Internet Explorer updates

[Coldicote]

I'm running Internet Explorer 7 and know I could update to versions 8 or 9, but have read that some people found a few problems with them. What is your experience of 8 and 9 please and if I did update would it be possible to revert back to IE 7? Advice appreciated.

[Buenchico]

IE9 is only available for Windows Visa or 7. (So, if you're using XP, IE8 is as far as you can go).

Yes, you can go back to an earlier version of Internet Explorer:
http://windows.micros...l-Internet-Explorer-8

However the most popular browser with the 'regulars' here in ABs Technology section is undoubtedly Firefox, with Chrome in a well-deserved second place. Very few people use IE.

[Coldicote]

Thanks Buenchico for your helpful answer. I am indeed using XP, so might try IE 8. I attempted Firefox some time ago but it seemed rather complicated - maybe I should give it another go. Chrome I haven't used yet but that also sounds a useful possibility. Thank you.

[bibblebub]

One problem that you might find when updatng from IE7 is that the help in some other (unrelated) programs will not work because they rely on the core of IE to display the html code.

[Buenchico]

Buenchico is guessing?

Sorry, but no.

Buenchico has been reading posts from the 'regulars' in this section every day for the past 5 years. You'll hardly find any of the 'techies' here who use IE as their preferred browser.

[Coldicote]

Many thanks for all your comments. I was running various checks and clean-ups with Norton Internet Security that told me my browser was out of date and offered to update it. I'm rather glad I put the question to AB first and I'm now thinking 'leave well alone 'might be the best answer.

[rojash]

"It is a basic statistic that Microsoft Internet Explorer is the most used Internet browser "
Is it?
Let's have a look: http://www.w3schools....rs/browsers_stats.asp

[AlBags]

Update to IE8 and then use Firefox.
Windows update will take care of the rest. Just dont update to IE9 if offered.

[AlBags]

(I can't see how you think Firefox is tricky .. the layout and buttons and options on/in IE are far more baffling and tricky to access)

[Coldicote]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I'll probably give Firefox another go but my recollection is that it had so many extras, add-ons, plug-ins etc. that it was unnecessarily complicated.

[AlBags]

Yes .. but you only install the add-ons you need/want.
I use a few .. like Flashblock, Download Statusbar, Download Helper, NewTaburl, etc, etc.

[gollysailor]

The reason I switched to Firefox from IE is because I find it quicker and more user-friendly.

[venator]

I find Chrome fastest and most reliable. I had IE8 and Firefox for some sites which weren't Chrome compatible.

I upgraded to IE9 - total rubbish - went back to IE8, the only browser that gives me print preview on the Times Crossword Club site.

I don't think you can avoid online snooping - even Answerbank has ads which pick up on your inputs.

My settings ask me whether I want to accept cookies each time a site asks to put one on my computer, and I reject all tracking cookies.

Is there anything else other people are diong?