Windows Vista in a Nutshell

Security

Internet Explorer has long been one of the most insecure parts of Windows, but with Windows Vista, Microsoft finally turned its attention to plugging many of those security holes. New to Vista are a phishing filter that can cut down on Internet scams, and Protected Mode, in which Internet Explorer is segregated from the rest of the operating system. Vista also includes previous security features such as cookie handling, and a Pop-Up Blocker tool as well.

As you’ll see in this section, there is no single location in Internet Explorer that lets you handle security, so you’ll have to try the various locations listed here. This chapter covers security-related features found directly inside Internet Explorer. In addition to what’s here, Vista has other Internet-related security and privacy tools, such as Windows Defender, Parental Controls, and the Windows Firewall. Turn to Chapter 8 for details about these and other security features.

Add-On Manager

See what ActiveX controls and add-ons are running in Internet Explorer, and disable or enable them.

To open

Internet Explorer → Tools → Manage Add-ons

Description

Internet Explorer allows a variety of add-ons and ActiveX controls to run inside it. Many of these are required for the basic operation of the browser, but many others add extra functions, such as the Google Toolbar, which lets you search Google from directly within Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, spyware and other malware may ...