Rather than continue to apply what amounts to "band aid" security fixes to IE, I recommend a more permanent solution. Stop letting IE put you at risk, and switch to another web browser.

How exactly will switching web browsers help? Quite simply, there are so many security exploits on Internet targeted specifically to IE that just by using another browser, you'll happily avoid most of them.

The good news is that there are several alternative web browsers available free of charge like Netscape, Mozilla, Opera and Firefox. For more information a great website to visit is http://BrowseHappy.com. This website is dedicated to getting people to switch from IE. It's full of "real life" stories about why people switched, and what browser they're using now.

So, what's best browser of bunch? Well, it's highly subjective of course, but my vote goes to …

Firefox, "Rediscover Web" A new browser called Firefox has quickly become my web browser of choice. First off, Firefox was written to be "lean and mean" and it certainly delivers. It's faster at loading web pages than IE and even provides features not found in IE. Something I suspect will quickly become a favorite feature is called tabbed browsing. Tabbed browsing allows you to load multiple web pages in same window, and quickly switch between loaded pages. Tired of pop-ups? Firefox has best built-in pop-up blocker I've seen. I have yet to see a pop-up get past it. When it comes to security, Firefox receives *high marks*.

Firefox definitely has a positive "buzz" going right now, and it's easy to see why. If you're interested in trying out Firefox, you can download it for free here: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

I'll conclude by saying that switching browsers is only one of several steps necessary to protect yourself from many threats on Internet, but it's certainly a good place to start. Here's to practicing safe computing.

Is it safe to say internet meetings between faceless names on-line is taking place of meeting people at bars, clubs, churches, parties and other social gatherings?

People are looking outside their box (environment) for something different and better than what thery're use too! People are tired of being alone and they're seeking companionship where ever they can find it! And it seems to me internet is where they're looking.

Native New Yorker and published author with AuthorHouse Publishing Co.