What are some good web browsers (other than IE)? Please give pros and cons.?

Question

I have read Opera and Firefox are not compadible with all websites. Are they compadibale with Yahoo?

-Thanks

Answer 1

ActiveX controls were developed at a time when security on the Web was not the problem that it is today. Over the years people have targeted ActiveX controls in order to attack your computer. Since Internet Explorer was built to take advantage of ActiveX controls, IE became the easiest way to carry out these attacks. ActiveX controls are now viewed as a serious security threat that requires you to take steps to protect your computer from these threats.

Microsoft reduced the danger posed by ActiveX controls in Service Pack 2 (SP2). If you still don’t have SP2, go to Windows Update at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. After downloading SP2, go back to this site and have your computer scanned for further updates (some updates need SP2 installed first).

Even with SP2, it’s still up to you to close the security hole. That is why Internet Explorer has security settings for ActiveX.

To find ActiveX settings: In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click Internet Options. Select the Security tab. Be sure the Internet zone is selected. Click the Custom Level button. In the window, scroll down to 'ActiveX controls and plug-ins.' There are five settings here. Your ActiveX controls should be set to:

1.'Download signed ActiveX controls'—set to 'Prompt.' Signed ActiveX controls from a known organization and are considered safe. But you still want to be asked/prompted about this since there may be some sites (using signed ActiveX controls) that you may not want download into your computer. This prompt will give you that option.

2.'Download unsigned ActiveX controls'—set to 'Disable.' This will prevent the downloading of unsigned controls.

3.'Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe'—set to 'Disable.'

4.'Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins'—set to 'Enable.' This will prevent you from being repeatedly prompted once you have accepted them.

5.'Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting'—set to 'Enable.' Ditto—once I have accepted them, do not prompt me about them

You will get a message once in a while asking if you want to download a program. It is probably an ActiveX control. If you know what it is and need it, click Yes. If it is from a company that you trust, you can check the box to “Always allow downloads” (to not ask you repeatedly). Otherwise, the answer should be no.

In the meantime, use common sense with Internet Explorer: stay away from questionable sites; don't download things you don’t understand; use a firewall and pay attention to its prompts; keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software updated and run them often. I run Ad-aware every time I disconnect from the Web; and I run my anti-virus at least once a week or when I am suspicious of something.

Because of the safety reputation of Internet Explorer, Firefox (www.mozilla.org), a free alternative Web browser, has captured a growing share of the browser market (I read recently that Firefox has captured 13% of the market)—because Firefox does not accept ActiveX controls.

You still need ActiveX controls; for instance, Windows Update requires ActiveX. You can not use Firefox to update Windows; you will have to switch to Internet Explorer. Some Web sites require ActiveX controls, too. Use Firefox for safety reasons but DO NOT delete Internet Explorer since you need ActiveX controls to download Windows Updates.

BUT you can install a plug-in, IEView, that allows you to switch to Internet Explorer when necessary (for updates or for certain Web sites).

To find IEView in Firefox, click Tools and then click Extensions. Click Get More Extensions. To use IEView, right-click the page you want to open in Internet Explorer and select View This Page in IE.

Firefox does have security concerns, but it is not part of Windows and is, therefore, safer than Internet Explorer. Since Internet Explorer is an integral part of Windows, consider only using Internet Explorer on Web sites where you have an expectation of safety.

Netscape version 8 uses the best qualities of Internet Explorer and Firefox. When Netscape determines that a site is safe, it uses the ActiveX component to access the site. Therefore, Netscape can access the Windows Update site. When Netscape encounters an unknown site, it will refuse to download ActiveX controls.

You can download the free Netscape browser at:
http://browser.netscape.com/nsb/download/default.jsp

Answer 2

It's not a case of the browser being compatible with the website, it's the other way round. Most websites are written to give full functionality with MS IE which uses proprietary (non-standard) HTML tags which are not part of the W3C HTML standard. MS tell us that this makes IE 'better', but because these tags and other embedded stuff, like ActiveX, provide hooks into the OS kernel code in Windows, it makes them much less secure.

Opera and Firefox are fully compliant with this W3C standard and in some cases cannot (will not, should not) support these non-standard MS tags. This makes Firefox and Opera superior to my mind. Any website written with standard HTML/XHTML will be supported by them.

Answer 3

I have not foud a website that was not compatible with Firefox (or Flock). Opera is very good too but some websites do not have full functionality when using it.

The more "off-beat" the web brouser, the less chance of getting a virus since they attack the most popular/used browsers like IE.

Answer 4

Opera Opera Opera Opera Opera Opera Opera..
You must try opera it's the fastest Browser and the only cons in it, some website seems ugly in it.
You know most website optmized for IE, I don't find anything in Mozilla better than opera, Few monthes ago you was going to buy but now it's Freeeeee.
Try it.

Answer 5

Although I agree that Firefox is another good browser it surprises me that noone has mentioned Netscape. Its been Internet Explorers biggest competitor for ages.

A less popular browser thats full of interesting features is Avant browser. A couple things that sets it apart from the rest is that it will allow you to save a web session and reopen it next time you open your browser window, or you can minimize all open browser windows/tabs to the system tray.

Answer 6

IE 7 has proved to be an marvelous browser for me as long as you do no longer circulate loopy with upload-ons. It has copied fireFox and countless different the different browsers basically no longer open source. consistently use a solid firewall!

Answer 7

Firefox is the best you'll be able to find.

Answer 8

I agree with the guy on top of me LOL....... I use Mozilla and I havent found any cons yet..... I love the tabbed browsing.........

Answer 9

yes they are