talkmagic.co.uk

by **Replicant** » Nov 18th, '08, 12:32

Some of you will be aware of my recent problems with accessing my First Direct bank account using Firefox. In a nutshell, I am unable to access my internet banking accounts using Firefox; access is only possible with Internet Explorer. I wrote a letter of complaint to First Direct to express my disappointment and was hoping someone could tell me if their explanation is reasonable or not, as I know next to nothing about this ActiveX thing which they refer to. Here is part of their reply...

...The Internet Banking Plus service requires the use of certain ActiveX controls which allow your computer to make the Internet Banking Plus service a secure and highly interactive experience. The ActiveX controls are used to create a Digital Safe and run the functionality in the Internet Banking Plus service on the computer. At present, the only browser to support the use of these ActiveX controls is Internet Explorer and this technology is owned and licensed by Microsoft. If other browser manufacturers were to license this technology in future, it would enable you to use their browser facilities.

I understand your frustration at not being able to use our Internet Banking Plus service after changing to the Firefox browser at home. However, as the restriction is due to the limitations of the browser itself, First Direct are unable to offer an alternative way of accessing Internet Banking Plus without using Internet Explorer.

It beggars belief that an internet bank like FD are only compatible with one browser; I'm sure they could change this if they really wanted to. Am I being unreasonable in expecting their system to be compatible with browsers other than IE?

by **Tomo** » Nov 18th, '08, 12:36

You can set the identification in Firefox to pretend it's IE. I think there's a plug-in to do so. :wink:

by **kolm** » Nov 18th, '08, 14:15

I'm no security expert, but I can't believe they're saying ActiveX is secure :shock:

And yes, it's reasonable to expect a website to work on more than one browser and to not rely on a particular technology (don't get me started on accessibility

)

by **Replicant** » Nov 18th, '08, 14:50

Tomo wrote:You can set the identification in Firefox to pretend it's IE. I think there's a plug-in to do so.

Oh yeah, I think you mentioned that elsewhere, Tomo. I remember now. Oops. :oops:

by **bmat** » Nov 18th, '08, 18:56

Actually having worked in the banking industry for a number of years in a few different capacities, (notice I said 'worked' past tense) I can honestly tell you the problem. Banks simply don't really care now put half a million dollars in your account, invest in other banking products and you will prossibly get a more reasonable solution to your problem. Put a million in your account and invest with the banks investment department and you will not only get a resolution, the resolution will be prompt and to your satisfaction.

by **Craig Browning** » Nov 18th, '08, 19:23

The other problem is that Gates Inc has made some sweet deals with various companies so as to force the IE onto anyone using them or make a person's life total hell if they use Firefox. I've been dealing with the stupid Active X thing too whenever I shift over to IE (ever since VISTA DESTROYED MY PC and the so-called up-grade to IE came on line about two years ago and botched everything up... forcing me to Firefox to begin with)

On the other hand I did have a similar problem with a bank in Nevada some years ago. I'd sold nearly $2,000 in product via PayPal and the bank wasn't compatible e.g. I didn't get a cent from said sales and had to open a new account with a new bank (I'd been with the first bank for over ten years at that point) because of it.

Then again, I live a cursed life... it's rich in blessings but quickly followed by the rug being swiftly pulled from beneath my feet.

by **kolm** » Nov 18th, '08, 20:38

Craig Browning wrote:The other problem is that Gates Inc has made some sweet deals with various companies so as to force the IE onto anyone using them or make a person's life total hell if they use Firefox.

I'm obviously doing something wrong.. why get paid peanuts to write sites that work in all browsers when I can earn more to write solely for IE?

And the so-called up-grade to IE came on line about two years ago and botched everything up... forcing me to Firefox to begin with

IE7 is actually not that bad, and IE8 is very nice. Could you be so kind as to PM me with details, kind sir? I'll be interested in seeing what problems you had

by **magicdiscoman** » Nov 18th, '08, 23:19

my bank the great and all good barkleys dosn't suport third party browsers well because of the dreded activex thingy or any beater versions of ie8 so early adopters be warned.
its a conspiracy I tell you a conspiracy.

by **FairieSnuff** » Nov 18th, '08, 23:21

Do you know everytime i read the title of this thread, the typical female in me just has to answer YES ....

Sorry

F x

by **Mandrake** » Nov 18th, '08, 23:22

NatWest are OK with Crazy Browser.

by **caffa** » Nov 19th, '08, 11:57

Why not warn the bank of your amazing T Shirt skills and that if they do not deposit 1 million pounds sterling in your account within 24hrs you will unlease a T Shirt that will put them out of business quicker than gordon brown & global credit crunch combined :wink:

by **Replicant** » Nov 19th, '08, 14:40

caffa wrote:Why not warn the bank of your amazing T Shirt skills and that if they do not deposit 1 million pounds sterling in your account within 24hrs you will unlease a T Shirt that will put them out of business quicker than gordon brown & global credit crunch combined

Not that is a rather splendid idea. Mind you, once they see my T-shirts, they will be begging to deposit large sums of cash into my account out of sheer admiration. The plebs.

by **Lady of Mystery** » Nov 19th, '08, 15:37

FairieSnuff wrote:Do you know everytime i read the title of this thread, the typical female in me just has to answer YES ....

Sorry

F x

Me too! But I've been behaving myself

by **Farlsborough** » Nov 19th, '08, 16:12

Of course you're being unreasonable. What makes you think you have the right to choose which browser you use? Why are you so much better than the millions who happily and ignorantly assume Internet Explorer is the only browser that exists?

Now be a good boy and bend over for Mr. Gates...

:twisted:

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