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Natril J. from
Jefferson asks:
"Windows Update keeps nagging me to install Internet Explorer 8. What should I do?"ANSWERED
August 12: Sources say Microsoft's Internet Explorer is losing market share (see sites like
W3Schools.com or
Hitslink.com for details.) To stem the tide, IE 8 has added several features that other browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Opera, etc. already offer. Furthermore, after ignoring the HTTP standard for many years, Microsoft suddenly made IE8 standards-compliant, necessitating the addition of "Compatibility Mode," so it can properly render sites designed for previous versions of Internet Explorer. My advice is to stay with IE 6 or 7, if you're happy with either version. Upgrading to IE8, however, is low-risk. You can easily uninstall IE version 8 and revert to version 7. To decline the IE8 update, simply choose the "Custom," rather than the "Express," installation of Microsoft Updates. Uncheck "Internet Explorer 8 for Windows (XP, Vista, Server 2003, etc.)," and then choose the option not to be notified about this update again. This will end the nagging -- at least for now.
- Kendall O. from New Orleans writes: "My bank sent me an email instructing me to logon and verify my recent transactions. I clicked the link but didn't logon. Now, when I open the email, there's an error message. Have I been victimized?"
ANSWERED August 12: First of all, I would stop opening that email. It's fortunate that you didn't logon, but I wouldn't dismiss the possibility that your computer was compromised. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently added a new identity theft section to its website, called "Deter, Detect, and Defend." Where your identity is concerned, it's always better to err on the side of caution. If personal information was harvested from your computer, you might not see foul play immediately. Refer to the FTC's step-by-step guides to find out what precautions you should take. For more information, including a free, downloadable 52-page booklet, entitled "TAKE CHARGE: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft," visit the FTC's Identity Theft Site. To sharpen your skills at distinguishing phishing scams from legitimate emails, check out the "Phishing and Spam IQ Quiz" and other resources in Jerry's Links.
