Firefox or Internet Explorer? [Archive]

Refefer

03-02-2008, 08:15 PM

As a web developer, I always have my ear to the ground as to browser shares. While I have a wealth of information from tech sites about which browsers are most popular, I was hoping to get some input from our forums to help me better gauge what non-nerd types use.

Also, why do you choose to use whichever browser you use?

Lasareath

03-02-2008, 08:18 PM

I own my own IT company and I'm pretty computer savy and I like IE7 the best.

bobman1235

03-02-2008, 08:30 PM

Unfortunately I'm a nerd type. Firefox here. Adblock FTW.

schwarcw

03-02-2008, 08:39 PM

I personally use Explorer, but I know many people who swear by Firefox.

AdamRagland

03-02-2008, 09:23 PM

firefox all the way

joeparaski

03-02-2008, 09:26 PM

Firefox for me.

Joe

brijenjas

03-02-2008, 09:30 PM

Firefox here, originally because of security and tabbed browsing, but I use it now because of the customizations it allows.

Poee7R

03-02-2008, 09:41 PM

No poll option for both.

Mainly IE7 but FF when needed.

Dave

Refefer

03-02-2008, 09:59 PM

Keep them coming! Thanks to those who have participated so far!

Rivrrat

03-02-2008, 10:04 PM

I liked Firefox in the past, but I did the latest upgrade and now I can't get it to play vids, so I use IE7.

zingo

03-02-2008, 10:05 PM

Firefox, and no contest.

appadv

03-02-2008, 10:07 PM

Internet Explorer, never used Firefox before.

I've always had IE6 on this computer and don't feel the need to upgrade to IE7. Why fix it if it ain't broke?

audiobliss

03-02-2008, 10:08 PM

I use firefox because of tabbed browsing and storing passwords. However, now that I also have IE7, I find that it's just as convenient, and firefox is annoyingly slow at times.

I do wish 'ctrl+q' worked in firefox like it does in IE7, though. :(

So, in the end, I use both, though still mainly firefox.

EDIT - I used Opera for a while a long time ago. Really enjoyed that browsing experience, but after reformatting way back I just haven't messed with it since.

I have to say I'm not completely satisfied with my browsing experience, I just haven't sought a remedy yet. I guess the major draw back of switch browsers for me is all the stored passwords; firefox is currently remembering 53 for me! :eek:

danger boy

03-02-2008, 10:10 PM

Windows 3.1 :eek:

disneyjoe7

03-02-2008, 10:13 PM

IE7 for me but I'm a bit nerdy. I also have a website I run and can say its similar to this poll 56% IE, 31% Firefox, 3% other.

jabrax

03-02-2008, 10:22 PM

Firefox Here - Pages load much faster (did a side by side against ie7)
Also FF tab function works better than the ie (opinion). IE still opens new windows when pressing many links. FF manages it better by opening new tabs more often.

SKsolutions

03-03-2008, 12:02 AM

FFox, Adblock, all reporting disabled, no toolbars or BHO, with tweaked pipelining

After 2 boxes needed a fresh install after auto downloading and installing IE7, I won't have it on anything at work. I use it occasionally on my notebook, if I'm surfing in an area that might have high risk.:cool:

The big suck about IE, is that it's too tied to the OS. Why use it/risk it. There is no uninstall for IE.

Just a common user, no schoolin' for the hard stuff.

petrym

03-03-2008, 12:13 AM

IE7 for the Windows boxes and Firefox for the Linux boxes in my house.

sophie

03-03-2008, 12:17 AM

ff - adblocker
opera - auto refresh

Payton

swegyptian

03-03-2008, 03:38 AM

Ie7 Ftw

BaggedLancer

03-03-2008, 05:55 AM

Internet Explorer 7 on my home computer, Internet Explorer 6 on my employee issued computer, Firefox on my IT management computer, Opera on my Blackberry.

mutelight

03-03-2008, 06:11 AM

Safari. :o

Strong Bad

03-03-2008, 10:43 AM

As a very longtime defender of IE who switched to IE7 last year....Firefox! I got tired of the slowness and page crashing with IE7. I just loaded Firefox recently and have no page lockups and crashes of the application. Speed wise, Firefox crushes IE7!

