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Thread ID: 29131 2003-01-11 00:10:00 OE and IE krcg (2969) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
112752 2003-01-11 00:10:00 Why do so many people use these programs?
Are they not some of the most insecure bits of software around?
Do people not know of alternatives??
krcg (2969)
112753 2003-01-11 00:15:00 I guess its just convenient, as its comes with Windows.

Or as you said, maybe people do not know of the alternatives.
Archibald (180)
112754 2003-01-11 00:24:00 > Why do so many people use these programs?

Because they come with the computer and people are not always that computer literate that they know how to install other software, and maintain patches and the like.

> Are they not some of the most insecure bits of
> software around?
Possibly. But they are free, many people don't understand (or need to understand) the issues. Security is relative. If my granny's data was accessed, who would care?

> Do people not know of alternatives??
Often not. Often no need. They do what people want. Not everyone is capable of tweaking software to correctly display websites, which are optimised for IE

For the computer literate, good judgement can often be clouded by personal bias as well.

For instance, as a business I do not choose to use microsoft products (OE in particular) for e-mail. It is insecure to the extent of being constantly targetted by virii. While I use and would recommend Eudora, I am aware that others will be just as keen on Pegasus Mail.
godfather (25)
112755 2003-01-11 00:33:00 OE and IE are convenient as already mentioned, they come with Windows. People will use whatever they feel comfortable with or suits their needs - and they are entitled to their choice. Microsoft provides updates and security patches for IE and OE so there is no real reason not to use them.

Most people who visit this forum will be aware that other email clients are available and there are plenty of browsers to choose from - again it is up to the individual to use another program.

For my purposes I use Outtook Express for email as it suits me, and for browsers I have a selection that I use depending on what site I am visiting.

Browsers used today:
In WindowsME - IE6 (with SP1), CrazyBrowser
In Linux - Mozilla 1.1, Konqueror 2.2.2
Jen C (20)
112756 2003-01-11 00:38:00 >Do people not know of alternatives??

no.

most people just use whats ben put in front of them. when i do a pc i usually install alternatives as well and quite often i find they will use the non-ms programs. however one person was a little bit unsure as their isp help line will only support MS products. mayby i should suggest to them to find a better isp ;-)
tweak'e (174)
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