IE vs. Firefox?

Question

I recently read reviews for soon to be released Internet Explorer 7, from Cnet readers. Most all called it a worthless piece of garbage, and Firefox (or others) were much better. Now, maybe Firefox really is better, I don't know. I'm one of the millions who uses IE6 everyday and it seems to work fine. What these 'reviewers' don't explain is exactly what Firefox does so much better - in practical, non-tech language. Examples of common tasks would help;  anyone?

europa303 · Answer

I use both, and although Firefox is touted as being much faster, I don't really see any difference with various cable connections in several locations, and it's slower to load.  One theory is that more malware is written to take advantage of IE flaws, so Firefox may be 'safer'.  You ask a good question; I hope we hear some good answers.

karn3ra · Answer

2 words: spyware, popups

rollainm · Answer

The only feature I find lacking in IE is the multi tab feature - and that's coming in version 7. Then again, I've become pretty accustomed to individual windows, and using the Quick Switch button on my MX1000 is just as quick as clicking a tab. So I guess even that's not necessary - in my humble opinion.   I don't have a problem with adware, spyware, or viruses. Antivirus/antispyware software and a firewall should take care of these issues, regardless of which browser is used. As far as pop-ups are concerned, between Google's and IE's pop-up blockers I rarely have to deal with them.   What annoys me is that most of the bashing of IE is done by people that have no real experience or proof to justify their claims. They're simply following the crowd, and Firefox is what's cool these days.   And I swear it's just the hype that contributes to half of Apple's success.

jmwills · Answer

You don't think that spyware can come thru on Firefox???  LOL

msil217 · Answer

Why I started using Firefox:

Last year, or the year before (Starting with FireBird 0.8) I downloaded Firebird to see what the deal was about it, but also, the main reason--- I kept getting "script error" popup windows in IE (There is an error in the script of theis page. Do you want to continue running scripts? YES NO

I'd click Yes or no, then another window would popup. and another and another.

I had the options checked not display script errors, and checked "disable script debugging"

But I still got these stupid notices on certain webpages. Someone on another forum suggested Firebird. I tried it, but didn't like it at first and uninstalled it (the java, flash, and media wouldn't work without plug-ins)

But, IE became so annoying, I had to give Firebird another try. I installed Sun Java (I already had JVM, but that only works in IE and IE based browsers, I think), Macromedia flash plug-ins, and Quicktime for Firebird.

I was somewhat pleased, but disappointed that the wysiwyg editors don't work on the Dell and msn forums. But I used IE for those.

After Firebird grew on me, I loved the extensions (adblock is my favorite, because it blocks all kinds of ads, images, flash, and javascript)

Firebird was renamed Firefox, because of copyright issues, or something.

I don't use Firefox simply because it's a "fad", I use it, because it loads webpages faster (on dial-up) and because of all the useful extensions. And no stupid "script error" notices.

Why does IE tell me about script errors I cannot fix?? It just a pain in the foot.

I use IE, too, for msn groups, and sites that require it to work properly. The rest of the time, I use Firefox, or Opera.

dms997 · Answer

I tried Firefox but moved back to Internet Explorer for two reasons :

-- 1 I could not use my stock of customised icons ;

-- 2 I could not use a number of important, for me, proprietary software packages.

dms997

beneteau · Answer

Firefox:

Tabbed browsing - allows you to have multiple sites open in one browser window. This makes browsing loads easier, and decreases the RAM used.

Speed - the speed is noticably faster than IE.

Customization - Tons of themes and extensions available.

Firefox is standards compliant, unlike IE. It displays code properly for the most part, and it supports CSS1, 2 and some of CSS3. IE barely supports CSS1 and 2.

I've had far, far less spyware infections with Firefox than IE. I can open any page with Firefox that I can open with IE. Most html code for webpages is written to be read by the majority of browsers, including Firefox (Netscape). In Firefox, you, also, have a menu selection (Tools) to "view a page in IE".

IE is "integrated" with Windows. Try uninstalling IE (yeah, right).

I used IE for many years. After downloading Firefox and becoming familiar with it's features and options-----I've never looked back!

rje49 · Answer

Thanks to all for your input. I guess that like most other things, I'll stick with IE until/unless I'm dissatisfied for some reason. Besides, users feel comfortable with what they know; I think that's why more people haven't switched.

joe53 · Answer

Use whichever browser suits your needs. A browser is only as safe as the surfing habits of the user, and the layers of protection used. Any claims that 'browser x' is safer, are wishful thinking.

jmwills · Answer

Well said.

Robert Cathles · Answer

I choose IE. One reason mainly:   http://enterprisesecurity.symantec.com/content.cfm?articleid=1539   The Symantec Internet Security Threat Report VIII, page 15 says that in the first months of 2005, the Mozilla browsers were more vulnerable than all other browsers.   But I don't like Firefox anyway. Stupid reasons like being stubborn.   And... I hate tabbed browsing... it's like the grouped tasks/windows on the taskbar - I hate that feature as well. It's sooooo annoying having to make one extra click just to get where you're going - same for Firefox and the MSN Search Toolbar. If I'm switching betwwen a saved HTML file and it's code in Notepad, I have to make a fuss when switching between windows at the top of the screen and not at the bottom. *makes angered growling noises*   There... I've had my idle rambling for today now, onto something more constructive... Message Edited by Robert Cathles on 09-12-200608:24 AM

troyboy30 · Answer

if IE wasnt needed for updates, i'd uninstall it.     and lol at listening to symantec Message Edited by troyboy30 on 10-11-2005 07:58 AM

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IE vs. Firefox?

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