Alternatives to Internet Explorer

There’s a number of different web browsers to Microsoft’s built in program

web browser

This week’s announcement of a serious security flaw in Internet Explorer should be a warning to anybody using Microsoft’s web browser that they should move to an alternative program.

Internet Explorer, the web browser built into Windows, is particularly prone to security problems mainly because of the way Microsoft have integrated it into their operating system.

So it has always been a good idea to use one of Internet Explorer’s competitors to avoid various security issues. Luckily there are plenty of options which are not only more secure but faster, more flexible and reliable.

Mozilla Firefox

The most popular alternative browser is Mozilla Firefox. You can download a free a copy from the Mozilla website. One of Firefox’s big attractions is the vast range of add-in applications that make it a very useful tool.

Google Chrome

Google’s web browser is gaining acceptance across the market. It’s fast but it does do things a bit differently from the others with a vary spartan layout. You can get this free from Google’s website. Like Firefox it has a wide range of plug ins.

Opera

One of the longest established alternative browsers, Opera tends to be the cutting edge browser, while it’s not for everyone it’s fast, stable and is also a free download.

Apple Safari

If you use a Mac then the Safari browser is included with your system. Windows users can download a free version from Apple.

Of the four, Mozilla Firefox is the most popular with Google Chrome gaining acceptance.

All of these alternatives are perfectly good for general web browsing. It’s best to try each and use the one you find works best for you.

Unfortunately you can’t completely get rid of Internet Explorer. Not only is it a integral part of Windows, but some web sites won’t work properly on anything else.

Most notably for business users is the Outlook Web Access function, part of the Microsoft Exchange service, only works properly in Internet Explorer.

While we can’t ditch Internet Explorer, we can be sparing in its use. Consider the options and choose what works best for you.

Diversity is good in many fields. A variety of programs is good for your desktop.

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Author: Paul Wallbank

Paul Wallbank is a speaker and writer charting how technology is changing society and business. Paul has four regular technology advice radio programs on ABC, a weekly column on the smartcompany.com.au website and has published seven books.

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