Why is ACTIVE X so bad for computers ?

Question

I keep getting warnings not to use ACTIVE X .

If I have a good security system, should I go with ACTIVE X ? Will it keep out the bad stuff ?

Answer 1

It is best to leave the browser settings at its default. If you must accept an active x site, then turn it off in your settings but be sure that the website you are visiting is safe. Just to let you know that viruses or worms infect your PC without you knowing.

EDITED: If you have a good security system like Norton Antivirus or Mcafe, then you probably don't need to turn off the active x. The most important thing is that you know that the site is free from viruses and spywares that which means it is safe. If you think it is safe, then you may turn off your active x.

But usually a good trusted site doesn't need you to turn off or on active x, usually those sites already verified by your browsers (micsrosoft, mozilla, flash, or javasuns). Most trusted sites run correctly w/o modifying the default settings of your browser.

Answer 2

Active X is a security cesspool.

Every extendable browser needs some kind of "high privilege API". Internet Explorer offers ActiveX, Firefox depends on XPCom and PlugIns. If Microsoft decided to drop ActiveX they would need another technology to replace it.

Every browser extension API (ActiveX, XPCom, Java) had critical bugs in the past allowing arbitrary code execution. However none of these are plagued with the sheer volume/ critical insecurities of Active X.

Even now IE collects spyware like flypaper while Firefox gets almost none on the same sites. Why? ActiveX 90% of the time easy. Lots of companies turn off activex, I've rarely heard of IT heads disableing all Java controls. ActiveX is the saturday night special of APIs. It needs to be replaced.

I only use IE for downloading updates from MS. Period.
If I were you I would install a more secure browser, such as FireFox 2.0 http://www.mozilla.com/en-us/firefox/...
for every day web-browing
FF can be further beefed up with a Plugin called "no-script" https://addons.mozilla.org/search.php?app=firefox&q=noscript&cat=null&type=E&appfilter=null&platform=null&date=null&sort=newest&perpage=10

I would install the "CraptiveX" controls solely for the purpose of visiting MS's website and applying patches and updates, and just dont use the browser for anything else.

Answer 3

because there may be some hidden virus scripts which can enter ur system alongwith activ x scripts....

thats y u get the warnings....
its ur call whether u trust the source of activ x control or not.....

Answer 4

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1785769,00.asp?kc=EWNKT0209KTX1K0100440

Answer 5

thats where worms *** from