Demiurge

03-03-2008, 10:46 AM

Safari.

HB27

03-03-2008, 10:51 AM

Internet Explorer.
Vista and Firefox have a tendency to argue. I used FF until I bought this new PC loaded with Vista.
HB

Disc Jockey

03-03-2008, 10:57 AM

Opera, have used it since it was small enough to fit on a floppy.

AsSiMiLaTeD

03-03-2008, 10:58 AM

Firefox, don't know why just like it better

appadv

03-03-2008, 11:13 AM

Never used firefox before, but is it really that much better than IE? I never exactly understood installing another browser if my current one (IE6) works fine.

bobman1235

03-03-2008, 11:17 AM

2 real reasons to use Firefox over IE6 :

1. Tabbed browsing. May not sound like much, but if you use it you see how much better it is to have than a million window open on your desktop. IE7 added tabbed browsing so this is no longer a benefit for Firefox over IE7, but it is over IE6.

2. Extensions. Firefox is open source, and anyone can design an extension for it. I have an extension that puts a little box in the lower right corner to tell me if I have any new Gmail messages; I have an extension that finds any non-hyperlinked links on any webpage and turns them into clickable links; and most importantly, I have Adblock, which is a program with a blacklist of advertising sites, that automatically blocks ads from 99% of pages.

Throw in the fact that it's open source, which I like, and that it doesn't have as many security problems (ActiveX) as IE, and Firefox wins.

So.. .that's why.

Jstas

03-03-2008, 11:35 AM

I use SeaMonkey and that option is not available on your poll list.

appadv

03-03-2008, 11:38 AM

So you're saying Firefox will allow me to open another window within this?

bobman1235

03-03-2008, 11:52 AM

So you're saying Firefox will allow me to open another window within this?

Yes. When i visit the Polk webiste, I click "new posts", and then every thread I want to view I open in a new tab.

appadv

03-03-2008, 11:59 AM

Yes. When i visit the Polk webiste, I click "new posts", and then every thread I want to view I open in a new tab.

Wow, you have lots of stuff running in your system tray...

Also lots of websites on your computer at the same time!

wizzy

03-03-2008, 12:02 PM

Once you install Firefox and than add Adblock Plus plugin:

http://adblockplus.org/

You never want to go back to IE6/7

W

Refefer

03-03-2008, 12:02 PM

Thanks guys! Keep it up! This is great material!

bobman1235

03-03-2008, 12:03 PM

Wow, you have lots of stuff running in your system tray...

Also lots of websites on your computer at the same time!

It's my work PC. That's only one of four virtual desktops running :eek:

wizzy

03-03-2008, 12:04 PM

I liked Firefox in the past, but I did the latest upgrade and now I can't get it to play vids, so I use IE7.

You may need to install the Windows Media plugin for Firefox ... one of the few things you need to do by hand, thanks to M$

http://port25.technet.com/pages/windows-media-player-firefox-plugin-download.aspx

W

appadv

03-03-2008, 12:09 PM

It's my work PC. That's only one of four virtual desktops running :eek:

Wow, I would never run that much stuff on one PC at the same time just in fear that it would freeze up.

Roy Munson

03-03-2008, 12:33 PM

I've been using Opera for many years.

Bamadude

03-03-2008, 02:04 PM

Once you install Firefox and than add Adblock Plus plugin:

http://adblockplus.org/

You never want to go back to IE6/7

W

That's the God's honest truth! I also run the No-Script add-on so that only the scripts I trust get to run.

The ctrl-F text search in Firefox is waaaaay better if you ask me.

