Sneaky Microsoft plug-in puts Firefox users at risk

reply to post by ArMaP


I did go out and buy a stable computer which just happened to be an Apple. Apple IMO makes a great computer and OS. I have never had one problem in the 4 years I have had it, other than someone dropping it. My iPhone is also fine, never had any problems there either. Its the perfect phone for what I need it for. I dont have to bring my laptop everywhere anymore. You may have a great pc but most people have no idea how to protect their computers. My sister has messed up everyone she has had and not she is blaming itunes for her problems when it's her pc and lack of protection on it. I like not having to worry about that stuff so I didnt mind paying the extra money for it.

Just to clear up a point for folks, there are now several versions of linux that run and boot off a CD, so you can use linux WITHOUT installing it on your hard drive. just search for "live CD linux", it will find network, sound and video for the most part, try a few different versions till you like what you see

I use PCLINUXOS myself it's great because it will boot up on *ANY* computer even old 486 jobs with 4 MB ram ( *grub boot loader and a list of "flavors")

Firefox is NOT an MS application, so M$ should NOT be messing with it

can you imagine if FF or Safari or Opera did this to windoze????

I think we should get a class action suit going for this

reply to post by thedigirati

The problem is that Firefox is made to allow third-party add-ons, so they run the risk of badly-done add-on messing their browser (as apparently happened several times, judging by the Add-ons Blocklist.

At that's the same thing that happens when people use a bad piece of software and blame the operating system, even if it's not the OS' fault.

Originally posted by ArMaP
reply to post by Ha`la`tha

 

I think that what this shows is that the Firefox add-ons system is an open door to unknown problems.

What's the use of having a fast and stable browser if you allow code from anyone to work attached it?

Sure, they can say that this is not a problem with Firefox, it's a Microsoft problem (like the Quicktime problem is an Apple problem), but the problem is starting to look somewhat similar to the ActiveX problem with Internet Explorer, a good idea that may go terribly wrong.

I have to go with the Microsoft problem. Microsoft tried to install this addon in my PC but I deselected it and so it never installed. My friend like many people here allowed it to install when it first came out but since I knew immediately it was a Microsoft security problem we uninstalled it from my friend's PC despite the lack of an uninstaller.

The point here is that we shouldn't give control of our PCs to Microsoft to let them install whatever the heck they want with automatic updates. I have mine set to notify me of updates, but don't automatically download or install them.

I know a guy who won't install ANY between service pack updates on his OS. If you have other good security measures on your PC and he does, that minimizes your risk. I'm thinking about doing that myself, wait about 6 months after a service pack comes out for it to get fully debugged, then just install the service pack. Then wait for the next service pack and don't install any updates before it comes out. It seems to be working well for him, and this thread OP is an example of why it might be beneficial. However it might not work well for the average user who has lax security measures in place, like using the default firewall that comes with Windows, etc.

Also I don't know what you mean by the Apple Quicktime problem, I don't allow that to install either, there's a problem with that besides the fact that it starts every time you start the PC??? That alone is a big enough problem to keep me from using it.

Wow. What nerve of Microsoft. Luckily I switched to Google Chrome a few months ago, and haven't looked back.

I guess it's time for me to eventually TRY to learn Linux. I would like to help the little guy out. I've heard good things about Linux over the years.

If it wasn't for MACS being so damn expensive, I would have probably said good bye to Microsoft Windows years ago!

[edit on 18-10-2009 by Manwin]

reply to post by Arbitrageur


I don't install the updates just because they were published, I only install them for specific problems, the first thing I do after installing Windows (or Linux) on any computer is to turn off automatic updates, or at least the automatic installation of the updates.

The QuickTime problem that I talked about is the same as this Microsoft problem, a Firefox add-on that has a security problem just like this one, the only difference being that it was not auto-installed as the sneaky Microsoft add-on, just see Add-ons Blocklist posted on my previous post.

Originally posted by Manwin
Wow. What nerve of Microsoft. Luckily I switched to Google Chrome a few months ago, and haven't looked back.

mashable.com...

Don't count on Chrome to protect you, they are starting to release add-ons too.

Ubuntu Linux is pretty nice for simple things like browsing etc but some of the software packages I use are only made for Windows and they don't run well (or at all) under the Linux windows compatibility programs like wine.

reply to post by ArMaP

Thanks I see now the quicktime vulnerability is remote code execution, same as the Microsoft issue. It certainly is more annoying that Microsoft didn't even give us an option like Apple did.

I think most people should do what you do, turn off the automatic updates! And this thread should provide some convincing proof of why that's a good idea!

[edit on 18-10-2009 by Arbitrageur]

reply to post by ArMaP


the only "add ons" that my Firefox has are the ones I personally installed, why is M$ messing with Firefox in the first place?

