is there a better browser than internet explorer?

Question

if so what is it called and how do you get it?

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—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

Yes, you should get and use Firefox. The free download is at http://www.mozilla.com

Use Firefox for all general surfing. It is safer. But you might find that certain websites won't work, so use Internet Explorer for those. You see, Firefox does not support the Microsoft ActiveX controls. But ActiveX is the biggest security problem, so it is safer to use something that doesn't use it.

Yes, there are future upgrades for Internet Explorer, but I would stick with Version 6 with SP1 for Windows as long as possible. Version 7 BETA is buggy.

Now you never mentioned if you are a PC or a MAC. Safari is OK, but it lacks many of the internet standards. It is rather second rate.

Opera is a good choice too.

Answer 3

Firefox
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

Answer 4

It really depends on what you want from a browser. I like Firefox for a number of reasons (all my own), while other browsers I have tried, like Opera had annoying quirks.

Most importantly I switched to Firefox when Microsoft Support actually recommended it to me because I was having problems with IE!

Answer 5

yes. mozilla firefox. it is better at getting preventing pop-up windows. you can also change the browser window since you can install themes for the browser. it also feature tab browsing. so you need to open only one window and in it, open as many tabs of different sites. better than switching windows at the taskbar of internet explorer. try it. you will like it.

Answer 6

Firefox is good. Safari is "ok."

Time to change since Explorer isn't going to be upgraded/supported any longer.

Answer 7

Hell yeah. Mozilla Firefox. http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

Has many features that Explorer doesn't, incluing tabbed browsing so you don't need to open so many windows.

Answer 8

I agree. Firefox is a good choice.

Answer 9

firefox latest version

Answer 10

firefox. easily found by searching, then just download it and install.