Mozilla's Firefox web browser has been the go to choice when looking to avoid the security issues of Microsoft's Internet Explorer. That appears to be changing as independent research reports are showing that the Firefox browser is open to more and more vulnerabilities. The open-source browser has long prided itself on dodging the security and invasive issues that constantly fall on Internet Explorer. It's open-source coding and free usage thrilled the personal computer world, but now the bad guys have come calling. The question is why?
Window Snyder, Chief Security Officer at Mozilla, says it was just a matter of time before the computing world turned on their product. "The browser is one of most critical pieces of software on the computer in terms of something attackers are going after," Snyder said. "Attacks are constantly changing and every software developer needs to recognize new threats as they emerge, but that's nothing new, we've always considered security to be a top priority." Basically, the more popular a piece of Internet software becomes the more hackers want to break it. In past articles I've read, "bragging rights" is second to identity theft when it comes to reasons that hackers do what they do.
The Firefox browser has been gaining ground over Internet Explorer as a problem free choice when it comes to surfing the net. It's only downfall seemed to be the inability to use the Windows Update website to download Microsoft operating system updates and patches. (Microsoft only allows their browser to access its web-based downloads...) Some third-party programs have surfaced though that claim they can circumvent that issue and allow Firefox users to gain access to Microsoft updates. I haven't tried any of these third-party claims and won't comment on them.
Bottom Line: My solution is to install both. I have both browsers on my machine and use whichever one gets the job done for that moment. I use Explorer for Microsoft downloads and Firefox for general browsing. Some sites do respond better to Firefox avoiding many of the annoying pop-up ads that have been programmed to look for Internet Explorer. So, keep both browsers ready to use and happy surfing.
Mark Reczek
M-REZ Consulting |
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| Posted by Mark Reczek at | | | |
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An up and coming method for searching the Internet is using an OpenSearch capable web browser. One of the top ones right now is A9.com created by the folks at Amazon.com OpenSearch browsing basically increases your searching capability and results. When you use a standard browser like Yahoo, MSN, AOL you only receive the basic search results of listed main pages on the Internet. Many of these web pages have their own internal search engine for information that resides on their site. Information you won't necessarily see. OpenSearch allows the applicable browser to see inside these larger pages and use their internal search engine as well returning the main page information. Your result is more precise search results and more in-depth information for you to review. Great stuff if you are researching a problem or a classroom topic.
Bottom line: Basic web search engines will get you the general info. of what you need. OpenSearch engines, like A9.com, will take you deeper into Internet data.
Mark Reczek
M-REZ Consulting |
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| Posted by Mark Reczek at | | | |
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From what I'm reading, the new Microsoft Vista operating system is merely a lot of buzzers and bells with no real impact. The latest PC Mag. review calls the upgrade convenient and not really essential. The one big plus is improved security features. This, of course, is always an issue with Microsoft products and they seem to release a security update for at least one of their products every other day to prove it. Third party software vendors are complaining, however, that the new Vista security is "locking" them out and causing operating issues for their customers who decide to upgrade to Vista. These software vendors are now scrambling to release "fixes" so their client bases can get work done.
The other big change with Vista is the newer hardware demand the product puts on the user. For many of the new features to work properly on your PC...graphics, memory and processor speed all have to be beefed up higher than what commonly comes off the shelf for the everyday PC buyer. This means spending more money than intended.
Bottom Line: As usual, wait at least six months to a year before taking the plunge into Vista. Microsoft has released a memory and graphics intensive operating system. The rest of the PC world needs to catch up so the everyday user doesn't run into too many software issues and take a hit to the pocketbook.
Mark Reczek
M-REZ Consulting
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Welcome to the IT Info Blog. M-REZ Consulting provides IT services to homes and small businesses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Stay tuned to this page for technology news and talking points about current computer and Internet issues. We hope to use this blog to keep you, the reader, informed. If you have any questions or comments about technology or the Internet, post them here and let the world offer you answers.
Thanks again and welcome.
Mark Reczek
M-REZ Consulting
www.mrez.biz |
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