US Government? They are saying not to use it.

[ominub]

Yeah. I have yet to have a problem why should I listen to them? Until I have a problem I wont be worried about it.

[Jonbo298]

But the article says you still have to use IE..

Firefox doesn't work for everything, including all websites. Interesting that IE does, I wonder why.. :sneaky:

That's because there are still sites that are either A) Poorly coded or B) Think IE is the only browser used out there

And I do know that for some sites I have to use IE. But I blame poor coding for it. But I'd say about 98% of the time, I don't use IE.

Oh yeah, and its called a monopoly ;) to your "I wonder why..."

You have to figure out a new email client that, as the article states, has nowhere near as many options.

As Null said, it doesn't come with an email client. You choose whether you want it or not.

Y'all seem to ignore all the downsides of Firefox.

As said, every browser has its downsides. With Firefox, they don't outshine the good side to it for me.

I've been using Firefox for about a week and, yeah, sure it's nice. But it isn't God like y'all are making it out to seem.

As far as I know, I wasn't trying to make it sound god like. We were just stating its basically the best alternative to using IE.


Seriously, though, I rarely even have five IE windows open, let alone more. Whenever I'm doing anything memory intensive such as games I turn everything else off anyway. So again, the movement of tabs doesn't matter.

I like having like 10 tabs or so open at once. Especially when visiting GT after an extended period. I just middle click a link, then click more until I'm done and then I start reading through each link I clicked. Also helpful for when you use Google. Open multiple sites in one browser rather then having to right click and choose open in new window (annoying to me IMO)


And like I said, I've never had security problems with IE before.

This problem could've become a MAJOR attack if they didn't track down the Russian server fast enough. Some more popular servers were already infected with the virus and redirecting people to the russian server without the people knowing and downloading the virus. So be happy that they jumped the gun fast enough to pull down the Russian server before this could've been possilby the largest internet attack (from what they made it sound like and from what I read on how it was being distributed)

So what are the advantages of switching from a browser I have no problems with and does everything I want already?

You have your opinion. I have mine. Take a look at MyIE2 as Null mentioned.