In accessing the internet, PC users need a web browser. Web browsers are applications which are programmed to view web pages. Microsoft Corp., an expert in the field of information technology (IT) and software development, has also created its own web browser in the name of Internet Explore (IE).
Internet explorer was first released in 1995 but it has garnered wide recognitions in 1999. When PC users install Windows operating systems in their computers, they can automatically have the Internet Explorer browser. The latest version of the default Microsoft Corp. web browser is the Internet Explorer 9. This was released last March 11, 2011.
Microsoft Corp. keeps on updating its browser so that Windows users will be able to maximize their enjoyment in using it. Also, Microsoft Corp. also has tightened the security options of the browser by adding and enhancing features. The giant IT firm continues to improve the security and privacy of every Internet Explorer users because hackers and virus makers also uphold to increase their penetration.
Microsoft Corp. has given PC users the freedom to configure the security settings of the Internet Explorer. To change the security settings, PC users need to access the Start button at the task bar first. In the search box, they must enter the keyword Internet Explorer then click on Tools then Internet Options. Once they are already in the Internet Options page, the Security tab must be chosen.
On the other hand, PC users can also get into the security options of Internet Explorer by clicking Start button then Control Panel. In the Control Panel, PC users, particularly those who use Windows XP, need to click Network and Internet Connections then at the bottom they may choose Internet Options.
PC users can see that there are actually seven tabs in the Internet Options window. These are General, Security, Privacy, Content, Connections, Programs, and Advanced.
In the General tab, PC users can be able to set their own home page by typing the URL in the text box and click apply to save the changes. They may also select the default website set by Microsoft if they want. In doing so, they just only need to click the Default button.
The General tab also lets users delete temporary internet files and history of their visited sites.
Since we are focusing on the security options of Internet Explorer, let us talk about how to configure the Security tab in the Internet Options window.
In the Security tab under the Internet Properties page of the Internet Explorer, PC users can see four security zones, namely, Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites.
Internet – this security level is applicable to all the websites accessed by PC users. Users can decide whether to choose Medium High, Medium, or High in setting the security level.
Local Intranet – this security zone is applied only to files and websites that are located in a business or corporate network. The default security level of this zone is Medium, however, PC users can still alter it.
Trusted sites – these will apply to websites which have been indicated by the PC users.
Restricted sites – these can be applied to websites which are blocked or which have been restricted from accessing. The security level of this zone is programmed to High and PC users cannot change this one.
PC users may also customize the security level and other options in the four security zones. It is not recommended to change the default level as it may bring issues to your browser. These issues may include the inability to view particular webpages and downloading email attachments.
PC users may also customize the level of security under the Privacy tab. In this tab, PC users may be able to block unwanted pop-ups, which are quite annoying. In addition, users may also have the discretion to either block or allow particular websites in the lists provided. Cookies are also handled in this tab.
Users are recommended to use the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK) to configure security zones and privacy settings of the Microsoft web browser.
IEAK is very much applicable to corporate networks. This can be a network administrator’s best friend because he or she can be able to monitor and restrict sites accessed using Internet Explorer. This also means that the network administrator can ensure that social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter will not be accessed by workers during office hours.
The internet Explorer Administration Kit also enables PC users to have flexibility in the deployment and distribution of browser as well as third party add-ons having installation.
Additional Components PC Users Need to Know about Internet Explorer Security
PC users should know how to set additional security options like the ones which are stated below.
ActiveX controls – ActiveX is software component framework from programming language that runs independently. On the other hand, ActiveX controls are programs that establishes distributed applications on the Internet with the use of web browsers. Samples of ActiveX controls are dialog boxes, list boxes, and command buttons.
Java applets and scripting –if this option is enabled, IE will run objects and other programs created through the javascript language.
Cookies – these are temporary text files that store the preferences of a computer in accessing or visiting a particular website.
Software Permission – this feature has three options: Low safety, Medium safety, and High Safety. Notifications from email, auto download, and auto installation are allowed on the Low safety option. In Medium safety, only email and auto download are allowed. Moreover, none of the three will be permitted in the High safety option.
The latest version of Microsoft Corp.’s web browser is the Internet Explorer 9. In installing IE 9, PC users need to have Windows 7 as their operating system (OS).
Internet Explorer 9 – The Latest Version
For those who are using the latest Internet Explorer 9, users can achieve the following security benefits:
Tightening the security features of Internet Explorer does not remove security threats but it only reduces the risks. Remember, as a responsible PC user, you must not do crazy things which you think can harm the security of your computer system. Don’t visit websites and allows block pop-ups.
