Do I need these add-ons,plug-ins, updates?

13 years ago

Doing some general computer upkeep - updating and running spyware and antivirus programs, defragging, etc., and I have questions about some of the stuff on our computers and whether I need it or can delete it.

Firefox add-ons,plugins:

do I need Java Console, Java Quick starter, and Microsoft .Net Framework ASsistant? I don't know what these are or how they got added. I'm guessing they were installed along with Java updates or Windows .net frame updates, when I didn't question just clicking yes to whatever they asked.

At one time I got the Firefox add-on Open IT Online. It must have been recommended by someone (likely on this forum) - but I don't use it and am not sure if I should be using it. Does anyone know this add-on and whether it's one I should utilize?Updating my husband's Vista laptop and ran Secunia. It suggested updates for Adobe Air (what is that and can it/should it be removed from his computer altogether) and Acrobat Reader. I thought I had removed Acrobat Reader when I installed pdfx viewer - but I'm guessing some remnant was left (or my husband inadvertently clicked yes to installing reader while he was opening a pdf file). Anyway - before I realized what I was doing, I clicked update reader (which took a long, long time) bc. I thought I was clicking for updating Adobe Flash player. If he does in fact have pdfx viewer, can I just remove the Adobe Acrobat Reader? Are there sometimes remnants left that require more removal?

My husband primarily uses Internet Explorer and he only has IE7. Should I install IE 8 for him? If so, where should I get it from since it doesn't come up when I do Windows Update?

I have a feeling there were other things, but for now this is all I recall.

Thank you.

Lynn.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
the first ones you mentioned yes they get installed when you do updates of those programs like java. and MS is guilty of the .Net one you can google that and find some info there.

I have open it online use it on occasion but if you do not use it then you can remove. Maybe if you go to the page for it you will remember it's benefits and why you got it.

If you have removed Adobe Acrobat Reader you can remove Air also from what I remember. I think it is needed for some types of applications to function properly, similar to flash. If an app you use needs it you will probably get a pop up saying it is needed.

you can have more than one pdf reader but you would need to set which is default to be used, or yes you can remove Adobe Acrobat reader I have removed it from all of mine and use only pdf xchange.

IE8 is now a much more ready to use than it was early on so sure you can update it and it is more secure.
Internet Explorer 8: Worldwide sites
lynnalexandra
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, Raven. That's very helpful. I did look at the page for Open It Online and that didn't leave me sure of when I would use it. My guess is I saw it recommended somewhere and never comprehended even then how and when I'd use it. I think I'll delete it for now.

Can I remove the .net plug in on Firefox - or do I need it?

I'm going to remove Acrobat REader and Air from my husband's computer and get him IE8.

Thank you.
Lynn.
Related Discussions
what do I need to add to compost ?
Q
Comments (3)
If you can't afford anything else, use what you have ,your roots will penetrate that compost easily and your Clay will absolutely love having all that Compost on it, besides, that Compost is going to shrink into and amend your clay soil so fast, it'll make your head spin. Put it down, keep it moist and plant in it, you'll be fine. No harm,no foul ;-) In the pics, do notice the rapid shrinkage,even on the tarp,the process of composting takes place as long as there is moisture. These beds are pure compost on top of Clay soil, I have harvested so much ,in so little time, even I am amazed ;-) Now , this "bed" is Pure compost on a tarp,no ground contact (it is my excess compost)
...See More
Bath in basement adds $10+K to cost-Do I need bath?
Q
Comments (10)
Hi Three Daisies We completed a project much like you describe about one year ago. The job involved cutting through the concrete floor to hook into sewer lines and moving both the hot water heater and the sewer pipe from the powder room on the main floor. We purchased a toilet and small vanity from Home Depot and our plumber (who did ALL of the work) got us an inexpensive shower stall. Our total bill was just short of $6000. This is not a fancy bathroom, the pipes are exposed and it is in a room that also holds my laundry area. There IS a door that locks! It ranks as one of the best things we have done. There is a bedroom and living area on the same level. When the kids/grandkids stay with us this is where they "live." When our son comes home and brings friends along they all stay downstairs. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have the other bathroom to ourselves while everyone else uses the new area downstairs. Could we have lived with having guests use the only other full bath? Yes, we did it for years. But this is a million times better. They have privacy and so do we. And we feel that it has improved the value of our home, even though it is "rustic." I would think about getting a couple of other estimates and look at where you might save a bit of money. Perhaps you could shave off a thousand or two and that would make it seem more realistic for you. I know that we would not have done it if it would have been $10,000. But for 6,000 we were willing to bite the bullet. Good luck with your decision, it is always hard to pull the trigger on major expenditures .
...See More
do I need to 'plug in' every time for Cricket mobile modem?
Q
Comments (5)
yes sure you have to have the usb device plugged in to your pc to connect it is virtually a mini cell phone that accesses the wireless networks, not knowing which version you got, some use 3G technology. You can get a short usb cable or dongle and hook the modem device into that so it will not be plugged directly into your pc if that would help. I have an Att air card which is like that and it does get in my way sometimes when plugged in but since my wireless mouse has one of those usb plug in dealies sticking out too I just have to get used to not hitting them. I have no idea what the cord is you are describing so no clue if you could use it, what does it say in the info what the cord is? Which model modem did you get that would be helpful?
...See More
do I need to add accent tile to shower's white subway?
Q
Comments (8)
I'm also doing a similar color scheme in my daughter's bathroom. For accent, I am using a gorgeous Calacatta marble mosaic only in the niches (shower shampoo niches, and one recessed into the wall next to the vanity.) It's the same tile I used for the niches in my master bathroom, which has all white glass on the walls. Since it's on a vertical surface (just the back walls of the niches) cleaning isn't so much a concern. We've had it in the master bathroom for about 9 months and no problems at all. We are using marble pieces for the shelves, so the horizontal places where soap/shampoo might build up are easy to clean. You could also just use the subway tiles for the perimeters. I think this is a nice way to keep the wall tile simpler but also add a bit of interest and bling without getting too busy. Here's the niche by my master bath soaking tub, during the renovation:
...See More
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
that .net mess that was added in to firefox by a windows update has caused much uproar, who gave MS the right to add anything to a browser we put on our pc and has no MS product in it. They have also made it very difficult to get rid of it.
Step by Step Guide in Removing .NET Framework Assistant in Firefox

