My Web browser often gives me a message that says, “Your current security settings prohibit running ActiveX controls on this page.” What is ActiveX?
A: ActiveX controls are little programs that work within a Web browser to provide things like interactivity and animation to Web pages. They can be helpful tools that let you do calculations in a browser window or upload pictures to a photo-sharing site. But there are also rogue ActiveX controls that secretly install software on your computer or do other malicious deeds.
Internet Explorer has security settings that can prevent pages from using ActiveX controls, which may be causing the browser messages. You can see and adjust those settings by going to the Tools menu, then to Internet Options, and clicking on the Security tab.
Browsers set to Medium security block downloading of unknown ActiveX controls. The High security setting blocks even more potential threats, but it can limit the functions of some Web pages. You can tinker with the settings yourself by clicking on the Custom Level button and adjusting the browser handling of ActiveX controls.
Internet security software and anti-spyware programs can also block ActiveX controls from running on a Web page. You can usually adjust your security settings within these programs as well, but loosening the default restrictions can make your computer more vulnerable.
Q: How do you change the “new mail” sound that plays when messages arrive in Apple Mail?
A: If you would like a more personalized alert when e-mail lands in your in-box, you have to change the setting. Go to the Mail menu in the Mac’s menu bar when you have the program open and select the Preferences option. Click the General tab. Next to “New mail sound,” there is a drop-down menu where you can select an alternative audio alert.
If you do not see what you want on the list, select the Add/Remove option at the bottom. This brings up a list of the files in your user account’s Library/Sounds folder. To add a sound clip that is not there, click the Add button and navigate to the sound file’s location on your computer.
Files in the AIFF and MP3 formats work with Mac OS X. Click the Done button when you are finished and your new sound should be available in the list.