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Computer Support For Individuals And Small Business |
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6/16/10 |
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Browser Options |
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Q - B.L. from Littleton, CO asks: I currently have a Windows Vista computer and have been using Microsoft Internet Explorer for years. However, I have had several problems and frustrations with it. I understand there are other browsers available and would like to try one. What are they and how do I go about it?
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A: Microsoft's Internet Explorer has certainly had its problems over the years, both security and otherwise. Keep in mind that Internet Explorer comes built into the Windows operating system so as long as you are using Windows you will have Internet Explorer, even if you decide to use another browser on a day-to-day basis.
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Internet Explorer commands roughly a 60% market share. After Internet Explorer, the most popular web browsers and their approximate market share, as of September, 2010, include Firefox (23%), Chrome (8%), Safari (5%), and Opera (2%).
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The second most popular browser, Mozilla's Firefox, was originally released in 2004. It is a free, open source application supported by a sizable community volunteers. There is a number of plug-ins to extend functionality as well as online assistance. Here is more information and a link to download Firefox.
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Google's Chrome is a relative newcomer to the world of browsers. It was first released in 2008 and has grown rapidly in popularity. Here is more information and a link to download Chrome.
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Safari has been the Apple Mac OS X default browser since the release of OS X v10.3 (Panther) in 2003. It became available for Windows (XP and later) in 2007. Here is more information and a link to download Safari.
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Opera from Opera Software is one of the older of the current browsers having been released to the public in 1996. Originally it was trialware and had to be purchased. This is no longer a requirement and it can be obtained at no cost. Here is more information and a link to download Opera.
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The Top Hat Techs Download Center includes an easy reference list of these browser options . While you are there, check out some of the other free software options available.
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Any or all of these can be easily downloaded and installed on your computer. The companies producing these browsers have made it a relatively painless process (they want you to install their browser). Assuming you have adequate space on your hard drive you can keep them all available for use. They will all want to be your default browser and you will need to pick one as the default.
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Keep in mind there are some websites that require Internet Explorer to function properly, so there will still be a need for Internet Explorer if you are running Windows. But any of the four mentioned above work very well for use on a daily basis.
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So, try them all, and pick the one you like best!
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