It always pops up when i want to play a game or something, but sometimes those end up installing something that i shouldn't.. So is Active X good or bad?
2006-11-24 15:10:53 · 6 answers · asked by Luckystar25 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
I'm on www.msn.com if that makes a difference
2006-11-24 15:12:23 · update #1
Active-X can be either good or bad. Active -X are indeed needed for some websites to work correctly, however Active-X can also used to put virus and spyware on your computer.
Only allow the use of Active-X on websites that you know and trust such as Yahoo and MSN.com.
And never allow the download of an "unsigned" activeX control.
Using SpywareBlaster can help prevent the use of the "bad" Active-x.
SpywareBlaster will prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software. It is a great free program that is free from:
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
It is one of the first programs I have put on every computer of mine!
Good luck.
2006-11-24 15:25:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An active-X control is an executable just like any other program that you can download. And just like any other downloaded program, active-X can be used for malicious purposes as well as useful ones. Many website's active-X will deliever to your computer>> spyware and adware, often by misleading the visitor into downloading an active-X control that the website claims is necessary for the site to "work". Only let active-X be downloaded from reputable websites that you trust 110% and never allow any active-X control to be downloaded that is not "Signed". Always err on the side of caution when downloading or allowing the use of active-X controls. And always try to use the website first without the active-X. Many times it will "play" just fine! And never lower your Internet Explorer security settings in the Internet Zone below the default settings to allow an active-X control or download. That is "Medium" for IE-6 and "Medium-High for IE-7. Doing so is a huge security risk. Almost all reputable websites will work fine with the default settings.
2016-05-22 23:42:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Active X can install viruses on your computer. If you do not know or trust the site that wants to install then do not accept it.
Active X is a small program that allows many programs to work on your computer. msn.com is Microsoft and the game it has are safe and the Active X is safe.
I have a free program on my computer called Site Advisor. Site Advisor tests website and tells you if they are safe or not. I use site advisor to help me decide on active X controls at sites I am not sure of for safety. If site advisor tested the site and its safe, then I will accept the Active X.
The Site Advisor Site will explain how it works. Download the free version.
http://www.siteadvisor.com/
2006-11-24 15:23:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on what it is being used for. Most websites will tell you if you should be expecting an Active X control to be installed. If you were not expecting Active X to show up, don't install it.
Msn should be alright, but make sure you look at it and make sure you know what it is for before you install it.
2006-11-24 15:17:48 · answer #4 · answered by Bryan A 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have configured ActiveX to generally be off and only allow it to be used in sites you trust, you'll be ok.
2006-11-24 15:16:08 · answer #5 · answered by dm_gsxr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes its ok its fine in fact half the internet programs won't run with out it
2006-11-24 15:19:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