Dear members and forum users,
It has been recently called to my attention that two and possibly more users have experienced the following message when trying to log in to the forum:
"Internet Explorer 6? Who told you to come here with that piece of crap and sorry excuse for a browser?! Try upgrading to the latest version or download Firefox or Opera."First an apology, then an explanation.
I want to assure our members and users of this site, that this error message was
NOT my doing, but a very sick joke done to me and to others running this forum software with a particular plugin. This is NOT the kind of communication I am working to develop, nor is it acceptable as a way to speak to our members. You deserve better. Let me explain what I found out.......
First a little background on the problem with Internet Explorer 6 aka IE6.Wikipedia article explaining some of the issues------------
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Explorer_6
Internet Explorer 6 IE6 has been a problem for many people running websites.
This version of Internet Explorer is widely derided for its security issues and lack of support for modern web standards, making frequent appearances in "worst tech products of all time" lists, with some publications labelling it as the "least secure software on the planet."[2] Campaigns have been established in order to encourage users to upgrade to newer versions of Internet Explorer or switch to different browsers, and some websites have dropped support for IE6 entirely.[3]It is impossible to anticipate every browser that the visitors and users might have. After some security concerns, I installed the patch and plug-in called Discourage IE6 into the forum to help prevent hacking and a breach of security. I was also motivated to assist the users to understand any connectivity problems they might encounter as a result of the browser they were using.
When I first installed this plug-in, it had a very gentle and professional explanation directed to the user explaining their problem. I set the system to automatically update any new versions of this patch. What I did not realize (because I do not have IE6 on my system any longer) is that the author of this patch inserted his own little twist (he calls it
spice) which contained the language you saw when you tried to login. Here is an excerpt from his website:
- v2.1
o Fixed some minor errors
o Added some "spice" to the error pageHis default message as outlined above was displayed after I upgraded the forum software from vs. 1.1.10 to 1.1.11. This went unnoticed by myself until a member brought it to my attention. I immediately removed the patch and will find another way to deal with IE6 security concerns.
I WISH TO APOLOGIZE TO ANYONE that might have experienced this message and for this oversight on my part. I have removed the plugin which was displaying this message to IE6 users.
Note: Please consider upgrading your system if you are using IE6. It will not allow some pages to display properly and can be used against you on your own system. Viruses and worms have exploited the browser and caused much damage to the internet community. Many do not understand that they have an issue until someone tells them. If have Internet Explorer, left click on HELP, then left click on ABOUT INTERNET EXPLORER. You should get a popup screen that identifies your version. If you have IE6 which came with many factory installed computers, consider upgrading your system.With humility and respect,
Jerry
webmaster WEGC
