Any reason NOT to switch to Firefox?

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by ejr, Jan 23, 2007.

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  1. TonyW

    TonyW Registered Member

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    I use none of those in FF anyway. I haven't added any extensions.

    I could add extension upon extension, but my surfing habits dictate I really don't need 'em all.

    Ad blocking is contained within KIS, the security suite I use.
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2007
  2. mercurie

    mercurie A Friendly Creature

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    Not that I can think of. I use it 95% of the time. ;)
     
  3. deadmanschest

    deadmanschest Registered Member

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    I have a viewpoint not voiced by many, perhaps a tad unique. I ran IERadicate 5 years ago, and gutted IE (5.5 at that time) out of WinME and started to use Opera 5 or 6 (as it was then) and Phoenix 0.4 or 0.5 (now FF) as it was then.

    I have only found one issue that might be a negative. That is that a fair bit of software refuses to install if you do not have IE 4 or IE 5 or such installed. The expected examples are crap like MSN Messenger, which will not install, but will run fine without IE. The unexpected ones are like one I encountered today, and which prompted me to post in this thread. I decided to install AxCrypt (many of you will be familiar), a respected app, and on Setup it stopped and said "IE4 is required" and closed....hehe.

    Aside from the fact that it seems incredibly stupid that a cryptographic program with shell integration should 'require' IE4, it's just one of the surprises that you get without having IE around at all. I would say that of perhaps 40 apps that would not install w/o IE the last 5 years, only 1 or 2 are really a tee-off (like AxCrypt). Interestingly, the vast majority of open source software and other freeware installs and runs fine. Mostly commercial and/or commercal/lite ware seems to choke on "no IE". Some may be understandable, like some HTML editors, others are just stupid, like Paragon software Drive Copy 8, a disk cloning app. 'Warning - Needs IE 4 or better to run" etc. etc.

    The short answer is No. Switch now. I use FFas default browser because I still find page renderings in Opera that bug me, but Opera is sooo well designed, I would use it more often if I didn't like some FF extensions so much.

    I also use Proxo for all http filtering. Therefore which browser is "better for ads and popups etc" means nothing to me. I use Proxo for all browsers and never configure any of the security buttons in any of them. By the by, I just started playing with K-Meleon (a kin to FF and Moz) and it is fun fast....

    Cheers

    dmc
     
  4. KDNeese

    KDNeese Registered Member

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    I have been using Opera for a couple of years and am a real Opera fan. However, I can name two sites that did not work for me while using Opera, at least when attempting a purchase transaction via a secure connection. The first was when I attempted to finalize my purchase of NOD32 at the Eset website. After adding NOD32 to my cart, Opera would not complete the transaction. I had to use IE in order to complete my purchase. The other site is in reference to my Alltel cell phone service. I cannot perform a secure transaction when attempting to make payment online using Opera. However, both FF and IE allow me to complete the transaction. This is not the same for every site, however, as I have successfully completed transactions with Opera on other sites. There are other sites I have encountered that specifically state that you must be using Internet Explorer to make the site work.

    At the same time, as far as Internet security in general, I can relate my own experience, in that while using IE6, I had to clean my computer almost every time I went online. After switching to Opera, all of that stopped. Malware scans almost became a moot point, as malware (not even tracking cookies) were found on my machine while using Opera. Even using Firefox, I still found tracking cookies and other junk. However, with the newer versions of FF (also using Noscript and CookieSafe) nothing gets on there either. I also have to say that even when using IE7 I don't get anything except normal cookies. Of course, I have ActiveX and all the other crab disabled in IE, and practice safe surfing habits. At this point, however, I am so used to Opera, its lightness and speed, that it is still my favorite browser. I also use FF quite as my browser when running Ubuntu Linux as well as the Konquerer browser using SUSE Linux. My surfing speed using FF in Linux is at least twice as fast as using FF in XP. I would use Opera with my Linux system but so far haven't had any luck getting it installed. Once I do, however, I will be using Opera on it also.
     
  5. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

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    I tried pages, that did not work in 9.02 and they do work now, one point for Opera. ;)
    But it still can not manage cookies, javascripts like IE or FF (exceptions, temporarily allow).
    I also do not use Opera, because I do not like its name and for Firefox, I do not like its skin.
     
  6. lodore

    lodore Registered Member

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    you can get different skins for firefox!
    there must be one you like.
    if you like IE than there must be a skin like it.
    tbh i dont like the disign of ie7 much.
    lodore
     
  7. Ice_Czar

    Ice_Czar Registered Member

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    Ive had to setup a few boxes with IE & exceptions to the noaccess.rat so the browser can be employed with activeX for presentations (Keithley Instruments) or logging onto corporate mainframes (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway)

    but I don't explain how to get rid of the noaccess.rat
    just give them the password to write new exceptions

    sort of discourages them from using IE somehow :D
     
  8. dylanfan

    dylanfan Registered Member

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    :rolleyes: Sorry, but the fact that you still can't manage cookies and scripts in Opera doesn't mean that Opera can't handle those easily and efficiently.:rolleyes:
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2007
  9. strangequark

    strangequark Registered Member

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    indeed there is, at least 2 that I know of, one to look like IE 6 and another for IE 7, not to mention Vista.

    if you ever get bored looking through Wilders forums [ I know I'm being blasphemous ] another way to lose a few hours is the firefox extension and theme site, there seems to be an extension for everything and a theme for every taste ............. including............ those who like the look of IE :D
     
  10. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

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    Million people, million opinions, I do not consider managing cookies via menu as easy. ;)
    I spent 2 days on it and it was not working, Opera even allowed all or blocked all cookies.
    By the way, either my friend, who uses Opera for years, has no idea, how to get it working.
    Nevermind, I am sure, that Opera is a good browser, but I never recommend it to beginners.
     