Daniel

MacLeod

05-12-2008, 12:04 AM

Apologize for bringing up an old thread but felt the need to comment.

I used IE because it was part of Windows and I felt worked better. But I kept getting tons and tons of adware and spyware and got 90% less with Firefox but I kept going back to IE out of guilt. Then a few months ago I got a virus downloaded thru the internet. Luckily I was able to get it off before it hurt anything but it was the last time I used IE. I went back with Firefox and havent looked back.

Plus when you take into account all the customization options and add-ons and themes you can use it makes Firefox even better.

As an aside, Firefox 3 beta is out now. I downloaded it today and have been using it and its actually pretty cool. There were a couple websites that my processor couldnt keep up with well and were slow and choppy on both Firefox 1 and IE7 but run much smoother on Firefox 3.

Might wanna check it out.

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/

ben62670

05-12-2008, 12:14 AM

IE7 on the main machine. I like the tabs. IE6 on my 700mhz 192meg laptop. FF when IE fails, but that hasn't happened in so long I might as well say I don't use it.

janmike

05-12-2008, 12:16 AM

IE7 here as well. Have never tried FF.

Early B.

05-12-2008, 12:23 AM

I use both. Sometimes IE gets buggy, so I use Firefox as a backup. I like the cleaner interface of Firefox. I need to learn more about its features, though.

Deadof_knight

05-12-2008, 12:33 AM

I use both I have several computers between kids work and such and I use BOTH.

SBrown712

05-12-2008, 01:49 AM

I've been using FF for more years than I can remember. I used my brother's computer yesterday when I was visiting and see that IE has started using a similar interface. I still like FF better.

zeppage2

05-12-2008, 05:03 AM

Firefox: noscript and adblock enabled

seeclear

05-12-2008, 12:12 PM

avelanchefan

05-12-2008, 12:23 PM

I love FF, the only thing that I have a problem with is that some web sites are a jumbled mess. ESPN is one of them. Their page never ever loads correctly with FF. I can work around it, but it is a little annoying. Also the other thing with FF, is some sites have the calender feature. You know like when you need to open up a calender to pick a date for say a plane flight. When you open the calender you cannot see all of the days. You can only see half of the month.

Jstas

05-12-2008, 12:41 PM

Still using SeaMonkey. Prefer it over everything.

Although I've been using the mobile version of Opera and I like that over all the other mobile versions of the web browsers.

trubluluc

05-12-2008, 01:03 PM

Jstas

05-12-2008, 01:11 PM

I'm really interested in this conversation as I have been using Netscape Navigator for a dozen years or so. I keep getting messages that it is no longer supported and that I have to choose a new browser.
I am leaning towards FireFox, because I don't like the security issues with IE, and I never really like the interface as much.

-Luc

Netscape was based on the Mozilla browser and it's suite of applications. Even Mozilla is outdated now but the SeaMonkey browser and it's suite of applications that I keep raving about is the next generation of the Mozilla browser.

http://www.seamonkey-project.org/

It's an all-in-one browser and there is just as much support and add-ons for it out there as there are for Firefox. Check it out, see if you like it.

trubluluc

05-12-2008, 01:17 PM

Thanks Man, I will check it out.
Side note, do you know if you can watch Netflix movies online with the seamonkey browser?

-Luc

Netscape was based on the Mozilla browser and it's suite of applications. Even Mozilla is outdated now but the SeaMonkey browser and it's suite of applications that I keep raving about is the next generation of the Mozilla browser.

http://www.seamonkey-project.org/

It's an all-in-one browser and there is just as much support and add-ons for it out there as there are for Firefox. Check it out, see if you like it.

bobman1235

05-12-2008, 01:21 PM

Unfortunately Netflix ONLY supports IE. So for now you'd still have to use IE to watch streaming Netflix movies. Hopefully that changes someday...

haimoc

05-12-2008, 01:45 PM

Use both...

michael_w

05-12-2008, 05:06 PM

Firefox on all my computers with the exception of IE for specific tasks and Opera Mini 4.0 on my blackberry (for free internet vs. the usual browser). With the usual pipelining changes & things to FF, it seems to be a bit faster than IE too.

