is running IE without add-ons bad?

i was advised to turn off - enable third party browser extensions - uncheck the box and re-launch IE ...is that the same as turning off add-ons or is turning off third party extensions alright?

( by the way, re-launch is not re-start is it?...its just closing off IE and double clicking on the desktop icon again? )

 

"re-launch" means to close IE, wait a second or two, then start IE again by using the desktop shortcut or whatever method you use. However, before restarting IE, you might want to check the Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL) and make sure that iexplore.exe is not listed. Turning off IE add-ons basically disables any toolbars and other "add-ons" (for lack of a better word) and the toolbars should no longer be taking up real estate in the open IE window. As to your main question: "is running IE without add-ons bad?". This is a personal question. Add-ons are basically extra programs that help you when surfing; like if you want to add-on a spell checker (Firefox has this built-in), or a different/extra pop-up blocker, or whatever. Running without add-ons can not possibly be "bad" since that is a moral judgement call. It may make your surfing experience a bit more "clunky" or not as smooth, but it isn't "bad". Personally, I use Firefox on my home PC for 99.7% of my online time and ONLY use IE when doing Windows Updates. And, yes, I have a few (that is TWO) add-ons installed in Firefox, and my IE hasn't been touched since I installed Win7 about a month ago, except for Windows Updates, and it has zero add-ons, and it's not "bad".


:wine Happy Holidays! :wine

[dlb]