Entries Tagged ‘ActiveX controls’

22 Oct
2009

2 Major Benefits of ActiveX Controls and Keeping Them Running Clean

Posted by Kat

ActiveX controls are the building blocks of Microsoft ActiveX technology that enable web developers to customize their websites by adding media that is viewable by downloading the controls.  Some Windows programs such as Windows Explorer and Windows Media Player to enable navigation and usability also utilize ActiveX controls.  Though there are a few downsides, ActiveX controls provide many benefits for PC users and internet goers.

  1. Functionality of ActiveX Controls: The most obvious benefit of ActiveX controls is their functionality.  They enable computer users to utilize programs such as Windows Media and Windows Explorer and help enrich internet experience on the Internet Explorer and Firefox web browsers.  This unique programming language makes navigation quick and easy and gives a means for PC users to interact with their computer.
  2. Quick Interaction with Internet Browser: Probably the most attractive benefit of ActiveX controls is the fact that they enable quick interaction with web pages and email messages by using pre-existing components.  This means fewer control downloads, less space taken up, and smooth running of Internet Explorer.

Though ActiveX components mainly only operate with Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, they have a greater level of control over Windows than Java applets do.  This makes them more powerful than Java applets when it comes to interacting and controlling Windows components.

Though the benefits are positive attributes to your PC use and internet browsing, prevent corruption of ActiveX controls on your system registry with regular maintenance.  Download and utilize a good registry cleaner to keep your ActiveX controls in check and to keep your registry clear of errors.  This will overall improve and optimize your PC’s performance.


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14 Oct
2009

3 Disadvantages of ActiveX Controls

Posted by Kat

ActiveX controls are the building blocks of the Active X programming language that is utilized to set functions in Microsoft Windows operating systems.  More specifically, it is utilized in Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Windows Explorer to build their feature-sets and encapsulate functionality in ActiveX Controls.

What Do ActiveX Controls Do?
As with any programming language, there are certain disadvantages that hinder its use or functionality.  ActiveX controls are the individual units that distribute applications used on your computer, so you can utilize a program or navigate a browser window.  Websites often use them to enable media on their sites to be seen or played.

  1. The first major disadvantage of ActiveX controls is that there are certain security vulnerabilities within the framework that make it easy for malicious programs to infiltrate your computer.
  2. ActiveX controls downloaded onto your computer possess the same rights as the current user on your PC (i.e., limited or administrative access) and therefore have the same control over your computer.
  3. Extending your trust in someone else not to abuse this is risky because some websites won’t hesitate to install malware or viruses alongside their controls.

Preventing ActiveX Problems
The best way to avoid these harmful disadvantages of ActiveX controls is to be aware and make sure all of your internet security settings are correct.  Correct and prevent most ActiveX control problems by downloading and utilizing a good registry cleaner.  This will prevent corrupt ActiveX controls from adversely affecting your system and keep your PC running at optimal performance.

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26 Sep
2009

How to Repair ActiveX Errors

Posted by Kat

Similar to Java applets, ActiveX controls are small programs that perform important functions for web applications.  These controls allow you to gather data, view certain kinds of animations and files.  Without ActiveX controls, this would not be possible for most people.

The problem lies in the fact that most hackers know just how common ActiveX controls are, and will use them to carry malware and viruses into your computer.  Once there, these bugs and worms are hard to get out.  You do have some options both before and after an infection takes place.

Proactive Solution to Repairing Errors

Since these controls can be used so easily against you, it is important to prevent them from being downloaded automatically.

  1. Open your Internet Explorer and click upon the Tools tab.
  2. From there select, the internet options button.
  3. Go to the Security level and choose custom level.
  4. Scroll down to the section that describes the conditions for accepting ActiveX files.
  5. Select “prompt” for all options other than “run ActiveX controls and plug ins” and “Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting.”
  6. The last two selections should be enabled.  This will assure you that questionable active X will not be able to download before you evaluate them.

What to Do if ActiveX Errors are Already There

If you have already created problems for yourself by unintentionally downloading such ActiveX files, then your best solution is a registry cleaner.  You can download a cleaner from the web in a matter of minutes.  It will go through your registry, find anywhere that has been affected by problematic downloads, and make repairs.

It will also clear out any leftover bits of old, deleted programs, fix damaged files, and in general, clean up and optimize your operating system.  The result will be a faster, happier computer that no longer freezes up or crashes.  Read more about how a registry cleaner helps with ActiveX controls.

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