Internet Explorer 7 Security Options
You can access Internet Explorer 7 security options by clicking on the tools button at the top of Internet Explorer 7, then choosing Internet Options at the bottom of the drop down menu.
In the Internet options window the security tab give you access to the various security options available. By clicking on the Internet Icon you can adjust the level of Internet security from medium to medium-high or high. The custom level button at the bottom allows you to customise each level to your preferred settings should you wish to do so.
Security Settings
If you click on the custom level button you can view the default options Explorer has applied to that specific level. IE7 highlights options it considers to be unsafe and you can adjust the settings accordingly. A button is available to reset the level to the original default should you forget which settings you have altered. To apply any new changes you have made to that level simply click OK then yes to confirm your decision.
Privacy
Going along to the privacy tab of Internet Options enables you to alter the privacy settings of IE7. The sites button at the bottom left enables you to set which sites are allowed to store cookies and which should be blocked.
Cookies
By clicking on sites a new windows opens enabling you to add sites you can manage by typing their addresses into the space available and clicking allow or block. You can also choose any site within the managed websites list, allow or block that site, remove it from the list or remove all sites from the list. Click OK to confirm any changes you have made.
Advanced cookie management is available with the advanced button under the privacy tab. In there you can override automatic cookie handling by checking the box. This means that you can accept, block or receive a prompt for first party or third party cookies. You can also choose to allow session cookies which store login information and expire when the browser is closed. First party cookies come from the host site and third party cookies from advertisers.
Another level of cookie control is available by using the slider under the privacy tab. The slider can be adjusted from accept all cookies to block third party cookies and some first party cookies, through to block all cookies. It is essential to keep in mind that by blocking all cookies features of certain websites may no longer be available and certain websites may not work at all - as cookies are often used to perform certain functions on websites.
Pop-Up Blocker
Another available option at the bottom of the the privacy tab is the pop-up blocker. This check box enables you to turn the pop-up blocker on and off. The settings button gives access to specific settings of the pop-up blocker. Within the pop-up settings window you can add sites you want to allow pop-ups for. You can also remove sites from the list of allowed sites, play a sound when a pop-up is blocked or show information on blocked pop-ups. Different filtering levels can also be set up ranging from blocking all pop-ups to allowing pop-ups on secure sites.
Under the general tab in the Internet Options window the tab settings at the bottom right enables you to determine whether you want pop-ups to go on in a new tab, a new window or whether you want Internet Explorer to decide how pop-ups should be handled. Within the tabs settings there are also similar options for openings links
Add-Ons
To check which add-ons are installed in IE7 choose the programs tab in Internet Options. At the bottom right of this tab is the Manage Add-Ons button. By choosing 'Add-Ons which have been used by Internet Explorer', from the drop down menu within the Manage Add-Ons settings you get access to a list of any installed add-ons that are available.
Your are then able to see any potentially harmful add-ons that may have been installed, these can then be disabled by checking their entry and choosing the disable function. Details of publisher, status and file type are also available for each entry to help you decide which items you may want to enable or disabled.
Active-X Controls
Within the manage add-ons control panel you can also check which Act ive-X controls are installed by once again using the drop down menu. Once you have activated the Active-X entries from the drop down menu you then have the ability of checking any unwanted entries in the list and deleting them by using the button in the bottom right hand corner of the window. You may be prompted to restart for any changes to take effect.
Keeping Your Browser History Secret
Go back to tools in the top right of IE7 and choose deleted browsing history from the drop down menu. In the dialogue box that opens you can delete temporary internet files, cookies, history, form data and passwords or delete all at once if you wish.
Phishing Filter
IE7 uses a database of addresses to protect you against phishing sites when browsing. You can gain access to all the phishing filter settings under the tools drop down menu in the top right of Internet Explorer. Options include turn off automatic website checking, report this website and check this website.