About 13% of Windows users worldwide (70 million) were still on 98/ME as of July last year:

iTWire - Windows 98 users on their own says Microsoft

does anyone still use windows 98? - Tech Help Forums - Powered by FusionBB

The numbers have probably gone down since, but I will wager it's still a substantial percentage. Also, I don't know how many are on Windows 2000. That's quite a few users who can't run IE7 for its security benefits. Maybe they're all corporate users but somehow I doubt that...

Vasily

Good point about the OSes. To know that people are still running ME is frightening. :)

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Good point about the OSes. To know that people are still running ME is frightening. :)

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Indeed! ME was without equal the buggiest OS that I ever used.

Windows 2000 is a very stable OS, and is still widely used in the business environment. I current have one computer on Win2K and one on WinXP.

Even though Internet Explorer keeps getting better, Firefox is widely regarded as a safer browser. Most internet users will not have any problems while using either of them as long as they are running suitable security software such as a firewall and antivirus protection. Of course you always need to also practice safe surfing.:) If you are still worried then go with the greater margin of safety Firefox provides. In addition you might want to save some money by checking out a few of the great free security software downloads available for use with either IE or Firefox. You do not need to purchase any security software if you do a little looking for free alternatives!

Internet Explorer has too many security holes. I have many friends whose computers were infected by numerous viruses and even hacked while they used Internet Explorer, even though they had the proper security installed. I recommend Firefox all the way, due to it's more advanced build, intense security, and it's stability. However, if you insist upon using Internet Explorer, first download and install Avast Home Edition for free. This is an anti-virus/anti-spyware/anti-adware program that is continuously searching your computer and internet browsing for viruses and other malicious programs. To get Avast, go to Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition Download

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Originally Posted by auglocqnuk

To get Avast, go to Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition Download

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I'd recommend all Windows users (even those using Firefox) run an antivirus app like Avast! Regularly (it's a good product), as well as Windows Update, Spybot S&D, and AdAware 2007 (all of these are free software). Also, use safe email practices: see this short summary page:

Internet Safety: E-mail safety information

BTW, I've found Spybot S&D and AdAware 2007 find different malware, so I like to use them both.

Vasily

Actually, actively running each of these things (Avast, Spybot S&D, and AdAware) together on the same computer at the same time can eventually block your internet connection, as each one has its own Firewall. However, you can avoid this by only running one at a time to search for various malicious programs. I would recommend running Avast ALL the time, especially if you have an "Always On" connection.

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Originally Posted by auglocqnuk

Actually, actively running each of these things (Avast, Spybot S&D, and AdAware) together on the same computer at the same time can eventually block your internet connection, as each one has its own Firewall. However, you can avoid this by only running one at a time to search for various malicious programs. I would recommend running Avast ALL the time, especially if you have an "Always On" connection.

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This is incorrect. Avast, the anti-virus program, is indeed constantly monitoring the files that enter your computer as it should. Spybot has a component that acts as a blocklist for known malware types but is largely an on-demand scanner. AdAware is uniquely an on-demand scanner for malware, it does not do live monitoring. NONE have a firewall component nor will they block your internet connection.

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Originally Posted by vingogly

I'd recommend all Windows users (even those using Firefox) run an antivirus app like Avast! regularly (it's a good product), as well as Windows Update, Spybot S&D, and AdAware 2007 (all of these are free software). Also, use safe email practices: see this short summary page:

Internet Safety: E-mail safety information

BTW, I've found Spybot S&D and AdAware 2007 find different malware, so I like to use them both.

Vasily

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Agreed. I would add that anyone not using a Router with a firewall should turn on the firewall in Windows.