how to stop ActiveX messages

[jbclem]

I'm on the LA Times web site and almost everytime I back pedal through the
page links (on a story I'm reading) a message pops up and I have to stop and
click "yes" or "no" before I can go further (or backward). The message
says:

"Some software(ActiveX controls) on this page might be unsafe. It is
recommended that you not run it. Do you want to allow it to run?"

I rarely use IE because of the constant animated ads, but not this popup
message makes it even less palatable. Is there a way to turn off this
message, and can someone explain what ActiveX is doing that makes it so
necessary but also sometimes unsafe...


jc

[RobertVA]

Post by jbclem
I'm on the LA Times web site and almost everytime I back pedal through the
page links (on a story I'm reading) a message pops up and I have to stop and
click "yes" or "no" before I can go further (or backward). The message
"Some software(ActiveX controls) on this page might be unsafe. It is
recommended that you not run it. Do you want to allow it to run?"
I rarely use IE because of the constant animated ads, but not this popup
message makes it even less palatable. Is there a way to turn off this
message, and can someone explain what ActiveX is doing that makes it so
necessary but also sometimes unsafe...
jc

Just to make sure you're clear on what ActiveX is:

ActiveX is a TYPE of extension software

Some site developers use extension software to accomplish effects and
interactions that aren't available with HyperText Markup Language
(HTML). Some extension software uses a Java interpreter, some uses
Microsoft's ActiveX. The same features that make ActiveX more powerful
than Java make it a little less secure. Note that Java is NOT the same
thing as Javascript.

The uncertainty in the prompt/permission messages is over the
reliability of the ActiveX "control" software the web page is wanting to
download, NOT the ActiveX interpreter itself. there's a system in place
that offers the option of control developer certifying their ActiveX
controls (there are fees involved) so that the prompts won't occur when
visiting sites you allow to remain in your computer's ordinary "Internet
zone"