Do you use Internet Explorer (IE) just because you always have?
Somewhere along the line, I set aside my natural affiliation to the underdog and started using Microsoft’s product as my main window to the web. I can’t recall when and why. And what’s more, I’ve never really questioned my decision to do so, until now.
When I started using the web on a daily basis, Netscape Navigator was my browser of choice, and when I decided to switch, I went for Opera rather than IE. But the browser wars are getting more attention in online forums and news sites than ever, and yet I’ve found myself reading all about it through the comfort of IE6.
So it’s time for a change. IE7 was released last week, but I’ve just downloaded Firefox 2 instead and plan to use it as my default browser.
The decision is nothing to do with the capabilities of either product - most people don’t use most of the cleverness offered by modern-day web browsers – it’s simply because I want to encourage competition in this market. It’s difficult to put an exact figure on browser usage, but most analysts believe FireFox has at least a 10 percent share. There’s no reason it shouldn’t have more, and I bet the only time I’ll spare a thought for Microsoft’s alternative from now on is when the first set of security holes in IE7 are announced!
Comments
hampshirehog2 said: No reason not to have a selection of browsers and use whatever pleases I am travelling at present and have found that in various places globally I have to switch browsers until I find one that will open my banks secure site In Florida it was necessary to use Netscape in Belize I have to use Opera The choices are there all the browsers have good points all have weaknesses Simply use what is most convenient at the time
zgeorgem said: actually firefox is catching up much faster its features get updated very fast thru extensionsIE doesnt implement add ins that well
Glenn Gordon said: Haveny most people by now had enough of Internet Explorer Version 7 hasnt made any difference Microsoft arrogantly refuses to listen to its customers Go onto the MS website where they launch it and yet still they cannot see why people are abandoning it The real reason is its limitations as it struggles to keep up with increasing demands most of the time and IE just cant handle it Its true that a lot of people still use it as their default browser but only out of apathy but hopefully that wont last long It took MS almost 7 years to come up with IE7 Now that speaks for itself and just shows how MS is out of touch with its market
P. Dant said: Found the extension - try httpsaddonsmozillaorgfirBest of luck
Mike said: I like Avant - it offers tabbed browsing quick cache clearing and appears as fully-functional amp compatible as IE
P. Dant said: There appears to be an extension to Firefox which allows you to see a non-optimally presented site in IE at the click of a button havent tried it but theyre obviously aware of the problem
Digital said: The only snag with Opera amp to a lesser extent with Firefox is that a some sites dont work with it Maybe theres a way to make it look like IE but I havent explored that yet
paul trotter said: I did use Opera for a couple of years but seem to remember being put off when the free version became ad-sponsored
Mark said: Give Opera 9 a try I think it is fantastic I have my mail irc chat and browser all in one nice program Who needs IE7
bernard bigballs said: Oh really You ve always used Opera and the like Sounds about as convincing as that youre addicted to online news and have ditched newspapers Surely I saw you carrying a copy of the Telegraph recently
T said: Why not be apathetic if there arent any arguments in either direction