A client called: she was totally unable to browse the Internet though emails were still getting through. At first it seemed as if her browser had been hijacked or a virus had infected her PC. Now, we design websites not do remote support for PCs, but I offered some basic advice over the telephone (she lives about 250 miles from Durham). This proved fruitless so I said I was sorry but she would have to seek help locally.

This she did, at some expense, and it turns out that Norton firewall was blocking Internet Explorer. I infer that Internet Explorer 7 had been automatically downloaded by Microsoft, and Norton had not authorised this new program. She asked me to post this information here so the next person to hit this “feature” would be better informed.

For our part, we use Panda antivirus software.

Durham Castle and Cathedral in the mist

Originally uploaded by Roger Cornwell.
We are based in Durham City. I have been living here for thirty-five years now, but views like this, less than half a mile from our home, still take my breath away.