How to tighten up IE?

Almost daily I have one or more of the following annoying issues when browsing with IE:

1. Pop-up windows of the type "Would you like to set your home page to.."
2. Windows media player opens automatically
3. Minimised windows that refuses to close (end process in Task Manager is required)
4. ActiveX plugins trying to install
5. ActiveX plugins install when I try to close them

I am aware that there is a general problem with pop-ups, but how can Windows Media Player be opened without my permission? Why will closing an ActiveX plugin windows cause it to install?

Can I prevent one or more of the above problems by editing the default settings in IE?

 

There are ways, lots of ways eg using javacool stuff, proxomitron/popup blockers etc. IE spyad, adjusting your host files, using a pac file, adjusting your security settings etc etc..

But it's all a drag. Ever considered switching browsers?

 

Yes, have I have thought of that. I tried Mozilla a couple of months ago, but I am afraid I might loose some functionality.

 

What type of functionality are you afraid to lose? For 90-99% of sites it doesn't make a difference . You can still keep IE for some of the sites which you absolutely need it.

And Mozilla/Firebird has many nice functions not in IE, like buildin popup killer, password manager, tab browing , no nasty index.dat files that are hard to clean , multiple search engines built in, etc.

http://www.mozilla.org/products/firebird/why/

 

for the beginner u can't go wrong with this:

http://blackdiamond.mozdev.org/

It's Firebird in a nice little package. Read about it above.
Put it on ur desktop if u like and u can delete it at any time. It has everything u need to get up and running.

Like Jayk said, leave those IE problems behind. In 6 months use i have never run into a site that doesnt work with FB ('cept W. update!)

 

Hi

Opera is also quite a good, newbie friendly browser as well

http://www.my.opera.com/

try a couple and see what u fancy

EDIT-deleted screenie(wrong one)

 

You really hate activex? Good then toss IE, none of the other browsers do activex.

 

You can also use Avant Browser.It's an add-on to IE really.With 2 mouse clicks (literally) you can enable/disable activeX at will.It's freeware and you can find it here:

http://www.avantbrowser.com/

I use it and i very satisfied