Trouble accessing secure websites help wanted

[Mustang]

I recently wipped my hard drive (damn virus ) and reinstalled windows 98. This works ok with the exception that when using the internet it does not allow me access to certain secure (https) websites, in particular my web mail. The error message that comes up on the screen recommends checking the security settings PCT 1.0, SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0. I've tried enabling and disabling these -no joy.
It also suggests that 128 bit encription /security level (sorry for the lack of exact jargun not really really my thing). Anyway I installed the 128 bit thingy -no joy. Any suggestions (no slagging of win 98 either please )

[kevinod]

Buy a proper computer like a Mac!

What version of Internet exploder are you using? You could try downloading Firefox and seeing if that gives you more joy.

[pergau]

You'll have a lot of problems trying to do anything with Win 98. Is there any way that you could get a newer operating system? Win 2000 would probably work on your computer and will resolve a lot of your problems.

Also, If you have re-installed Win98, have you updated it with service packs etc and have you installed a firewall on your computer and anti-virus and anti-spyware. I know that you will have some protection from having having such an old operating system but if you don't have a firewall, get one immediately and then check your machine for spyware. I can't stress this enough - if you are on the web, you need a firewall, or a Mac. or Linux.

If money is a problem, try taking a look at Linux, which is free. Ubuntu linux is easy to install (Just accept all the defaults) and just as easy to use. You often get the install CDs as aprt of a cover Cd on a PC magazine. If not, PM me with your address and I'll send you one.

In any event, install Firefox and use it. Never use Internet Explorer unless absolutely necessary.

If you are going to access secure websites for banking or electronic purchasing, you need to have a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your machine and still be very careful. remember, the website may be secure, but is your computer?

Sorry if it is all doom and gloom but it's your money that can be taken.

[kevinod]

You'll have a lot of problems trying to do anything with Win 98.

I've gone to the Unix side of sys admin for the last few years, but not sure I follow you on this. I can think of very little that you shouldn't be able to do with Win98, and certainly https is well within its reach. A lot of the new applications won't work on win98, but the basic stuff that 95% of people use their computer for should work fine on 98.

Linux is great for techies, but it is for techies. I haven't spent much time looking at many versions, but none that I've seen have anything for adjusting settings that is non-techie friendly.

Try Firefox and see how you get on with that, free download from http://www.firefox.com/.

Maybe try updating the version of the Java Virtual Machine too, Windows update (if its not already on your PC go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) should get you most of the way there.

[soc]

I agree with Pergau here - if I was you I'd look at getting your hands on a free version of Linux - if you pm me your address I'll send you on a copy of Sun's desktop on Linux - it's free, it runs SuSE Linux and is as easy to use as Windows. And you can download and install a whole host of cool apps should you need them....

[CJ]

You'll have a lot of problems trying to do anything with Win 98.

I'm in agreement here, 98 is way outta date, unless you've updated the system, its probably running IE 4. MS have also discontinued support for 98 so you'll struggle to get updates etc. Go check out IE downloads @ http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/

As others have said, Firefox might help but you may find it a bit sluggish on a older PC, you might want to consider the Mozilla browser instead http://www.mozilla.org/download.html

If you're not familar with Linux, I'd be inclined to leave it alone, its still geared towards techies only IMO.

CJ

[Mustang]

Thanks to all for the help and suggestions. The computer is fairly old (not sure what the specs are, got it for free so not too bothered once it works). While I agree that win 98 is out of date it suffices for what the computer is used for, compiling the odd word doc and browsing the net. I'd be reluctant to upgrade to say win 2000. (Used to have a much older machine which was running on win 95, upgraded to one of the newer versions, can't remember was it win 98 or 2000, but it just seemed to strangle the machine).
Am I correct in saying that all the links posted above are for downloading operating systems?
Regarding the security/ proetction element, is there some free down load stuff available or would I have to get a subscription to norton/symantec, etc?

[kevinod]

Am I correct in saying that all the links posted above are for downloading operating systems?
Regarding the security/ proetction element, is there some free down load stuff available or would I have to get a subscription to norton/symantec, etc?

Firefox is just a browser like Internet Explorer, as is Mozilla. Windows update should just pick up security patches and service packs, etc. for windows 98.

Wrt to security/protection, Yahoo's toolbar has an anti-spyware feature and is free.

[CJ]

Firefox is just a browser like Internet Explorer, as is Mozilla. Windows update should just pick up security patches and service packs, etc. for windows 98

Only if you've got IE6 installed that is! IIRC W98 SE came shipped with either IE 4 or 5 (its been a while, I don't remember exactly...)

CJ

[pergau]

Mustang,

One of the reasons to move to Firefox is that it is much better at blocking popups and you can get extensions (add on programs) to block ads, flash animations script blockers etc. You may have been using an old version of IE and probably didn't get pop ups. The best advice is to get and use Firefox.

Re Fee Stuff

Grisoft anti-virus - also known as AVG
This is very good and is regularly updated. I'ts owned by Symantec so it may not last for ever but get it now.
http://free.grisoft.com

Zone Alarm Firewall
This is a great free firewall. Ihttp://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/trial_zaFamily/homeofficetrial_zaFamily.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=GB&lang=en
if the link doesn't work go to [/url]http://www.zonelabs.com[url] and click on the link at the bottom.

Spybot anti spyware
Get this and run it regularly.
[/url]http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html[url]

Adaware anti adware
Get this and runi it regularly
[/url]http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/[url]

That lot should keep you going for a while but you also need to update your computer regularly.

[CJ]

The best advice is to get and use Firefox.

I'd be inclined to base this decision on your hardware, I've tried running FF on older PCs and its pretty slow to load.

CJ