When you download or run programs from the Internet, you want to know that the program comes from a known, reliable source. That's why, when you choose to download a program from the Internet to your computer, Internet Explorer uses Microsoft Authenticode technology to verify the identity of the program. Authenticode technology verifies that the program has a valid certificate: that the identity of the software publisher matches the certificate, and that the certificate is still valid. Note that this does not prevent a poorly written program from being downloaded intended to be.

July, 20, 2002.

When you download or run programs from the Internet, you want to know that the program comes from a known, reliable source.