Why do all online virus scanners require Internet Explorer?

[episodic]

Can't this be done in Firefox? What is the limitation?

 

[Hyperblaze]

You actually use an online virus scanners?

As for the limitations...my guess would be that since Firefox is a web browser and not integrated in the operating system (it's a good thing too!) maybe the virus scanner would not be as effective towards it?

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

TrendMicro has an awesome online virus scanner.

 

[episodic]

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze
You actually use an online virus scanners?

As for the limitations...my guess would be that since Firefox is a web browser and not integrated in the operating system (it's a good thing too!) maybe the virus scanner would not be as effective towards it?

They are good to check to make double sure your antivirus is catching everything every once in a while.

 

[meltdown75]

perhaps the scanners in question are only compatible with ActiveX?

wild guess (seriously)

 

[watek]

active x i thnk.

 

[MangoTBG]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
perhaps the scanners in question are only compatible with ActiveX?

wild guess (seriously)

DING!! DING!! DING!!

 

[Hyperblaze]

Originally posted by: MangoTBG

Originally posted by: meltdown75
perhaps the scanners in question are only compatible with ActiveX?

wild guess (seriously)

DING!! DING!! DING!!

Except who who have Active X enable run further chances of getting viruses through their web browser.

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: MangoTBG

Originally posted by: meltdown75
perhaps the scanners in question are only compatible with ActiveX?

wild guess (seriously)

DING!! DING!! DING!!

cool, what do i win?!

 

[episodic]

Ok, active x - why can't they write the scanners in something like java or something that would be compatible with other browsers. I'm just looking for the deep root of it.

Is it that microsoft actually did something well that can't be replicated in firefox? Or is it an issue of noone trying, or what?

 

[Appledrop]

perhaps people with internet explorer are the only people with virii

(i use ie though.. )

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
perhaps the scanners in question are only compatible with ActiveX?

wild guess (seriously)

That it!

 

[episodic]

Originally posted by: jadinolf

Originally posted by: meltdown75
perhaps the scanners in question are only compatible with ActiveX?

wild guess (seriously)

That it!

Again is activex the only language a virus scan app online can be written in?

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: episodic
Ok, active x - why can't they write the scanners in something like java or something that would be compatible with other browsers. I'm just looking for the deep root of it.

Is it that microsoft actually did something well that can't be replicated in firefox? Or is it an issue of noone trying, or what?

Because the vast, overwhelming majority of their users are windows and IE. So they write it for that.

 

[KeyserSoze]

Originally posted by: episodic
Ok, active x - why can't they write the scanners in something like java or something that would be compatible with other browsers. I'm just looking for the deep root of it.

Is it that microsoft actually did something well that can't be replicated in firefox? Or is it an issue of noone trying, or what?

That's a good question. I'm sure it can be done in a cross platform way.

 

[LtPage1]

because most people who are smart enough to use a different browser than explorer have enough common sense to not get viruses.

 

[BriGy86]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
perhaps the scanners in question are only compatible with ActiveX?

wild guess (seriously)

they all use activeX

that is the only reason i know of for right now

 

[BriGy86]

activeX as far as i know is different than java in that its pretty much like running an exe on a computer while having the source somewhere else

hence that is why it is also a security risk

 

[episodic]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: episodic
Ok, active x - why can't they write the scanners in something like java or something that would be compatible with other browsers. I'm just looking for the deep root of it.

Is it that microsoft actually did something well that can't be replicated in firefox? Or is it an issue of noone trying, or what?

Because the vast, overwhelming majority of their users are windows and IE. So they write it for that.

So I humbly submit that the opensource community needs to make an online virus scanner that works with alternate browsers. Perhaps a webbased version of clamav.

 

[Rubycon]

Because they require active sex.

 

[BriGy86]

Originally posted by: C6FT7
Because they require active sex.

don't we all?

 

[beer]

Java is sandboxed, ActiveX is not. /thread

 

[episodic]

So there is something Internet Explorer can do that FF cannot do?

Why can't they use the extension engine for Firefox to do it? They even have an ftp ap that is an extension.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: episodic
So there is something Internet Explorer can do that FF cannot do?

Why can't they use the extension engine for Firefox to do it? They even have an ftp ap that is an extension.

I've already answered this.

open source = not important....niche, minority stuff.

If you were a company in it to make money would you waste valuable resources on the .01% of your customers?

No.

Its like asking "why don't pizza companies have hogshead as a topping? There are people that love hogshead on pizza!"

 

[Rubycon]

Nine times out of ten if you were not using MSIE you would not need to use it. (scanner)