No other add ons are installed (including tool bars of ANY sort)

WHY is M$ Messing with MY Firefox? yes they do allow add ons but this was without my say so, no other add ons do this but it's Mozilla's fault and not MS? I'm confused by this.


that's like saying I forgot to lock my door so it's ok you stole from me???

or better yet, I left my door unlocked and you made me Kool aid even though I'm diabetic, it will only kill me if I drink it


In this cause I didn't even get the choice to drink it or not

A lot of disinfo going around in this thread it amazes me. Can't please every computer illiterate consumer on the planet, but they do a good job of maintaining that 90% market share. Doesn't help the OP's link is just more Mac disinfo.

But if you would feel better about going to an OS where it is completely closed off from the rest of the world in order to propagate the idea of "stability" like MacOSX does, then by all means go out and buy that $1400 web browser

One thing I've learned in retail is that someone won't spend a single minute learning how to run Windows properly, but once they drop $3000 on a Mac they study the damn thing night and day and it becomes a religious thing, with a shrine dedicated to Mac in the middle of the room. If someone did a study, they'd conclude it to being a severe case of buyer's remorse and fanaticism. And you all call out Christians! Hypocrites!

Microsoft.. the big bad evil corporation.

Great post.

Myself, I am extremely anti-Microsoft. Microsoft has some serious security issues, but to be fair - hackers aren't really trying to expose the security threats in Apple or Linux operating systems. It's not worth their time or effort (and by time, I mean jailtime). I have no doubt in my mind that Apple or Linux could be hacked. Probably even easier then Microsoft. After all, Microsoft introduced a brand new kernel with Vista and within days, it was already hacked. That's what happens when every hacker in the world has their eyes on your product.

My problem with Microsoft is that they are nearly a Monopoly. Alright, in business you need to make sure that you're always on top or you lose money. However, on occasion, Microsoft has been known to take borderline illegal action to ensure that they have absolutely no competition. Which, in itself is illegal and was seen in court.

I just don't feel Microsoft should be on top anymore. Other then the obvious, they don't really care about their customers. This issue being one example. They willingly opened a security issue to make users switch back to internet explorer. Willingly allowing customers to have an unpleasant Windows experience so that their product within a product stays on top.

Upgrades, patches, etc. They don't really update anything anyone cares about. Vista, for example, was supposed to look so amazing. But after an hour of playing with it, you realize that it's just the same old crap. The same little start bar that has been there since Windows 95 complete with wallpaper, icons, a screensaver and Windows explorer.

I support Apple, but I can't afford a Macintosh. Let alone their iPod, iPhone, iThis or iThat.

So, I use Linux. I have my problems with Linux. For one, computers have come a long way and are a little past using commands. The initial setup can be a little intimidating to a first time user because I guarantee you'll need to use command to set something up right. I had to use it on my wireless card. But it's free and best of all, it's not Microsoft.

Originally posted by searching4truth
So, I suggested that it was attached to one of their downloads and that I would not be renewing the program. It would appear I may not have been far off.

ve been thinking that for a long time too!!! I got viruses when no one had used my computer even... I figured that in order to stay in business they probably create more viruses... Norton false flag lol.

Jeez its like shaving makes your hair grow faster so you need to buy more cream

Originally posted by Dracmoor
reply to post by C-JEAN

 

Mouse = Xerox
GUI - Xerox

MS and Apple/Mac stole those ideas and others from the Xerox think tank. and yes they did build a system with mouse and GUI.

www.cedmagic.com...

added link

not being a jerk just trying to give info

First off Star and Flag to OP for this thread.

A Star to you Dracmoor for beating me to this reply. Disinformation must be corrected - after all, the lawsuit was very funny over Jobs and Gates only to have Xerox to stand up and say, "Well Steve you paid us to see our GUI first from us.... why are you sueing Bill?" The judge proceeding over this trial was confused and should not have been judging IMHO.

Word = Wordperfect..... WTF???

What happened to WordStar by MicroPro? Seymour Rubenstein first wordprocessing for the IBM compatible which was ported over from CPM, btw, was called the Electric Pencil by Arthur C. Clarke when Arthur and Seymour first met.

Last one iPod. Thank you goes to Creative Labs for allowing Steve to view their new range of Zen before launch, which, IMHO works better than iPod. I still have my first Creative Lab MP3 Jukebox 3 and it works a treat. My second daughter is still on her first Zen Media Player!!!!!! My oldest daughter is on her 3rd iPod. She keeps buying new ones hoping to solve old problems... Jennifer takes after her mother (sorry Katrina (Wife))! Together they both know computers better than me who has been in the Trade trade for 26 years. Creative labs had to sue Steve Jobs over this.

What I find very funny is that they call me a thief when I download movies or music. At my age I have bought my music so many times! First Records, then 8 Track, then Cassette which wear out and thus repurchasing. Btw I am stuck in the 1970s era they call classic Rock. How many times do I have to purchase the same music to consider my downloads paid for? Just look at this industry! Watch who is stealing from whom.

