Internet Explorer

I have IE version 5.1. A download of version 8 is available now, but I hesitate to download it because Version 5 was deplorable to fix. I'd like to install Firefox. Their forums seem to contain problems also. If I decide to do it, do I have to install a recent version of Internet Explorer? Everything that Microsoft offers has given me trouble. The latest is their new Hotmail format that is awful & they won't go back to the old version.

 

You can install FireFox as a separate browser on your Windows computer. FireFox won't mess with IE, you should be able to use either one, or even both at the same time.:-D

Not sure about IE updates, I don't care for IE, I only use it to download a different browser and Windows updates...

Oh yeah, welcome to MajorGeeks!

 

Welcome.
If you wanted to use IE but are unsure about 8, download a version like IE6 or 7.
Another good alternative would be Opera.

 

Dear hrlow2,
Thank you for your very prompt reply. Your info about downloading IE 6 or 7 instead of 8 was good advice, because the earlier versions might have the kinks ironed out. You mentioned Opera. Do you prefer that over Firefox?


Dear Fred the Major Geek,
Thank you for your very prompt reply. Thank you, too, for your welcome! So...IE won't mess with Firefox. Interesting!
I thought it tapped into it. That's why I asked if I should update to a recent version. I don't like IE either. Like I said, Microsoft always gave me problems eg. releasing new stuff & having the customer put up with fixes. By the way, I'm not computer savvy, but experience has taught me something.
Sincerely, Skeezix

 

I've been using Firefox for several years now and really like it. There are so many add ons (though I only use a handful) that you can customize to a high degree or just use the "plain vanilla" version that works quite well.

I also use IE, but only for a relative handful of web sites that require it to work properly (mostly Microsoft). Can't recall the last time I had to use IE for a non-MS website.

I think when you first install Firefox it will offer to import bookmarks from IE if you wish to do so. But I believe it will merely copy them over to Firefox, not remove them from IE.

I'm currently using both Firefox 3.0.6 and IE7 without any problems.

 

Dear Eezak,
Thank you for your reply. The extra info about Firefox helped me to know what to expect when I install it.
Sincerely, Skeezix

 

I would suggest letting it copy the bookmarks that way you can give FF a fair try since it will be easier to navigate and will feel more comfortable. IE will still retain all your bookmarks/favorites.

You will also be asked on install if you want to make FF your default browser. That choice is up to you. It is simple to change back or make the choice later. You can always use either browser by clicking on their shortcut/icon.

Nothing to lose and much to gain in the way of free addons/extensions that add extra features.

 

There are tons of browsers out there. Try a bunch of them and decide which one you like best. I have heard rumors that some people try a bunch and like IE?:confused I prefer Opera personally, but with Vista it seems to lock up at times, so I use FireFox on my Vista machine.

Browsers: http://majorgeeks.com/downloads5.html

Have fun.:-D

 

For my personal choice, it's Opera over IE anytime.

 

skeezix,

Hi my name’s Feran and I’m working with the Internet Explorer Outreach Team to provide assistance and help answer questions people might have about Internet Explorer.

This is a great site that actually gives you the opportunity to test some of the new features in IE8: REMOVED LINK

As you may know, IE8 is a release candidate and in its final testing stages – if you think it may be something you want to try once the final version is released I would suggest checking out the IEBlog as they will post something as soon as it’s released to the public : http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/ .

I hope this helps,

Feran
Internet Explorer Outreach Team