IE8... advice in setting up?

I just saw this in the latest issue of Windows Secrets:-

Ready or not, you're getting IE 8 or 9


By Susan Bradley

"Microsoft wants to strong-arm us into abandoning IE 6 and embracing its latest browsers.

Starting Jan. 17, Microsoft began pushing out IE 8 and IE 9 to all customers through Windows Update."

I was wondering since I use Opera primarily, if anyone can offer advice in how to setup IE 8, for the best in privacy and security, because I am basically clueless about IE8.

 

can you go for IE9 instead? It offers slightly more in terms of securing it. Otherwise allow scripting (activex, java, java script) only for trusted sites and block for others

 

No...I am still with XP.

However, googling I found this guide...All IE8 security settings

Seems OK, at first glance!

 

Didn't look at all the settings, but "Launching applications and unsafe files" must be : prompt (recommended). "Disabled" you can't download (with other browsers; with ie I don't know, because I don't use it).

 

DropMyRights? Also, Online Armor "run safer".