that is why I suggested googling it so you can get an idea of where it came from and what it is all about.

Remove the Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant (ClickOnce) Firefox Extension
lynnalexandra
Original Author
13 years ago
Raven - I looked at those links - it's pretty aggravating that MS would install this nonsense. I got scared with the instructions about only proceeding if you're comfortable in the registry. I have never touched the registry - and have learned to fear that - but do you think I can safely do this if I follow the instructions to a "t" - or should I forget those steps for the registry editor. I don't even know how to backup the registry. Is there any benefit to untinstalling in Firefox without the registry steps?

Thank you.
Lynn.
kudzu9
13 years ago
Given your skill level I'd recommend leaving the registry alone. I think a good compromise is to just use the disable button for Framework Assistant when you open the add-on window in Firefox.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
If you have the version of it that will allow you to use the disable or remove button from firefox do that but unfortunately those with the old version of this pest do not have that option as the buttons are gray and have to do the registry hack. If you do not feel comfortable in the registry then by all means don't mess with it.

Really MS should be ashamed to have done that kind of thing with out any warning or notice and with out an easy way out of it.

supposedly for those with that older gray out version this update by MS fixes that so you can at least disable it.
Update to .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 for the .NET Framework Assistant 1.0 for Firefox

so if your versions already show the disable or uninstall available do that if not then you might consider that MS update to fix it. Totally up to you.
lynnalexandra
Original Author
13 years ago
I am fortunate bc. my version does still have the uninstall button - so I uninstalled it. (I still have to check the other household computers, but my desktop gets everything first - firefox, updates, so if I had the newer version the other computers probably do too. If not, I'll try the MS fix that Raven suggested).

Thank you.
Lynn.
kudzu9
13 years ago
lynn-

Check your add-ons again. Sometimes the uninstall still leaves an older version in place. If the uninstall is grayed out, but the disable button isn't, I recommend you hit disable as well
lynnalexandra
Original Author
13 years ago
Kudzu - thank you for the advice. I did go back and check - and I am lucky to have had the entire add-ons removed - no sign of it.

Lynn.

Do I need these add-ons,plug-ins, updates?

Comments (9)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

lynnalexandra
Original Author

Related Discussions

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

lynnalexandra
Original Author

kudzu9

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

lynnalexandra
Original Author

kudzu9

lynnalexandra
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Do I need these add-ons,plug-ins, updates?

Comments (9)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

lynnalexandraOriginal Author

Related Discussions

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

lynnalexandraOriginal Author

kudzu9

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

lynnalexandraOriginal Author

kudzu9

lynnalexandraOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

lynnalexandra
Original Author

lynnalexandra
Original Author

lynnalexandra
Original Author

lynnalexandra
Original Author