I'm sure IE users can't help but be a little nervous right now as they wait for Microsoft to release patches for the latest IE security vulnerability. But, never fear, Microsoft has assured its customers that all they have to do is practice "safe browsing" habits until April 11th -- or whenever Redmond actually gets around to fixing IE yet again. So, while I'm hardly an IE expert, let me do my bit by boiling down the things Microsoft has been saying into my ten simple rules on how to browse safely with IE.
Rule 1. Only visit "trusted" websites that you have been to many times. OK, that means you can't actually browse with your browser, but safety needs to come before all else in these perilous times.
Rule 2. Before visiting even trusted websites, you should first check to make sure they are following all of Microsoft's instructions for compatibility patches. When browsing with IE, it's best to phone ahead.
Rule 3. Guarantee that your Internet connection is safe and secure by canceling your broadband account and signing up with MSN.
Rule 4: Avoid responding to scurrilous, rumor-mongering, and/or pornographic content (like that from airline ticketing agencies, online software sales sites, or the BBC), as such material is commonly used to lure unsuspecting victims.
Rule 5. In order to make sure you do not accidentally activate any malware embedded in e-mail messages, buy several books of 39-cent stamps and use our nation's postal system. Encourage your correspondents to do likewise.
Rule 6. Disable the Active X, Java, HTML and TCP/IP capabilities of your computer. After all, you can't be too careful when it comes to safe browsing.
Rule 7. If you know which website was the source of a problem, never go back to it again.
Rule 8. Visit Microsoft.com to make sure you have all the latest patches and bug fixes for IE and Windows.
Rule 9. Don't worry about the fact that following Rule 8 forces you to violate Rule 7. Life is full of these little contradictions.
Rule 10. Finally, visit http://www.mozilla.com and download Firefox. It will allow you to browse safely while ignoring Rules 1 - 9, before and after April 11th.
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