Internet Explorer 5.5

Internet Explorer 5 Icon Internet Explorer keeps track of several settings that affect your browsing experience. This page will explain the Internet Options dialog box by pointing out the location a few key settings. Only the important settings are shown. Other options within the program may be set at your discretion. In general, it is best to stick with default settings for those options.

Accessing the Internet Options Dialog Box

There are two convenient ways to open the Internet Options dialog box:

  • Within Internet Explorer, click the “Tools” menu and choose “Options,” or...
  • Click the “Start” menu, choose “Control Panel,” and select “Internet Options.”
  1. Internet Options: General
    Home Page
    In this section, you can specify the website you wish to use as your home page. Simply type in the address of the page.
    • The “Use Current” button will set your home page to whatever page is currently showing in your browser.
    • The “Use Blank” button will set your home page to a blank page.
    Temporary Internet Files
    This section lets you control the temporary files stored on your computer as you browse the Internet.
    • Click “Delete Cookies...” if you want to remove all cookie files from your computer.
    • Click “Delete Files...” to remove all cached web pages from your computer.
    History
    This section allows you to control the History list. Your browser keeps a list of pages you have visited for quick reference.
    • Click “Clear History” to clear all entries in the History list.
  2. Internet Options: Security
    Security Settings
    We recommend you leave all security settings at their default values. Only experienced users should change these settings.
    If you would like to learn more about security settings within Internet Explorer, please refer to the Help files within the program.
  3. Internet Options: Content
    Content Advisor
    Internet Explorer includes this feature to help families control the content viewed within web browsers. However, you should not enable it. Hubris Communications offers a more thorough content filtering service called the Family-Friendly Internet Filter.
    Click to learn about the Family-Friendly Internet Filter.
    Certificates
    All settings in this section should be left at their default values.
    Personal Information
    Internet Explorer keeps track of information you enter into web pages in order to make your browsing experience more efficient. However, you may want to periodically remove this information.
    • Click “AutoComplete...” to adjust settings related to the AutoComplete feature.
      AutoComplete Settings
      To delete stored information for web page forms (address information, for example), click the “Clear Forms” button.
      To delete stored password information, click the “Clear Passwords” button.
    • We suggest you make no changes to the “My Profile...” settings.
  4. Internet Options: Connections
    Dial-up and Virtual Private Network Settings
    In this section, you should select the Internet connection you use to connect to your Internet provider. If you have DSL/Broadband service, this section may be unavailable.
    • If you have DSL/Broadband service, click “Never dial a connection.”
    • If you have dial-up service, click “Always dial my default connection.”
    Other settings within this page may be left at their default values.
  5. Internet Options: Programs
    Programs
    This section lets you specify which programs should be used to handle certain Internet functions. For each function, simply choose the program you wish to use from the list. Only programs installed on your computer will appear in the list.
  6. Advanced
    This section (not shown) offers options for many different browser features. Only advanced users should make changes here. All settings should be left at their default values.