Is there a TRUE alternative to IE & NS Navigator?

[mennymoons]

I'm a bit concerned with all this Homeland Security stuff & feel it's AT LEAST remotely possible USA gov is utilizing Big Biz (i.e., corps.) to aide them in more easily spying on all the people who pay their salary (could the NEXT MS IE so-called critical download requirement be, in fact, code that opens our PCs to easier access by our gov?). Is there any freeware browser available which does NOT require use of/going through MS Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, to interface with the Internet? I do use Tiny Personal Firewall I got from here (majorgeeks) & have tested it with Gibson Research Corporation's Shields UP! (https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2) - I tend to trust them & their efforts, so far. It indicates my PC appears as invisible or non-existent to any scans... Thanks, in advance, for any & all recommendations for a BIG BROTHER-free browser! (NOTE: I'm neither for or against "BIG BROTHER" for I believe as my sig indicates - ALL persons, places & things have a purpose for being "here" to maintain the balance - I just want to remain fully aware of my choices...)