Srubbing IE For Firefox und Mozilla
Firefox has gained immensive popularity as both an individual and business internet browser due to its simplicity of operation, speed and security. Installation is simple to say the least, but the real treats were the controls IE initially lacked: popups, spam and effective cookie control. They are relatively easy to set up and then can be with a simple click to identify the culprits.
Like many others, I started out initially using the Netscape browser and liked its overall ease of use and GUI. Then along came the Microsoft IE 1.0 and suddenly I was running two browsers instead of just the Netscape. Eventually, I scrapped Netscape completely and went solely to Internet Explorer with 6.02 being the last version. Somewhere during its use, awareness began of nasty little things called cookies and a third party vendor product was found to have control over them. Soon, it was noted control was not enough as my Norton Anti-Virus was not able to control certain invasions occurring.
Changes began in 2001 when a new computer was purchased along with broadband service and with this came a whole new attitude towards safety and security. Norton AV was scrapped and others were surveyed to determine which would be best for my needs and the winner: Kaspersky. Checkout firewalls as well and deviated away from Norton to initially McAfee and now ZoneAlarm Wireless Pro. AntiSpyware was the new war, however, and this was even a more difficult decision to make. Kaspersky does a good job at identifying viruses, trojans, and worms in addition to certain spyware. What I needed was an excellent anti-spyware to do the job to the point where security and reliability was believed in.
The conclusion arrived at after quite a bit of research was two different anti-spyware programs were needed instead of one. Microsoft Antispyware is already mire in controversy with its inclusion of CLARIA, a nasty piece of spyware which MS now owns. Initially, I began with something many use today-Adware, and then moved up to a peripheral, Spyware Blaster (an excellent product) coupled with Spybot Search and Destroy. A good piece of software, but there were lapses in updates which caused me to look around again to another product, PestPatrol. PestPatrol does good work, but my learning showed me each piece of anti-spyware approaches the beasties differently and one had to select the best one for your use and satisfaction. PestPatrol was gravitated away from for another excellent product, GIANT Antispyware. I was happy, regular updates attention, finding the bad guys and then it happened!!!>>>Microsoft purchased them. Before I knew, MS had pared down the original program to a semblance and even worse, it no longer detected the way it had before. Grrrrrrrrrrrr.
Finally, I found an excellent product called CounterSpy which is utterly fantastic, regular updates, security reports and makes me feel wanted. Spy Sweeper is run concurrently and they work well together to keep my system clean. MS Anti-spyware has a problem with either of these installed so it was cast upon the pile as a formerly good product before Bill got hold of it.
Meanwhile, all these security updates were rolling in for MSIE and I began feeling somewhat dubious of its safety. Again, the research began and suddenly there was Firefox and Mozilla.
It was a whole new world without the usual struggles with ActiveX security concerns, cookies and incessant updates. Now, Firefox 1.06 and Mozilla 1.7.10 are being run concurrently until Mozilla releases a Firefox Suite.
The Mozilla Foundation recently announced it would be discontinuing its Mozilla Suites in the future to concentrate solely on Firefox and an eventual suite. This, of course, is not good news for Bill Gates and Microsoft as Internet Explorer popularity has waned a great deal due to the well publicized federal monopoly suit, state versions, security problems and cost. Thunderbird has really applied itself during the past few versions and made substantial improvements. An integration between Firefox, Thunderbird and Sunbird for the calendar function would be ideal for many of us. And what is the single factor that makes Bill Gates and his staff go completely bonkers-their all free!!! While MS charges outrageously for various pieces of software for individuals, it really hits businesses with similarly outrageous fees for licenses. Time for a reality check, Bill.....Linux can be had free or purchased for a reasonable fee; Mozilla products are free; thus what is the picture being drawn here. Does one pay $225 dollars or so for OfficeXP or obtain something like OpenOffice free of charge. Duhhhhhhhhhh!!\
Regardless, Firefox is fun and I encourage anyone who hasn't download a copy to do so and install for a fun time. And don't forget to download Thunderbird and Sunbird while you're at it. After installation, go to your bookmarks and click Mozilla Update, and then find extensions and themes. You will be amazed to see the variety of themes to be download and even more so by the number of extensions, commonplace ideas developed, you can find. Give it a try and see what you are missing using IE.