What are ActiveX controls?

ActiveX is Microsoft's technology that signs various plug-ins that are required to add software to your computer. ActiveX controls come in play when accessing certain websites. Most of the time the site will ask you if you'd like to trust the plug-in from the website. If you don't trust the site you should be able to say no. ActiveX controls are useful then, to add worthwhile plug-ins like Flash, RealPlayer or Adobe Acrobat. However, sometimes Microsoft doesn't prompt you to approve or deny the ActiveX, and the program is installed without warning. This is no good for obvious reasons: you might be infiltrated with malicious viruses or spyware. This is why it's important to keep your system protected through AntiVirus software which will stop any unwanted or uninvited intruders. Remember a little program called Weather Bug? That's an example of a plug in that asked users for permission to install under the guise that it was a useful weather updater. Wrong- weatherbug like other malicious malware will tear up your system. So keep your eyes open and don't allow ActiveX or other programs into your PC unless you trust them.