Browsers and OS's

[Justin Sipher <jsipher () SKIDMORE EDU>]

Folks,

Hello.  I would welcome feedback/insight on an issue we are
discussing.  It relates to browser world and *potential* security
concerns.  In a nutshell, there is a belief that a browser tied to an
OS (IE for Windows, Safari for MacOS) allow for better security
because of the ability through the OS to let the users  (a) know when
there is an update to the browser and (b) assist with the download/
install.  The challenges is that we also want to use Firefox for a
variety of purposes and there doesn't appear to be a way (on Firefox
for any OS) to have similar functionality.  So, the **real** concern
is someone downloads Firefox and is using it.  Then after time new
versions come out, the end user doesn't (a) know about it and (b)
doesn't actually do the upgrade and then we have a potential security
hole.  Firefox for "techies" isn't the concern, it is the use by the
common person that has some concerned.

Has anyone else on other campuses talked about this and have insight
as to how you have or have not addressed the issue.  Are there ways/
systems out there to aid in this process?

Thanks,
...Justin

_______________________________________________________
  Justin Sipher
  Chief Technology Officer
  Skidmore College
  Saratoga Springs, NY
  jsipher () skidmore edu
  518-580-5909
_______________________________________________________