I have had a few friends say they cannot see parts of my websites. I think I now can explain why this happens. It seems to me that Microsoft have taken to setting Internet Explorer so it restricts JavaScript by default.
JavaScript is public domain and does not produce any revenue for Microsoft. I like it because it is useful in doing things like displaying bigger copies of my photos in a new window and in closing these extra windows again. Stopping it means, for example, that things like the box at the top of this screen saying "Opened in a second window - Click here to close" will no longer work!
Admittedly, it is the technique normally used for producing pop-up windows, which we all find irritating when they pop-up unwanted adverts. However, JavaScript is not seriously dangerous in the hands of hackers. Even Microsoft's lawyers only claim that...
"These programs can, however, malfunction or give you content you don’t want. In some cases, these programs can be used to collect information from your computer in ways you might not approve of, possibly damage data on your computer, install software on your computer without your consent, or allow someone else to control your computer remotely. Given these risks, you should only install these programs if you completely trust the publisher."
I am not planning to rewrite my websites to remove JavaScript, since most viewers do not disable JavaScript. Eliminating it would make my websites less easy to use (unless both you and I subscribe to alternative Microsoft software). I have suggested elsewhere that you simple click on Internet Explorer's pop-up warning banner and chose to "allow active content". This will allow you to use JavaScript on my sites until the next time you re-start Internet Explorer. Otherwise, I have two suggestions outlined below. I favour the first of them!
Firefox is a non-Microsoft browser. It is very similar to Internet Explorer to use, but it is Open Source and free! It also has a few features that are better than Internet Explorer. It has sensible security features and does not try to manoeuvre you for commercial gain. For more information, click here.
P.S. Firefox has an option to disable Javascript, if you should ever so wish.
[ These instructions assume you are running Internet Explorer v.6 ]
If you do adopt any of my suggestions, I hope you never have a Hacker infiltrate your computer and I also hope you are never struck by lightning.
