Security

Switch your default browser from Internet Explorer to Firefox

July 20, 2004 by Ian Brown 1 Comment

Seeing that Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser by PC users, that is the browser that most of the authors of spyware, malware, etc., target. So, I suggest that you switch from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox (a free program) for your default Internet browser. This will not only greatly decrease the chances of you getting spyware, but it will also increase your security.

Here are some reasons why Firefox is more secure than Internet Explorer:

  • It is not integrated with Windows, which helps prevent viruses and hackers from causing damage if they somehow manage to compromise Firefox.
  • There is no support for VBScript and ActiveX, two technologies which are the reasons for many IE security holes.
  • No spyware/adware software can automatically install in Firefox just by visiting a web site.
  • Firefox doesn’t use Microsoft’s Java VM, which has a history of more flaws than other Java VMs.
  • You have complete control over cookies.

Even the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team advises that you not use IE (story).

Another reason why Firefox is a great browser is that you can set it up so that when you click on a link to go to another website, it opens up the new website in the same browser window, but in a different tab, much like Netscape. That way, you can very easily switch back and forth between many browsers by just clicking on the tab for that website, which is located toward the top of the browser (see screenshot below).

firefox-ss-b
(click to enlarge)

For tips on switching from Internet Explorer to Firefox, go here.

To get your copy of Firefox, just click on the download link below:

Get Firefox

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Written by Ian Brown
Ian has been involved with computers since very young. He took his first computer class when he was just 8 years old. He always had an affinity for computers, but never really took it seriously. It was not until he graduated from college and experienced the real world for a while did he realize that computers may be where his talent and passion lie. He has since branched out into Internet marketing and LOVES it. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he services clients ranging from residential to small business to celebrities.