Firefox Question

[scout1]

Got a question about Firefox (or any of the others for that matter).

One of the reasons I have heard that people use it is to limit (elminate ?) the privacy/security risk associated with IE. My question though is if you're running
a DSL/cable connection (the "always" on connection), have you really minimized your exposure ? If you accidently download something un-intended using Firefox and it goes looking for IE, it now has it's portal back out, doesn't it ? Outbound traffic doesn't have to go through the "live" browser" ?

I'm thinking/wanting to change to a different (and hopefully safer) browser, just curious as to the actual limitations as to what it really helps ....[&:]

[MJR333]

I've recently switched to Firefox from IE. I've noticed the browser is faster, and that my temporary file folders do not get nearly as filled up. I'm not sure about security issues, but most computer experts I've spoken to highly recommend Firefox. The only thing I've noticed that bugs me so far is that my programs for listing items on EBAY seem to have been turned off or eliminated. I have to list auctions in HTML code again! I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the switch to Firefox, though.

[MJR333]

Adaware SE Personal has not detected any critical items since I've installed and used Firefox, whereas if I use IE I get 10-30 critical items regularly.

EBAY's stuff only works with IE, I've been told...

[skukko]

something un-intended using Firefox and it goes looking for IE, it now has it's portal back out, doesn't it ? Outbound traffic doesn't have to go through the "live" browser" ?

Hello fellow gamer!

Well what I've found is that all the *hit that is written for IE goes into folder that IE has been using. Firefox has nothing to do with that folder and has restricted access into it and out of it. I am using Spybot and F-Secure- software. Ad-aware is ok, but I don't need it. Then there is Spywareblaster that handles Java cruelly. This Spywareblaster is new to me, so I don't know yet if it can replace Spybot, but is has more options too be turned On and Off than any of those mentioned now. Firefox has good plugin collection at their site, go there and investigate if it fills your demands. I like it and use it futher as I can delete all pops and hidden installations with it. just my opinion.

[RBWhite]

skukko

Spybot detects whats already on your system, Spywareblaster prevents it from entering your system.

I've been using both plus Adaware Se Personal for some time now with IE and have had no problems.


Rick White

[Marc von Martial]

Spywareblaster prevents it from entering your system.

A good software firewall (liek Kerio for example) too.

[skukko]

Thanks Ricky for info. Saves my time : )

Firewall is in that F-Secure.

[RBWhite]

skukko

If you use Flash Killer (Macromedia Flash Control) in Spywareblaster it will block everything using Macromedia. So you need to be careful and watch how the websites you visit react.


Rick White

[plloyd]

With a DSL or cable connection, your first exposure question will depend on what sort of firewall you have. Most DSL modems, and a fair number of cable modems, have a firewall in them. You should check the documentation for your particular modem. Make sure is does have firewll capabilities and that they are turned on. If need one Zone Alarm makes a free, and very good, firewll app. Black Ice is also quite credible. Don't waste time with the XP firewall, it only exists to make you feel good.

BTW, I use Firefox too and have been using Mozilla browsers for 3 years.

[Zap]

I did not see the answer to the question. What happens to the present DSL browsers you use. I have an SBC DSL contract? So if I go to Firefox what happens to SB

[RBWhite]

Zap

I would think that your present browswer would become the portal to the web for FireFox like IE would be for me. I have a Comcast Cable connection, I can use whatever browser I choose, but IE is always present.

But in your case I would reread my contract, so as to make sure you don't violate your browser agreement. If there is one.

Rick White

[Zap]

Thank you for the comback. I have heard only good things about firefox. Would it help to have a firewall like zone alarm?

[RBWhite]

Zap

I use McAfee Anti Virus & Firewall, eventually I plan on having the entire McAfee security center. So I quess what I'm trying to say is go with the security programs you feel the most comfortable with.

Visit all the leading security software providers websites and do a comparison and choose one. Thats what I did and I feel very comfortable McAfee.


Rick White

[Marc von Martial]

ORIGINAL: Zap

Thank you for the comback. I have heard only good things about firefox. Would it help to have a firewall like zone alarm?

If you only look for a firewall I can recommend Kerio Personal firewall. Very strong, and you can customize it a lot too, if you need to.

[m10bob]

aol test

[Pippin]

I have netscape still set as my default for security reasons. It has saved my ass at least a couple times already. I did try out firefox for a while, and am still using it. I am quite impressed, as I still have yet to see it crash. Also it seems more secure than even netscape, but then again it does not support all the bells & whistles (but that is a good thing!)

Sadly, I have seen some clever spyware recently getting around some of firefox's security. I imagine through time spam sites will catch up with all the newer exploits. Not much you can do until governments wake up to the problem and start protecting the public again. I've been waiting years for this to happen

My only complaint is that firefox does not tend to work to well on forums running ASPPlayground, but I assume that may be due to a bug on that forum software.