http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19991210S0012

A Y2K Warning For Mac Internet Explorer

(12/10/99, 7:24 p.m. ET)

TechWeb

Microsoft is warning of a potential security problem for users of Internet Explorer for the Macintosh version 4.5. Digital certificates the browser uses to verify the identity of users are going to expire. After Dec. 31, users attempting to access secure sites will see an "expired certificate" warning. Microsoft will post the fix when ready.

-- Uncle Bob (UNCLB0B@AOL.COM), December 10, 1999

Answers

UB:

The information that I got from another release is that the certificates will expire but there will be no warning {IE}. It said that only the older versions of Netscape will provide warnings. I won't know because IE4.5 locks-up both of my Macs and I have to depend on Netscape 4.7.

Best wishes,,,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), December 10, 1999.

There isn't anything special about a MAC. Yes, The OS is in better shape than most of Microsoft's, and yes, so are many of the applications, but not all. Don't think that you are off the hook, just because you have a MAC. You still need to check your APPLICATIONS!

Tick... Tock... <:00=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), December 10, 1999.

Sysman:

On my Macs [My Windows machines are another question]. I use a lot of MS applications. I have checked their output!!! on the potential problems. They seem minor for my uses [I also use a lot of custom software which is compliant]. My operating priciple is "don't install MS patches unless you are sure that you need them"!!! I have installed patches and upgrades that have left programs non-functional for extended periods of time. What is your opinion?

Best wishes,,,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), December 10, 1999.

Howdy Z,

I'm not a MAC guy, so I really can't comment. I was just pointing out that there are some Y2K issues on that platform.

As for patches, I pretty much agree, if you don't need it, don't install it. Or install it on a "test" machine first. I'm lucky, I have an old Pentium/83 that I put stuff on first, before I move it to my "real" machine. I give it a good workout there for a while, and if everything looks OK, then I install it. The two machines are almost a carbon copy, as far as installed software. I also have an old 386, still running Win/3.11, that is my "drop dead" backup, but that's another story.

Same thing at work. Everything goes on a test system first. We have had some problems, that have crashed the test computer, but very few problems with production machines doing this.

See ya! <:)=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), December 10, 1999.

Howdy Sysman:

Test machine is what I've been doing. I can do without my Windows machines, but because of the nature of our work, the Macs are essential. I've had some interesting results. Since it deals only with our custom software, it really isn't of interest to the general public. Thanks for your response.

Best wishes,,,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), December 10, 1999.

Here's a puzzle for y'all: Can anyone tell me why my system heap begins an unstoppable expansion the moment I start Internet Explorer 4.5 for the Mac? If I run it for more than an hour or so, IE 4.5 eventually freezes my machine.

-- panjandrum (panjandrum@samfoote.net), December 12, 1999.

panjandrum:

You are right. This is an interesting problem. You are lucky. Mine doesn't have to run for an hour or so. At the moment, I have many interesting problems. I set priorities. I solved this one by using Netscape 4.7. If you find an answer, by all means, let us know.

Best wishes,,,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), December 12, 1999.