Microsoft Releasing an Out-of-Band Security Update for Internet Explorer

 

Update Tuesday came and went this week with a few updates, but a vulnerability has been exposed for Internet Explorer versions 6-8 on Windows XP, 2003, Vista, and even 2008.  Microsoft has decided to release and out-of-band security update for this vulnerability due to its critical nature.  Unfortunately this zero-day exploit has not fix yet from Microsoft.  The update is expected to be released sometime today.  Be sure to sync up your WSUS servers after the exploit has been released. 

Remember my tips to subscribe to important security lists to stay on top of your networks.

Read Microsoft's Security Advisory

Internet Explorer 6 Comes to Windows Mobile

That headline has to be the most misleading one I’ve ever wrote.  Yes Internet Explorer 6 is coming to Windows Mobile.  It is not the version 6 that we have grown to loathe as system administrators, but it is based on current desktop IE 7 and maybe even 8.  The browser will support rich media such as Silverlight and Flash as well as AJAX.  Page rendering will be more close to the desktop alternative which of course has been around for years with Opera Mini (available for WinMo via Java) and recently with Safari for the iPhone.

And the bit about it coming to Windows Mobile is misleading because they just announced the availability of the updated mobile browser, but it will not be available on current handsets only future handsets.  Future here meaning many months until you see them overseas since carriers are not as strict and controlling about the devices.  Then maybe sometime in 2009 we may see WinMo handsets using the browser.  Alternatively the hardworking folks at ppcgeeks.com have been providing kitchens and ROMs for WinMo phones to help you keep your WinMo device running the latest software.  Flashing your phone with unsanctioned ROMs is not an easy process, but you may find yourself taking the plunge if your mobile drives you crazy like many other users.

The upside is that Windows Mobile is finally going to have a decent browser which may mean more developers coding websites to be friendly to Windows Mobile based devices. 

Here is a video of the browser in action. 

 

Keep in mind that Opera Mini, Opera Mobile, Safari, and Skyfire have already beat Microsoft to the punch so they will not get a lot of positive reviews for their efforts.

IE7Pro - A Must Have Add-on for Internet Explorer If you Must Have Internet Explorer

While I wouldn't be a true everyday sysadmin if I didn't recommend you use FireFox as your primary web browser, some may still not be able to wean themselves off of their IE addiction due to habit or IE-only sites. IE7Pro steps in to help you get some of the best features of FireFox in Internet Explorer 7 (I haven't tested it with IE8 Beta yet).

• Enhanced tab management
• Crash recovery (get those tabs back in an IE crash)
• Proxy switcher
• Ad Blocker (Hurray!)
• Inline search
• Spell check

Head on over to pick up the free download and bring life back to Internet Explorer.