The Alternative Browser
Have you heard about Firefox?
Most people use Internet Explorer (IE) as their web site browser, but did you know that the ’US department of Homeland Security’ recently released advice saying that it had too many security issues and that people would be better served running and alternative browser?
Firefox is an alternative to IE that doesn’t have many of the security flaws that IE has. This means less chance of getting a virus, less chance of unknowingly installing ad-ware on your PC and less chance of your machine being ’taken over’ and used as a relay point for viruses.
Do you have problems with pop up ads? Firefox prevents them from loading by default. Tabbed browsing, extensions, integrated searchbar. There are all types of great functions.
"But Dan" I hear you ask, "I can’t afford to buy a new browser". Not a problem because it’s free to download for personal and business use, plus it’s only a 5 meg download. You can’t ask for much better than that.
Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? So what’s the catch?
In order to make the browser more secure Firefox doesn’t load something called Active-X controls. Active-X controls can install malicious code, ad-ware and spyware, but it’s also used in some Intranet sites for complex, web based programs. Also, occasionally you may find a site that doesn’t quite work properly. The online booking page of Queensland Transport is one such site that has trouble with Firefox.
"So should I get Firefox?"
With such a small download there’s no reason not to try it out. If it’s not your cup of tea you can simply uninstall it and go back to IE, or you can run both browsers at the same time.
You can download Firefox from http://www.getfirefox.com for Windows, Linux and Mac OSX.