Are you now browsing a list of Browsers.?

[vivandorron]

It seems to be that Microsoft is under a legal obligation to notify all users of Windows that, besides its Explorer there are other Browsers. Consequently, whilst my computer is operating on Explorer 8. I have now received from Microsoft a list of other Browsers.....Safari, Firefox, Opera etc. etc.

However, as I go along with the old maxim, "If it ain't broke..don't fix it." I would welcome the views of ABers on the matter.

Ron.

[bibblebub]

"If it ain't broke..don't fix it." and we'd all still be using Fred Flintstone's car.

This includes a quick comparison of the main 5 browsers by the Times (which doesn't have an axe to grind): http://technology.tim...eb/article7045882.ece

[Andyrory]

Internet Explorer always seemed to have to much clutter. Firefox is the one for me.

[Buenchico]

If you're driving an 'old banger' which still provides reliable service, the maxim of "ff it ain't broke, don't fix (or replace) it" is probably a valid one. But if someone offers you a brand new, top-of-the-range, car free of charge you might care to consider the old saying about 'not looking a gift horse in the mouth'.

Nearly all of the 'regulars', here in AB's Technology section, use Firefox. Among those that don't, Chrome probably has more fans than Internet Explorer does. (The same is also likely to be true of Safari and Opera).

Firefox has long been regarded as a more secure browser than IE. Microsoft appeared to be getting to grips with security issues but the advice from the government agencies of two countries (France and Germany), not to use Internet Explorer, knocked back Microsoft's reputation again.

Firefox is a great browser when used 'straight out of the box' but it really excels when used with its optional extensions. The most popular ones, among contributors to this site, seem to be the British English dictionary (because posts like this one are automatically spell-checked by Firefox) and AdBlock Plus (which gets rid of all the annoying ads, so that the page loads far faster). Google have just introduced a range of extensions for Chrome, but there are still far more available for Firefox. (Microsoft are still years behind, with no sign of any useful extensions for IE at the present time).

To return to my earlier analogy, why not keep your 'old banger' in the garage but park the Lamborghini alongside it? Installing a new browser doesn't require you to get rid of the old one, so you can have several on your computer and then decide what's best for you.

Chris

[bibblebub]

As Buenchico says, you can have as many as you like installed on your machine without needing to get rid of IE, so just give them a try (I've got 8 just to have a play around with to see how they feel).

docspock you are old fashioned, there I've done it.

[craft1948]

I use IE8..........

[Everhelpful]

I use "Google Chrome",very fast.

[vivandorron]

Hi Chris......I always like to hear from you, because you do explain things in detail.

I have considered Firefox and it seems that I am now in a simple position to download it.

bibblebub has confirmed your views on this matter; so pehaps I should download a few more Browsers. And,acknowledging what has been said by wizard66, Andyrory, bibblebub and Everhelpful, I am now thinking of downloading a few other Browsers; without any disrespect to docspock and craft1948. ( Whom, perhaps, should consider what has been said...as I am now doing now.)

One further question, "Is it an easy matter to go from one Browser to another when surfing the net."?

Ron

[Buenchico]

Hi Ron

When you download the installation file for Firefox, and run it, you'll be asked if you want to import your 'Favorites' from Internet Explorer. If you do so, you'll find that all of your existing bookmarks will be waiting for you in Firefox. (So the changeover is totally hassle-free).

Firefox is just another program, like Word or anything else. If you've ever opened Word (for example), while Internet Explorer is running, you'll know that you can toggle between the two programs using the buttons at the bottom of your screen. You can just as easily open Firefox while IE is running (or the other way round) and toggle between the two programs. (i.e. you don't have to close one browser while running the other; you can have them both running at the same time if you like).

Chris

[vivandorron]

Sorry, but I do have a further question ......"To place Firefox into my computer (which I was about to do ) What do I click.....Run or Save.?

Ron

[Buenchico]

I assume that you're downloading the setup file. If so, save it to any suitable location on your PC. Then go to that location and double-click on the file, to start the setup process.

Once you've installed Firefox you can, if you want, delete the setup file but I'd advise against it. If Firefox ever develops a fault you can nearly always fix it by simply running the installation program again.

Chris

[vivandorron]

Hi again Chris....Sorry that my further question was posed a minute after you had given me the answer.

I have now set-up Firefox as my default Browswer and am posting this communication via it.

Thanks for having helped an OAP to keep pace with modern-day technology.

Best wishes ...Ron.( Viv also sends her regards to you.)

[bibblebub]

They are many add-ons that you may wish to have a look through when you have the time https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox, but one that you may wish to install soon is Adblock Plus https://addons.mozill...US/firefox/addon/1865 which removes those annoying adverts in AnswerBank (as well as many other sites)

[vivandorron]

Thanks bibblebub...I'll have a browse through the addons and feel certain that I will install Adblock because adverts do annoy me.

Cheers....Ron.

[vivandorron]

Thanks all for having responded to my question.

I now have three Browsers....IE8, Opera, & Firefox......the latter being programmed as my Default.

As an attempt at humour, I'll say that "Firefox is really good and has set me alight."

Keep feeding my fires folks....Regards..Ron.