Posted by Aris Marghetis on August 29, 2008, 13:08:55
Nepean Ontario

Hi there, I've been trying for about an hour, but can't find the answers to these questions. So, I'm wondering if anyone else would know. Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer. First, I run a very tight home PC, with huge emphasis on protection. Therefore, I don't even use regular IE, but rather without add-ons. One of the kids wants to watch YouTube on it, a lot, but that would require either allowing JavaScript, or installing Adobe Flash Player. Question 1: Am I correct in my belief that allowing JavaScript entails risks I don't need?! If the answer is yes, then we're looking at the Adobe option. However, when I went to install it, Adobe wants to create an ActiveX control for the Adobe Flash Installer. So, I can only even try to install it running IE with add-ons. Question 2: Given that I normally run IE without add-ons, should I be able to run IE with add-ons just for the installation, and then normally run IE without add-ons after? Unless I'm mistaken, my conclusion is based on the understanding that the Installer requires ActiveX control but that the resulting Player does not (or may not?) If the answer is yes, then I'm wondering by what mechanism would I be notified of Player updates? Question 3: Is it correct to assume that when something like YouTube calls the Adobe Player, that it periodically checks itself against any recent updates, and pops up a reminder to update? Or, should I expect that checking and notification would only work if I was running IE with add-ons (which I'm trying to avoid) ? I hope that all of the above makes sense?! Thanks in advance, and best regards. (also posted on the new ChessTalk)