Back on Track I could not believe it when FireFox gave me the first notice about Microsoft's break in, then I had to go to all of the rooms that have computers to sort out this little problem. Guess I am lucky that it took so long! I mean I am lucky to have that many computer. Yes I could be using Unix but all of my Corp clients and end users uses Windows as does my wife (barely) and at her place of work, and my kids as they use MS products at their place of work..... Therefore to keep my scalp at night means all computers must use what the rest of the household can use

Bill has gone too far with this one and feel that someone should have a day in court with MS over this. How long must people and Corps take MS to court before MS acts as part of the community rather than a person in darken alley going into a knife fight. Surely a Judge should at some point yell "Time MS, Your fined..... again"! Bill Gates and the likes calls me a thief because I take a copy of music or movie from on line. Bill - Stealing is when you take an idea from a company like WordStar and create Word. Thats stealing. Taking a copy is not hurting anyone. Taking and remaking a competitive product well where is WordStar today. Is Seymour Rubenstein or my buddy Jim Fox receiving any royalities from MS.... Okay how about the time Bill Gates has just taken from me by my having to correct the products he just broke whilst breaking and entering on a product that does not belong to him. In the old days if Bill Gates took my horse and reshoed him with faulty horse shoes I could have shot him for being a horse thief. Boy has time dumbed down the laws.... They call me, a copier, a thief and what is a thief of intellectual properties called? Good business.

Sorry for the rant as Edison stole from Telsa and this stealing and now willful sabotage will never end

[edit on 10/19/2009 by IceHappy]

Originally posted by thedigirati
or better yet, I left my door unlocked and you made me Kool aid even though I'm diabetic, it will only kill me if I drink it

It's more like the maker of your door's lock made it in a way that anyone can open it without needing your key.

I'm glad I recently switched from Firefox to Google Chrome.

I would highly recommend it for speed in general internet browsing.

Back on topic though, this is shocking behaviour by Microshaft. How can they just push add-ons to the very people who have rejected their pathetic browser for a far superior piece of software?

If only I liked Macs, but I have a real problem with the whole non compatibility issue.

Just to be on the safe side, can someone say EXACTLY what is recommended on this thread to uninstall?

Is it .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and Windows Presentation Foundation or MS Framework assistant .Net 1.1 ....or all of them?

Thanks in advance.

reply to post by Hyde70


Hyde70
Absolutly... Ubuntu Linux Rules. Wouldnt use anything else to surf with.
Easier than windows faster than windows



[edit on 19-10-2009 by majestictwo]

Originally posted by nik1halo
I'm glad I recently switched from Firefox to Google Chrome.

If only I liked Macs, but I have a real problem with the whole non compatibility issue.

For all Winbloz haters.....

Is not Mac Computers Intel Now??? Is it just the question of the "OS" rather than hardware!? I am sure my Dual - Dual Core 64bit Xeon Processors would be loving the pretty Snow Leopard. But I am not that way incline

www.pcmag.com...

Snow Leopard OS

So all you need to do is sack it up and purchase the latest Apple Snow Leopard! And is Snow Leopard just another flavor of Linux or Unix with a different GUI? Look at the price in the above link.... $29.00!!!!!

All you need is Snow Leopard

Just a random thought after reading so many posters hating their OS... Me? Every computer in house runs XP Pro with no problems. I just hate the way Microsoft and other simular companies which abuses their power or that steal another companies ideas and then market those ideas better thus making Sheeple believe that they were the creator of said products and ideas!

There was once a company spokesman comparing doing business with Microsoft's founder akin to going into an alley for a knive fight.... as reported Channel 4 News Seattle quite a few years ago now.

Just a random thought after reading so many posters hating their OS... Me? Every computer in house runs XP Pro with no problems.

+1, although it looks like I will delete Fedora 11 and install Ubuntu from this thread! Going to tri-boot Windows 7, Windows XP, and Ubuntu from 3 different hard-disks.

Anyone got any advice for me regarding Ubuntu?

BTW... is it possible to get Core i7 MACS, can you overclock them no problems? How do they compare in price to a home built PC?

[edit on 19/10/2009 by C0bzz]

reply to post by C0bzz


Ubuntu works. And Ubuntu works a treat! I just used Ubuntu last week to hack a problemed computer. End User Mess not mine! Nice to boot from a CD and have a working OS.... I just choose to use Windows for my systems. I will be going for Windows 7 when released since I made a conscious effort to avoid Vista now proven correct decision!

edit for correct grammer not that I have it....

[edit on 10/19/2009 by IceHappy]

reply to post by IceHappy


There is nothing that Snow Leopard adds. It is just an update. Microsoft calls it a Service Pack and is free. Apple slaps a shiny new name on it and charges $35.