What is ActiveX?

An active-X control is an executable file, just like any other program that you can download. And just like any other downloaded program, active-X can be used for malicious purposes as well as useful ones. Many website's active-X will deliever to your computer>> spyware and adware, often by misleading the visitor into downloading an active-X control that the website claims is necessary for the site to "work". Only let active-X be downloaded from reputable websites that you trust 110% and never allow any active-X control to be downloaded that is not "Signed". Always err on the side of caution when downloading or allowing the use of active-X controls. And always try to use the website first without the active-X. Many times it will "play" just fine! And never lower your Internet Explorer security settings in the Internet Zone below the default settings to allow an active-X control or download. That is "Medium" for IE-6 and "Medium-High for IE-7. Doing so is a huge security risk. Almost all reputable websites will work fine with the default settings.