Firefox addons make it a lot nicer as well. I use:

Adblock Plus
DOM Inspector
Stylesh
Web Developer
ImageBot

treitz3

05-13-2008, 09:13 AM

Firefox. IE kept locking up, was slow and presented too many problems/issues. One of those constant problems that made me do the switch in the first place and I haven't looked back. Very pleased.

shadowofnight

05-13-2008, 09:25 AM

I have used them all, and just find myself using IE most of the time.

engtaz

05-13-2008, 10:24 AM

Firefox preferred.

engtaz

MacLeod

05-13-2008, 08:31 PM

Unfortunately Netflix ONLY supports IE. So for now you'd still have to use IE to watch streaming Netflix movies. Hopefully that changes someday...

Have you tried it with Firefox 3?? I dont know if the compatibility problem is on Netflix's end or Firefox but maybe the new version works.

michael_w

05-13-2008, 08:33 PM

I didn't even know there was a 3 out yet. I thought 2.0.0.11 was still in beta. Thanks!

bobman1235

05-13-2008, 11:35 PM

3 is technically still in Beta, but it's a very stable beta, i've been using it for weeks.

MacLeod, the limitation is on Netflix's end - they specifically say you need IE6 or better.

MacLeod

05-21-2008, 07:30 PM

Well I take it all back - Im back to IE and this time its FOREVER!!

A while back Firefox decided to delete all my settings including all and I mean EVERY LAST ONE of my bookmarks so I went back to IE. After a year or so I figured they had that bug worked out so I started using it again. Guess what? The motherf***er did it again! Despite being a different version of Firefox, every last one of my bookmarks, themes, add-ons and everything else is gone! Nowhere to be found. Even my homepage which is Club Polk is back to the "Welcome to Firefox" website. So Im done with Firefox. Luckily I kept my IE bookmarks updated so I didnt lose too many. True Firefox was a little more user friendly and I believe the security was tighter but I dont trust it anymore. Dont like using something that occasionaly takes a notion to just zap everything youve got.

ViperZ

05-21-2008, 08:10 PM

MacLeod, your bookmarks are backed up, so you can always get them back by simply going to a backup file. I had the same problem, and once I didn't notice it... for 4 days... then all 4 backup files became blank... THAT SUCKED!

Still a happy Firefox user. Congestion and bloating of IE makes me barf.

zingo

05-21-2008, 08:20 PM

I've heard that Opera is the most secure, but I use FF. Maybe I'll switch at some point...

pietro944

05-21-2008, 09:03 PM

Firefox.......any browser developed by Clint Eastwood in 1982 is gotta be da bomb!

MacLeod

05-22-2008, 12:06 AM

MacLeod, your bookmarks are backed up, so you can always get them back by simply going to a backup file.

I cant find them anywhere. Firerox is starting up in "safe mode" and I cant find any bookmarks backed up. I can always import the ones from IE but damn Im gettting tired of doing this all the time. I dont understand why Mozilla cant fix this bug....or I cant figure out what Im doing wrong if its my fault.

IE isnt as smooth as Firfox but its never gone haywire on me and some websites do run better on IE so I guess Ill just stick with it and hope for the best.

Keiko

05-22-2008, 04:35 AM

I use SeaMonkey and that option is not available on your poll list.
+1 Seamonkey and Firefox

bobman1235

05-22-2008, 08:41 AM

[QUOTE=MacLeod;861782I dont understand why Mozilla cant fix this bug....or I cant figure out what Im doing wrong if its my fault.[/QUOTE]

That's very strange Mac. I'm a heavy user of FF and use it on severl computers every day and I've never had that happen to me.... Not saying it didn't happen to you, just saying it's very strange. I guess it just doesn't like you :)