Active x

[druiaghtagh]

To download a screen saver , it requires i install active x controls, is this safe please?

[Kev_UK]

ActiveX (DirectX) are safe as long as you download them from a trustworthy source. I recently reinstalled Windows XP so had to reinstall a few things including  ActiveX (I got DirectX 9.0). Here is the link...

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displayla ng=en&categoryid=2

[Potatoman]

ActiveX is NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with DirectX!!! You cant "install" activeX, its a custom control for programmers. Personally, i wouldnt install it, even from a "safe" source. Download then scan with AV software 2b on the safe side if your PC finds it necessary.

[scatman]

First, know what activeX is then think about why a site would need it.

ActiveX is dangerous in the wrong hands, Microsoft uses it a lot for its Windows Update service which scans your pc to see what updates you need and then downloads them. It has the power to make directories, install things without you knowing, scan your entire pc and so on. So you can see why it could be dangerous.

Now, to download a screen saver do you think you would need this? No, all they would need to do is link to the download. They're probably trying to install a huge amount of spyware/adware etc on your pc.

Don't do it =)

Oh, and get FireFox. ActiveX can only be used through IE.