Firefox instead of Internet Explorer?

Discussion in 'Software' started by Pamala, Oct 7, 2006.

  1. Pamala

    Pamala Private E-2

    My son recently told me that Firefox is better to protect you while browsing on the internet instead of Internet Explorer.
    Would someone know if this is true and should I stay with Internet Explorer?
    Trying to stay as safe as possible. Thanks!:)
     
    Pamala, Oct 7, 2006
    #1
  2. yukon98

    yukon98 Specialist

    yukon98, Oct 7, 2006
    #2
  3. Pamala

    Pamala Private E-2

    Thank you very much. :)
    Is there a reason why Firefox is better?
     
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2006
    Pamala, Oct 7, 2006
    #3
  4. yukon98

    yukon98 Specialist

    yukon98, Oct 7, 2006
    #4
  5. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Firefox isnt all its cracked upto be, yes it is a more secure than IE, but its not the browser in many cases thats the problem when you become infected with malware its the user.

    By user I dont mean in many cases you will have done something wrong, you may just have been duped into clicking a popup that says something like "WARNING you have been infected with "X" and click here to remove" then once clicked in panic because you thing your PC is infected you end up installing infected software, this can happen wether you use IE or Firefox, its where you surf, if you dont surf safer websites then your leaving yourself open to malware, plus care in what you download.

    Safest browser in relation to exploits and security risks is Opera http://www.majorgeeks.com/Opera_d559.html

    I've used IE mainly for years and never gained any malware at all, not to say I may not at somepoint gain malware but I safe surf and have a core set of security applications that seem to protect me very well, also if firefox is so safe why is it that when I look at many Hijackthis logs from an infected PC, many are using Firefox as their browser curious that ;)

    At the end of the day whatever browser you use you can still be infected with malware ( virii, spyware etc ) so never rely on a browser protecting you, always keep your Windows or Operating System upto date, your Antivirus, firewall and Antispyware current and with latest definition files.
     
    DavidGP, Oct 7, 2006
    #5
  6. Pamala

    Pamala Private E-2

    Thank you. I will check into Opera now.
     
    Pamala, Oct 7, 2006
    #6
  7. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Opera is my choice and opinion for a safe browser but I do use and have installed all of them so I can see the differences, mainly as I dont care for all the "this one is better than that one chatter".

    But try both of them out as see which one you like the best, you may find that you are happier using the controls of Firefox than either IE or Opera :)
     
    DavidGP, Oct 7, 2006
    #7
  8. Pamala

    Pamala Private E-2

    I just downloaded Opera and I love it. You can do so many things with Opera.
    WOW!
     
    Pamala, Oct 7, 2006
    #8
  9. Still Learning

    Still Learning Private First Class

    Vote = FireFox with plugins
     
    Still Learning, Oct 7, 2006
    #9
  10. Pamala

    Pamala Private E-2

    I downloaded the Opera. In the beginning it worked fine. Then it was slow to open. I had already deleted FireFox. Uninstalled Opera and tried to get FireFox back. No such luck. I keep getting "Send an error report to Microsoft". What is happening? I think I liked FireFox better. Help! :)
     
    Pamala, Oct 7, 2006
    #10
  11. Ryver

    Ryver Private E-2

    Pamala: Am I correct in understanding that you get that error while uninstalling Opera?

    That may be true, but given Firefox's excellent popup supression, and extensions that remove ads altogether, that example becomes less of an issue. IE6 and lower all allow these things to be shown to the user, and provide more opportunities to be tricked.

    You are correct that users should be informed and aware, and that IS the best defense, but Firefox keeps the user out of reach of many people looking to trick them into a bad situation.

    A few possible reasons. Either they made some unsafe decisions -which, as you point out, happen regardless of browser choice - or it's merely a coincidence, because Firefox is a very popular browser choice these days.

    My two cents.
     
    Ryver, Nov 4, 2006
    #11
  12. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Well as this thread is near two months old, technologie has changed and we now have IE7 which does a better job of things unlike IE6, but we also have FF 2.0 which is nice.


    One thing I do see alot of is comments that FF will keep you safe.. ok yes I agree, its slightly more secure than IE BUT why do many who have malware also state they run FF, why because they thing FF will keep them safe.. sadly it will not, the browser is only a small part of how you get infected.


    I personally have many of the common browsers installed so have no preference, but still stand by my statement in using IE I have never had malware.
     
    DavidGP, Nov 4, 2006
    #12
  13. la2pent

    la2pent Private E-2

    I have to agree with Halo...Opera is much better and faster then I.E., Firefox and Netscape (Netscape close 2nd to Opera) in my opinion. Although I still have I.E. for certain programs (windows updates) which will not down load in a different browser. It comes down to personal preference.
     
    la2pent, Nov 5, 2006
    #13
  14. Jazagod

    Jazagod Command Sergeant Major

    I have never tried Opera, I suppose I should have a ppeksy!
    Halo is 100% correct, browser smowser, it doesn't matter what you use, maliciouse content is there and just waiting for you. you can have the worlds best setup, and if visiting the wrong site...BOOM.
    I think most people get their problems by visiting crack sites and porn sites. There is no browser that can protect you from the malware these guys put out by the multiples.
    the best bet is to not click on the "you just won" button, and or stay away from the sites that push them at you.
    anyhoo!
     
    Jazagod, Nov 5, 2006
    #14
  15. Kodo

    Kodo SNATCHSQUATCH

    I think with the release of FireFox 2.0 and IE7, we need to wait a while before ANYONE can really determine the pro's and con's of the FINAL releases. Though I can you this.. BOTH browsers have made marked improvements in features and attempts to thwart phishing. My preliminary opinion is that they are both around the same level.. this may change over time however.
     
    Kodo, Nov 5, 2006
    #15
  16. JWD49

    JWD49 Private E-2

    I have started using Firefox and like it. But I noticed my Spy Sweeper shields don't work with it (Only IE and Netscape). So my question is: What is more secure--Firefox 2, or IE 7 with Spy Sweeper shields activated?
     
    JWD49, Dec 6, 2006
    #16

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