3rd July 2002

If you want better control over your surfing experience, I suggest that you stop using Internet Explorer and start using Mozilla. It's a solid alternative, it costs just as much, and it works across platforms. If you'd rather stick with Microsoft's browser, click Tools | Internet Options | Security | Custom Level. Here is how I suggest setting each option; your mileage may vary: Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt; Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disable; Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disable; Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Enable; Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting: Enable; Downloads: Enable; Font download: Enable (set to Disable if you're paranoid); Java Permissions: High safety; Access data sources across domains: Disable; Allow META REFRESH: Enable (set to Disable if you're paranoid); Display mixed content: Enable (Prompt if paranoid); Don't prompt for client certificate selection when no certificates or only one certificate exists: Disable; Drag and drop or copy and paste files: Enable (Prompt if paranoid); Installation of desktop items: Prompt; Launching programs and files in an IFRAME: Prompt; Navigate sub-frames across different domains: Prompt; Software channel permissions: Medium safety; Submit non-encrypted form data: Enable (Prompt if paranoid); Userdata persistence: Enable (may be set to Disable if you're paranoid); Active scripting: Enable (Prompt if paranoid); Allow paste operations via script: Enable (Prompt if paranoid); Scripting of Java applets: Enable (Prompt if paranoid); Logon: Automatic logon only in Intranet zone (Prompt if paranoid).