On 28 Dec 2001, at 1:09, Julie Scorer wrote:

> While surfing I frequently get the error message "Your security settings
> prohibit the use of ActiveX controls.
> As a result this page may not display properly"
> The page usually does display properly but it takes FOREVER!
> Would some kind person please tell me what this means and
> how to remedy it?
> I use Windows98SE and Internet Explorer 5.5.
> Thanks.
>
> Julie

  The web site is trying to download a "hunk" of binary code to be
executed on your computer.

  This lets them create all sorts of spectacular effects on your
screen.  It does very little to prevent them also creating all sorts
of spectacular damage to your files/drives/registry/etc -- which is
why having your security settings on "High" prevents this.

  Unfortunately,

(a) far too many corporate website designers seem to believe that
everyone on the Internet should automatically trust them,

(b) your gbrowser has no way of knowing whether the ActiveX code is
to make a little animated waving flag in a corner of the window, or
basically does the whole function of the site.  It can warn you that
"this page may not display properly", but it really doesn't know
whether it will be usable or not.

and (c) the security settings that block ActiveX controls from
executing *may not* prevent tying up your connection while
*downloading* the code for the control.  This could be why you see
such a delay.

Dave Gillett

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