  11. twl845

    twl845 Registered Member

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    Even though I prefer FF to Opera, the one thing that Opera has is an outstanding operating manual and tutorial. If you can read you can learn Opera in no time. If you know enough to navigate to the tutorial, it doesn't matter if you're a beginner or not. :isay:
     
  12. lodore

    lodore Registered Member

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    i have found out that the best way to learn stuff is to play with settings.
    thats how i learnt most of the stuff about computers.
    some people read books about computers and dont know that e.g. if a printer keeps spitting out paper just turn it off stop the print que on the pc and turn it back on. hands on experience is the better way.
    and if you change the setting and e.g. opera dont work just reinstall it its only like a 5mb download
    lodore
     
  13. twl845

    twl845 Registered Member

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    You can't play with the settings very well if you don't know what they're for. It's a heck of alot easier to read a few sentences of instructions and try a procedure, than to just click stuff in the dark. It's quicker in the end too. Then you will have learnt it more better.:D
     
  14. jc836

    jc836 Registered Member

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    Another 2 cents on the subject--
    I only use IE7 for updates and a small group of webpages that I have to. I agree that if there were a way-I too would remove IE in favor of Firefox 2.0.0.1. I still have the discs for Netscape (now AOL) put away. At least Firefox is more secure than IE and much more configurable for the individual user IMO.
     
  15. solcroft

    solcroft Registered Member

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    And now for something slightly more different...

    The one reason you do not have to switch to alternative browsers if you do not wish to is that IE7 is good. As far as basics go, it gets them right for the average Joe Schmoe. Alternative browsers offer a whole load of bells and whistles, but they're just that - bells and whistles. IE7 is the bare basics. Of course there are multiple, quite compelling reasons to switch, but if you don't, rest assured, nothing bad will happen.
     
  16. lodore

    lodore Registered Member

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    but IE7 is still quite unsafe with reguards to activex and other exploits on default setting is it not?
    ie7 isnt to bad but i still prefer firefox and opera.
    i only use IE7 for windows updates and an online game called runescape because it seems to use to make firefox or opera use over 100mb of ram just by having runescape open in eiether of them.
    they need to make it work with alternate browsers

    lodore
     
  17. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

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    IE7 by default: Medium is min - unsigned activex will not download, signed activex prompts.
    So with default settings, IE7 is as safe as Firefox with scripts, IE6 just has too bad history.
    When scripts are enabled in a browser, it is still an unsafe browser, whetever it is IE or FF.
     
  18. lodore

    lodore Registered Member

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    hmm i guess it is safer then.
    but its easy to execute a script in IE 7 with one button.
    i play an online game called runescape that uses java.
    i use opera for the other sites i am visiting but runescape works better in IE7
    i guess they havent added support for opera or firefox yet.
    but when i click on a world and then switch to opera while it loads IE7 will come up on top of all other windows and says do you want to allow this press spacebar or enter to countinue.
    now if a less knowledgeale user was e.g. browsing unsafe sites and talking on messenger and about to press enter to send a message to someone ans Ie7 popped up and said press enter or space bar to continue on the unsafe site then thats it malware executes again.
    its another two clicks rather than one.
    In IE6 the malware from the dodgy site would of executed but in IE7 it asks for aproval by pressing spacebar or enter.
    im guessing to allow unsigned ActiveX controls its a message saying press enter or spacebar to countinue as well
    my main browser atm is opera since its the fastest and safest browser.
    i disble dangerous scripts globaly and allow on a site per site basis like no script.
    lodore
     
  19. Mrkvonic

    Mrkvonic Linux Systems Expert

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    Hello,
    Even with scripts enabled FF is safe. I have yet to see a viable real exploit that will get past FF as some major drive-by and install crapolas...
    Mrk
     
  20. sosaiso

    sosaiso Registered Member

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    How about the wmf exploit? Well, that was Microsoft's fault, but I wouldn't say FF will prevent everything either. To be safe, I usually throw all webconnected apps into a sandbox, or restrict their rights.
     
  21. Pedro

    Pedro Registered Member

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    Here we go. It's not only security, NOR BELLS! Firefox and Opera can do a lot more things than IE7,8,9 and 10! So, they're better, and they do not complicate things having more functions. They make things simpler.

    Don't want to jump forward? Don't want the extra functions? Fine, everyone is entitled to their opinion:thumb: . The world would be a terrible place, and dull, if not. My dad also doesn't want to change, but he doesn't argue what's better either.

    The end:D
    I promise not to harass you guys again.
     
  22. twl845

    twl845 Registered Member

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    Thanks to someone. :cool:
     
  23. pilotart

    pilotart Registered Member

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    Just add Firefox (or Opera) and must keep IE

    What KDNeese posted was true for Every Time I Had to use IE as well.
    Love to use my Firefox (along with 25 extensions) and my system always scans clean now. Did not care for Netscape and never tried Opera.

    There are a few sites for which I must use IE (some with lowest privacy setting) and BufferZone {Free for IE} provides additional protection from IE's malware exposure and allows a quick and simple 'one-click' clean at any time.

    MS Windows Updates (along with MediaPlayer 10 install) automatically install with BufferZone and are applied (as trusted) to the whole system.

    MS OfficeXP Updates, however need BZ disabled to successfully install. Still better than pre-BZ, as I could start with a 'clean' IE before 'disable'.

    Programs can be installed within BufferZone and then moved out of BufferZone (if you want) with a single click.
     
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