Need info on Active X

I'm trying to convince some friends on why they need to use Firefox instead of IE. I tried to explain it,but since I only know its not good, I need easy to understand info on it. Thanks.

What version of IE are they using? IE9 is actually ok...

Truthfully, I'm not sure. Probably IE8

Active X or IE??? There is a difference

I thought IE needed Active X to function properly?

>> I thought IE needed Active X to function properly?
IE is a browser, Active X is a scripting facility. The former CAN run w/o the latter, but Microsoft created Active X
to allow the browser to have access to system components (which is contrary to the W3C standards).
That last statement is why IE is more dangerous that other browsers.

Javascript is a browser scripting facility too, and when coupled with a Java Applet which is authenticated, JAVA
can access system data, but the user gets to see and elect/deny the operation.

In theory, when configured properly, Java is much more safe than Active X.
[eg witness the usage of Spywareblaster which disables known Active X downloads]

Thank you jobeard. I was helping my friends daughter & I think they prefer Google Chrome. So the next time she needs help on her pc, I'll configure her Google Chrome to be as safe as I can. I must of mis understood them somewhere along the line.
Heck, I'm only human.

Some sites will not operate properly w/o Active X - - Like MS Update

Ok, thank you.Sincerely appreciated.