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On the Fight Card - Internet Explorer vs. Firefox
29 June, 2005 in Laptops - General
In this corner...Microsoft's Internet Explorer, weighing in with the backing of Microsoft, installed on all Windows machines and used by most of the Windows community. And, in this corner...the challenger, Mozilla's Firefox, the latest browser from the original makers of Netscape.
Round 1:
As I said, Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) is installed with Windows, making it easily available to all users. That gives IE the advantage over Firefox. To use Firefox, you have to download it from http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/ and install and configure it (which is ultra easy to do).
Round 2:
Microsoft has not changed IE in years. They have put in bug and security fixes (the list is longer than both of your arms), but have not enhanced the software. Firefox uses the latest in browser technology. For example, tabbed browsing - the ability to have multiple sites open in a single browser. This saves on your computer resources because you only have to have one application open, but you can have as many tabs with sites open as you want. Also, Firefox has the ability to use and create extensions to enhance your browsing pleasure. For example you can view the weather, customize Google, use a password and form filling extension, use a web based Spell Checker, and the list goes on and on…
Round 3:
SECURITY and the dreaded ActiveX control. IE uses ActiveX code which is a major security risk that can allow hackers and viruses into your computer. Firefox doesn't allow ActiveX control thereby making it a much safer browser. Firefox also has advanced pop-up control to save you from them inundating your desktop.
Round 4:
Firefox is a small, lightning fast application (like Sugar Ray). IE is big and slow because it has hooks all though the operating system (and will bite you, like that other guy).
And the Winner is....
Firefox!
If you wish to read further:
http://www.forbes.com/home/ebusiness/2004/10/04/cx_pp_1004mondaymatchup.html
http://slate.msn.com/id/2103152/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47146-2004Nov13.html
http://www.flexbeta.net/main/articles.php?action=show&id=32