The Computer Corner
By Charles Miller, July 7, 2006


Deactivating ActiveX

An Atención reader, Larry, writes to ask me to address the subject “ActiveX.” I have to start by explaining what ActiveX, or “AX,” is. AX is the most recent evolution of Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), software created by Microsoft. Some people might call it an embedded system or a special-purpose software system or mini-programs that run within the Internet Explorer web browser.

AX permits computer programmers and website developers to “farm out” jobs to different parts of your computer. For example, a website might send music to your sound system or streaming video to your media player.

The Windows operating system installed on your computer uses AX to make the Internet Explorer browser work. It is something the user does not see, but it is there working behind the scenes.

The main benefit of using AX is that it gives programmers the ability to use the resources of your system. The main problem in using AX is that it gives programmers the ability to use the resources of your system.

The power and flexibility of AX has unfortunately turned into one of the main vulnerabilities of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer web browser. Bugs in the security of ActiveX can allow a malicious program to gain control of your computer.

Some computer professionals have gone so far as to call AX a really bad idea, and something you should get rid of. Fortunately, ActiveX controls are not necessary for most websites, and so you can usually turn off AX without adversely affecting much of your internet usage.

Critics of Microsoft and AX contend that the only websites that require AX are those that are badly designed, and that it is largely misused to install adware and spyware on your computer.

If you want to try turning off AX, here is how: Open the Windows Control Panel and double-click on the “Internet Options” icon. Click on the “Security” tab, then on the “Internet” icon, and finally click on the [Custom Level] button.
Here in this dialog box, you will need to change each of the following to “Disable”:

(1) “Download signed ActiveX control”
(2) “Download unsigned ActiveX controls”
(3) “Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe”
(4) “Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins”
(5) “Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting”

With all five of these options set to disable, you are quite safe from malicious exploits of AX. Of course, now there might be a few websites you cannot view properly.

You can get around that problem by putting those sites that you know and trust into the “Trusted Sites” zone so that AX can run on those sites.

To place a site on the list of trusted web pages, return to the Control Panel and double-click on the “Internet Options” icon and the “Security” tab. Click on the “Trusted Sites” button and on the [Sites] button.

Carefully copy the domain name of the website you wish to trust into the box and click on [Add]. You need only enter the domain (starting with http:// and ending with the next slash, which usually comes after .com). Once on the trusted list, that site will be permitted to use AX.
Hopefully, it goes without saying you should include only those sites that you really know well and trust.

Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant, a frequent visitor to San Miguel since 1981 and now practically a full-time resident. He may be contacted at 044-415-153-8528 or email FAQ@SMAguru.com.