Adobe security problem and Internet Explorer add-ons
I want to mention that there are two different types of PDF reader involved in the security problem mentioned in the preceding post. One type is the software that is used to read PDF files on the desktop. This is the software that is used when you click on a PDF file that is already stored on your computer. The other type involves reading PDF files that are on external Web sites. In this case it is an add-on or plug-in for your Internet browser that is involved. Internet Explorer (IE) uses an ActiveX component.
Until Adobe fixes its security problem, those who use IE7 and Adobe should consider disabling the Adobe add-on. Open the “Tools” menu in IE7, place your mouse on “Manage Add-ons” and in the expanded menu, click “Enable or Disable Add-ons”. (See the figure below.)
The “Manage Add-ons” dialog box will open (figure below). Choose “Adobe PDF Reader” and check disable in the area shown in yellow outline in the figure.
After Adobe issues a patch, you can re-enable the ActiveX component in similar fashion. Or if you decide to get rid of the Adobe add-on, you can delete it as indicated on the bottom right of the above figure.
If you have the WinPatrol program that I often mention, Corinne at Security Garden has pointed out that ActiveX components can be disabled in WinPatrol also.
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