Active X

[Lindsey81]

hi all can anyone tell me about active x i have just got my laptop back from the repair shop and it cost me �80 to reboot repair. i went into zone.com to play games but it says i need to install active x so it will change my settings so i can play when i went to click on it but this little box popped up and it gave me all info saying dont if you realy dont need it ....can anyone tell me if they have had it and was it ok

[tomd]

It's a standard Microsoft framework, a lot of media and games might need it. I expect most PC users have it installed, whether they know it or not.

[Lindsey81]

i hope that it wont affect my laptop thanks for the answer i still am dubious <<< not to sure on spelling

[LeMarchand]

ActiveX controls can be used to do things to your computer that may harm it, so you will generally be asked if you want to install one. If a reputable site or a "proper" disc is asking you if you want to install an ActiveX control then it should be OK, but you should always exercise caution.

[Lindsey81]

Right I am slightly worried now I went and downloaded it from msn zone after reading the first answer not blaming you though now the other answer has mage me think can I unistall it now as I got it from Msn not a disk : {

[LeMarchand]

*Looks at zone.com*

As part of Microsoft, you shouldn't have any trouble. We get a lot of discs at work (a school) that use ActiveX controls as part of their presentation (launched through Internet Explorer). However, if (say) you were on www.dodgyxxxadultsite.ru, then allowing an ActiveX control is probably not a good idea.

Lots of sites run little programs that you won't know are running on your PC. Most of these are harmless and necessary to the way the site works. However, some sites will try to use legitimate types of controls or programs to hijack your machine in some way. You just need to find a working balance between total paranoia and letting anybody who can access your machine have free rein!

There's a load about zone.com here that should put your mind at ease.