With Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP, typing Web addresses can be a breeze. Here are some tips to make it even easier.
| • | Type the domain of an address in the Address bar and then press CTRL+ENTER. Internet Explorer 6 automatically adds the http:// and the www. and the .com. For example, click in Address bar and type MSN, and then press CTRL+ENTER. Internet Explorer 6 will go to the address http://www.msn.com. |
| • | Not sure if the site uses a .com extension? Just type the domain of the address, and then press ENTER. Internet Explorer tries to find the site by using the various extensions. |
| • | If you need to edit an address, you can press CTRL+LEFT ARROW and CTRL+RIGHT ARROW to easily move between different parts of the address separated by periods. |
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) includes many additional features that allow you to take control of your security when you surf the Web. Internet Explorer now displays an Information Bar (just below the address bar) where you can see information about downloads, blocked pop-up windows, potential security risks, and other activities. This information helps you to avoid potentially harmful files you might otherwise accept from the Internet. The Information Bar doesn't clutter up your browser when you don't need it. It only appears when there's information to communicate.
If Internet Explorer default settings are on, you'll see the Information Bar when a Web site tries to:
| • | Install an ActiveX control on your computer. |
| • | Open a pop-up window. |
| • | Download a file to your computer. |
Tip When you see a message in the Information Bar, click the message to see more information or to take action.
Information Bar with Pop-up Blocker message
Sometimes Web sites will display an ActiveX control or active content that may be potentially dangerous or try to download a file to your hard drive without your knowledge or permission. This is how many people accidentally get spyware on their computer. The Information Bar notifies you when it blocks this content and then lets you decide what to do.
Then you can view the Web page without the content that may be dangerous and if the page displays properly, you can (and probably should) choose not to display the active content.
To install the ActiveX control
1. | Click the Information Bar. |
2. | Click Install ActiveX Control. |
If a site tries to download a program without your permission, you'll see the alert below. Then you can choose to download the program, but if you don't know and trust the source, we don't recommend it.
If a Web site tries to download a program to your computer you will see this message.
If you're certain that you want to download the file, follow the steps below:
1. | Click the Information Bar. |
2. | Click Download File. |
3. | When you are prompted to download the file, read the information in the dialog box very carefully. Make sure the file is from a Web site that you absolutely trust. |
In some cases the information bar will display a message telling you that your security settings do not allow for a particular action. Because some content could create a potential hazard to your computer, you should be certain that you trust the publisher of the Web site before you decide to install the content on your computer.
If you're certain that you trust the Web site, you can follow the steps below:
1. | On the Tools menu, click Internet Options. |
2. | On the Security tab, click Default Level. |
If you are unable to change this setting, your administrator might have control over the setting.
Important The default security settings in Internet Explorer are designed to help protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the Internet. Microsoft strongly recommends that you leave these security settings at their default level or higher.
The left pane of Performance Information and Tools includes tasks that can help you improve your computer's performance. This table describes these tasks.
| Task | Description |
Manage startup programs | Some programs start themselves automatically when you start Windows. Too many of these programs opening at the same time can slow down your computer. To disable these programs from startup and improve performance, use Windows Defender. For more information, see Stop a program from running automatically when Windows starts. |
Adjust visual effects | You can optimize performance by changing how menus and windows appear. |
Adjust indexing options | Indexing options can help you find what you're looking for quickly and easily on your computer. You can search more efficiently by narrowing your search to focus on those files and folders that you commonly use. For more information, see Improve Windows searches using the index: frequently asked questions. |
Adjust power settings | Change power-related settings so that your computer resumes from power-saving settings more efficiently, and adjust battery usage for portable computers. |
Open Disk Cleanup | This tool deletes unnecessary or temporary files on your hard disk so you can increase the amount of storage space you have. For more information, see Delete files using Disk Cleanup. |
Advanced tools | Access advanced system tools, such as Event Viewer, Disk Defragmenter, and System Information, that system administrators and IT professionals often use to solve problems. You can also view notifications about performance-related issues and what to do about them. For example, if Windows detects that a driver is reducing performance, click the notification to learn which driver is causing the problem and view help on how to update the driver. Issues listed at the beginning of the list are impacting the system more than issues listed later in the list. |
