Smart Downloading with Internet Explorer 6
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Downloading files from the Internet can feel like playing a game of chance. You never know when you're going to encounter a file that damages your system. While the possibility of that happening is relatively slim, getting to know some of the security features in Internet Explorer 6 and keeping your PC protected will help you make informed decisions and avoid putting your computer at risk.
On This Page
 | Should I Save or Open? |
| What Internet Explorer 6 Does |
| Improvements to Internet Explorer 6 with Windows XP SP2 |
Should I Save or Open?
When you do decide to download something from the Web, you will see a box similar to the one below.
File Download dialog box
Tip: The Always ask before opening this type of file check box is not available for some file types, such as files with the extensions .exe or .com, which run programs or commands. When this check box is not available, you will always be asked before opening this type of file.
Save
Usually, the best option is to click Save to save the program or file to disk, then run or open it when you are no longer connected to the Web. This way, you can do the following before opening the file or running the program:
| • | Use your virus scanner to check that the file is virus-free. |
| • | Save your work and close all your open programs. |
| • | Disconnect from the Internet or other network connections. |
For many types of files, you can ensure the most security by selecting the Always ask before opening this type of file check box. If you trust that a certain file type is always safe to open or run directly from the Internet, you can clear this check box.
Tip: It's easy to download software updates, games, sounds, pictures—just about anything. But sometimes it's hard to find them again on your computer. To make sure you can, create a folder where you want a downloaded file to go.
Open
Some Web sites will suggest that you click Open to run files from the current location when downloading. When you choose to run from the current location, the file is downloaded to a temporary location on your computer, then you are presented with a digital certificate that gives information about the software publisher. In the certificate dialog box, you can choose whether you want to run or open the file, based on the information presented. For certain types of files this is a good option, and thanks to Internet Explorer 6 technology, you can make informed decisions about downloading this way.
What Internet Explorer 6 Does
Internet Explorer 6 verifies that a program comes from a reliable source. Though it cannot guarantee that you will never download a harmful or malicious program, it does substantially reduce the risk by checking the digital certificate that the software publisher can attach to its products.
Before you download, Internet Explorer 6 performs a check to ensure that:
| • | The program has a valid certificate. |
| • | The identity of the software publisher matches the certificate. |
| • | The certificate is still valid. |
If the software has a valid certificate, Internet Explorer 6 displays certificate information, like the name of the software publisher, whether the publisher is an individual or a corporation, and the date the certificate expires. Based on these facts, you can make an informed decision about whether you want to download.
If you see a message that tells you that a piece of software does not have a valid certificate, it is also up to you to decide if you trust the publisher enough to download the software.
Pay attention to certificate validations, keep tabs on how your security zones are configured, and be sure you trust what you are downloading before you do it.
Improvements to Internet Explorer 6 with Windows XP SP2
The security features and innovations in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) with Advanced Security Technologies are all about helping users like you take a proactive approach to improving the protection of your computer, your information, and your privacy. These security improvements extend to Internet Explorer 6 and downloading.
Help to Protect Your PC from Potentially Harmful Downloads
If a site attempts to download a program to your computer without your authorization, Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP SP2 uses the Information Bar to let you know. The Information Bar shows up to notify you, and then it disappears when you move on to another Web page.
The Information Bar appears when a Web site tries to download a file that you did not request
To find out what actions you can take, simply click the Information Bar to bring up a context-sensitive menu (as shown in the following image). The menu contains a link to Help where you can find more information about the notification.
Click the Information Bar to see what actions you can take
Tip To learn more about the Information Bar, read Use the Internet Explorer 6 Information Bar. You can also get more technical background about the Information Bar on the TechNet site.
Help to Protect Your PC when Saving Potentially Damaging Files
A file you download from the Webfor example, a game, a picture, or even a programcan be just what you bargained for, or it can be a vehicle for more malevolent intent. For this reason, Internet Explorer 6 has stepped up its scrutiny of any file you begin to download, open, or save from the Web. Internet Explorer 6 checks to see whether the file is the type of file it says it is and provides strong warnings if there are irregularities in how the file describes itself or if there seems to be a potential for harm based on the particular type of file (as shown in the following image). Internet Explorer 6 also offers more concise information to help you understand the implications of opening or saving a file.
Example of an Internet Explorer 6 security warning
1. | As in previous versions of Internet Explorer 6, you can see what type of file you are trying to download. In Windows XP SP2, you will also see the size of the file along with what type of file it is. |
2. | As in previous versions of Internet Explorer 6, you can see the source of the downloadin other words, where the software comes from. |
3. | Internet Explorer 6 also offers guidance about the type of file you are downloading. |
4. | You can click the How can I decide what software to run? link to make a more informed decision about what to do. |
Block Downloads from Specific Publishers
Some publishers will go to great lengths to have users install their programs. You may have experienced a situation in which you were repeatedly prompted to install a program that you didn't want or didn't trust. Perhaps you even installed the program just to get the prompts to go away.
Now, Internet Explorer 6 helps you to avoid this situation. With a simple click of the mouse, you have the option of automatically preventing certain programs from being installed or run on your computer. This includes an option to block all software from a specific publisher.
Now you can tell Internet Explorer 6 how to handle downloads from a specific publisher
Tip: Help keep your PC protected by downloading software updates. Microsoft Update and Office Update help you keep your software current and therefore better protected against viruses and worms. Visit the Protect Your PC page for more information on how to help keep your PC safe.