IE keeps warning me

I believe you are referring to "Cross Site Scripting," (XSS) not "Spreading" -- and yes, it is a security threat, but that's the reason IE is complaining about it. Most sites don't do XSS because they know the danger, so I am a bit surprised that you've run across some.

But seriously, why are you still using IE? It's the least secure web browser you could possibly use. If I were you, I would download either Firefox or Google Chrome (my favorite is Firefox because of all the useful plugins you can download). Both of these browsers are faster and more compatible with web content than Internet Explorer will ever be. More secure, too.

If you are REALLY concerned about XSS, you could download Firefox with the NoScript plugin; NoScript prevents XSS and a bunch of other nasty internet hacks by default. The plugin takes a bit of configuration, though, which might be somewhat intimidating if you aren't technically-inclined.

It's sort of a lame warning.

It's to do with sites that can maliciously insert code in otherwise innocuous code on a neutral third party site, like AW.

The problem is that the warning appears on any site at all that uses certain really common Javascript calls, like the ones for the Rep comments window, or the ones used by ads from Amazon and Google.

So while I'm not comfortable saying "ignore it," -- because someday it might be real, I am fairly comfortable saying It's Not True Here On AW.

I check religiously. We run ads from Google, and we're fairly careful about the ads we run.

I would suggest not using IE as your "normal" every day browser; it's got all sorts of malicious exploits.

I'd suggest Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

I'd also suggest Not Using An Admin Account as your "normal" account.

mirandashell said:

To be honest, I tried Firefox and I hated it.

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I didn't like the new versions of Firefox either. Have you tried Firefox 3 (3.6.25, specifically)? You might like that interface better. It's still available for download and is still kept up to date.

mirandashell said:

I don't want to try Chrome cos I don't trust Google.

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I don't care for the Chrome interface, but as far as trusting Google goes, I'm not sure why people have been complaining so much about them. They have the clearest-stated privacy policy of any browser/email client. And if you use a Mac, Apple has already collected loads more information about you than Google ever will.

I'm not saying you should integrate your entire life or any sensitive data into Google services -- you shouldn't do that with any online services, actually. If you are concerned about Google monitoring your browser activity, there is an option to turn off those reports within Chrome itself.

mirandashell said:

And I have very good virus, firewall and all that doodah protection.

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Virus protection has little to do with browser security. Most hacks like XSS and ClickJacking don't try to take control of your computer because they must go through your browser to do so, which doesn't have real access to anything. But they can install malware, create logs of your browser activity, and -- more importantly -- monitor the information you send over the internet, potentially stealing your passwords for various sites.

I've been using Chrome for some time now, because I got tired of FF crashing and I would never use IE on a home computer because of the endless virus issues.
I've found Chrome to be really reliable.

firedrake said:

I've been using Chrome for some time now, because I got tired of FF crashing and I would never use IE on a home computer because of the endless virus issues.
I've found Chrome to be really reliable.

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+1 on that. The newer versions of Firefox just aren't that stable, especially on Mac (it's a pity, too, because Firefox used to be the best browser...and then they came up with Firefox 4, and everything went downhill after that).

I have a pretty good relationship with Pale Moon, a Firefox variant (though I prefer my cranky old K-Meleon for most everyday browsing, probably because I'm old and cranky).