Browser Question/s

[CartoonBoy]

I use Firefox and I like it alot. I have been told because you cannot remove IE from your computer ( or can you ?) it renders Firefox security features useless. Is that right ?

If you CAN uninstall IE.....how

[bigc73542]

You can't uninstall IE because it is tied into the core of windows. I deleted IE once upon a time and then windows wouldn't boot anymore. had to reformat and reinstall xp again.

[CartoonBoy]

O.K.............I guess I won't be doing that one

Does IE still leave a risk factor even though I don't use it ?

I am not a high risk surfer, so it's not a BIG issue, just be good to know ?

[bigc73542]

As long as IE remains part of the core of the os it will always be some degree of risk. Some functions of windows will automatically call up IE for some actions regardless of what your default browser is.

[~*Nat*~]

Some functions of windows will automatically call up IE for some actions regardless of what your default browser is.

Hi bigc,

Could you please explain this sentence in more details for me ?

I just started using FF a couple of days ago...and am still confused.

Need to learn all I can about it. Thanks.

[bigc73542]

Nat, somewhere in one of my note books I have a list that gives the priority that windows gives IE. I will look it up and give you a reply a little later.

[~*Nat*~]

Originally Posted by bigc73542

Nat, somewhere in one of my note books I have a list that gives the priority that windows gives IE. I will look it up and give you a reply a little later.

Thanks alot ! I'll wait...no need for hurry.

[bigc73542]

I will have to look up my note book with all of that Info, but here are just two examples. If you use windows address book, that is a function of IE and if you use outlook express you are useing IE everytime you open it. I will look for my book with the list of functions that windows uses IE for and will post back

[~*Nat*~]

yes...still using OE.

Guess I'll have to download Thunderbird pretty soon...

[bigc73542]

thunderbird is great. I use it to handle four different pop3 accounts including my wilders mail

[CartoonBoy]

Thunderbirds are GO !!

I will try it.

First, will it import all email addresses from OE

[~*Nat*~]

Originally Posted by CartoonBoy

Thunderbirds are GO !!

I will try it.

First, will it import all email addresses from OE

Here CB. Study this link.

http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/

I have also heard that certain programs require IE to function properly like Norton AV for one (please, no hate mail ). Many other programs use the IE engine as well and will not function if you remove IE. Best to keep IE but just never use it and you should be ok.

[Jaws]

......

Originally Posted by Jaws

Hi all,

I guess I'll play the devils advocate. First let me say you need IE to update windows.

Windows autoupdate .

Second, according to one of Ronjors posts, even FF has security flaws which in my opinion will get worse as more people use FF. Which in the end will give you a false sense of security.

A secure product doesn't suddenly become weak just because the size of a user base increases. While it's true that people will target such products more, if it remains funamentally sound, exploits will not suddenly morph out, just because people are looking.

Lastly, I've been using IE since my first PC (1989) and I can count the number of times I've been infected with a nasty on one hand.

Impressive. My Dad who is a newbie unlike an expert like you (who surfs on security forum) has being using firefox (and precedessors) for a year, and you can count the number of times he being's infected with a nasty with NO hand.

PS: And you don't have to load another program to your computer and learn how to use it and keep adding extensions.

Try again. Firefox without extensions is superior to IE in terms of features.

I must say as a devil's advocate, you need to try harder.

[Jaws]

Hi cluessnewbie,

Sorry to get your ire up.

Regards,

Jaws

[ronjor]

If you CAN uninstall IE.....how

This was the original question. Let's not go off on another browser war please.

I would check secunia.com for security related items on any software or operating system. It is updated daily.

[Jaws]

Ronjor, you're right. I shouldn't have mention IE at all considering the original question.

I apologize to all that posted on this thread. I had no intension to cause any problems.

It won't happen again. I'll keep my thoughts to myself and won't post on any other persons thread.

Best regards,

Jaws

[ronjor]

Jaws

The reminder wasn't directed to you. It was a reminder for all to stay on the topic of the original question.
Post anywhere, anytime you want to.

[Bubba]

Originally Posted by CartoonBoy

I use Firefox and I like it alot. I have been told because you cannot remove IE from your computer ( or can you ?) it renders Firefox security features useless. Is that right ?

If this is one of your questions also....what are you actually asking ?

Are you asking:
Hypothetically....Internet Explorer was never placed on our PC's....is Firefox able to function properly without IE's assistance ?

The answer is a resounding Yes....and very well without IE.

[CartoonBoy]

Bubba,

I have found out more now than I thought I would. So this question has kinda evolved into something more........

I use OE and will probably keep using it, and now I find that it uses IE to operate ! So if i remove IE I will lose OE.

Is that correct ? ?

Also...is the other option to use thunderbird because that's compatible with Firefox ? ?

If that's right then can I confidently remove IE ? And how do I do that ?

Hope it all makes sense, all new to me

[Acadia]

You do NOT want to remove IE even if you never use it. It is too closely integrated into your operating system itself.

Acadia

[Bubba]

Originally Posted by CartoonBoy

So if i remove IE I will lose OE.

Is that correct ? ? ....~snip~.... If that's right then can I confidently remove IE ? And how do I do that ?

Good Luck in removing it....and you can retire if you find a way because manyyyy folks would pay big bucks for that availability

[CartoonBoy]

Ah Of course.............now the penny drops

Thanks guys

Case closed

[~*Nat*~]

CB,

You know...you will probably want to keep IE anyways,
because of the needed security-updates.
Even if you never use IE.
But it still would be best to keep IE updated at all times...

You can just "switch" over to the other browser, once it's done, hm ?