Safe Browser

[pantherman]

Is there a browser that offers greater security from hacking, viruses etc than IE? I have heard about Firefox and was considering that?

[soybean]

If you want to stick with IE, I suggest you get IE7 if you're running Windows XP.  And, yes, you could try Firefox.  I used IE exclusively until several months ago, then tried Firefox and soon began using Firefox most of the time because I like its tabbed browsing better than IE7.  I can't say whether there's any significant difference in terms of security; actually, I don't believe there is a significant difference if you use IE7, which has security improvements over IE6.  

Note: some people have encountered problems after installing IE7.  I have not.  Just thought I should mention that.

[oddjob]

A "not too techie" comparison from the BBC ....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6086798.stm

I agree soybean. I, too, have seen many folk having trouble with IE7 but also if they use the Google Toolbar in FF2.

Me .... I use FF but had problems with v2 so reverted to v1.5.0.9.

[Calum]

Personally I'd go for Firefox.
I've also heard good things about Opera, but I've never used it myself.
Most people, having used Firefox a few times, don't want to go back to IE.
I never use IE myself apart from Windows Update.

[soybean]

A "not too techie" comparison from the BBC ....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6086798.stm

I agree soybean. I, too, have seen many folk having trouble with IE7 but also if they use the Google Toolbar in FF2.

Me .... I use FF but had problems with v2 so reverted to v1.5.0.9.

That's a good article.  Thanks for posting it.  I'm also using FF v1.5.0.9.

[patio]

Keep in mind that when it comes to secure computing a browser selection is only one piece of the puzzle...other things to consider would be a router, firewall and even using a hosts file to limit which sites can be accessed.

patio.  8-)

[WillyW]

+1   for Firefox 1.5.0.9

Extensions and add-ons:
Linkification  -   This is very nice!
Ad Block Plus
Free Download Manager -  very nice!




For Firefox v. 1.5.0.9 -

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/
Click on  "Other Systems and Languages"
to get to
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
Scroll down.   Find link   "Firefox 1.5"
Click it to get to
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-older.html

[oddjob]

I never use IE myself apart form Windows Update.

I don't even use it for that. I use the FF add-on to "convert" FF into IE if I should hit a site that insists on IE.

I agree Opera is good too and also what patio says .... a safe browser isn't everything. You need the full protection "kit" to even begin to be safe.

[Calum]

Which add-on might that be?
And I agree too, lots more is needed to be safe than a different browser.
A good place to start is here.

[oddjob]

Hi Calum .... this one ....

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1419/

Basically, it puts a tiny icon at the foot of your browsing window. If you hit a site that insists on IE just click the icon and FF uses the IE embedded engine to "switch" itself into IE format. The site then proceeds as if it's communicating with a computer using IE.

Actually, come to think of it, I can't recall the last time I used it. Must have been a very long time ago.

[Calum]

Oh, I already have that one.
I forgot about it because I never use it.
I also wasn't aware that it would work with Windows Update, I thoight it just switched the rendering engine.
Thanks.

[pantherman]

Thanks for advice. I will give FireFox a try. I have the below and will look at the suggested extra security. I have Orange wireless Broadband now. Do I still need a router with that?

Win XP Pro
Zone Alarm
AVG anti virus
AVG anti spyware
AVG anti rootkill
Cyberhawk
Spyware Blaster
Spyware Guard
Spybot
AdAware
A-Squared
RemoveIt
BlackLight
Advance Windows Care
Win Patrol
CCleaner

All kept updated.

[GX1_Man]

That is an amazing list of 15 separate software solutions for WIndows problems. I have grown waaaay too used to using Linux and none of those things.

[Calum]

I use quite a few of those, and some others.
I agree though, it is getting more than ridiculous, the amount of protection needed to stay safe (I know there's no such thing as totally safe, I mean reasonably safe) on the internet and maintain Windows.
The biggest risk is just being human - everyone makes mistakes, and some are more prone to make them than others.
It must be nice to be so used to using Linux that you're amazed by Windows' faults and the amount of security needed.
I might even get there one day.

[patio]

That's actually a pretty good list of good apps even though there is some duplication there.
Ask your ISP if their supplied modem has a router built in (these are fairly new ).
If not don't let them sell you one you'll get overcharged.
I recommend Lynksys or NetGear, fairly easy to set up.

patio.  8-)