When you buy a computer you'll notice they all comepre-loaded with Microsoft Internet Explorer as thedefault browser. Everyone knows Bill Gates runs theInternet, right? Wrong! When it comes to browsers forsurfing the Web, there are plenty of other choices...if you know where to look for them. So if you thoughtyou were stuck using I.E., let's have a look at someof your other options.
1) Safari: http://www.Apple.com/safari
Safari is the browser of choice for most Mac users.Faster than Internet Explorer (at least that's theclaim), it contains a built-in Google Search, tabbedinterface to browse multiple sites at once, automaticform completion and more. Free to download.
2) Mozilla: http://www.Mozilla.org/products/mozilla1.x/
Also known as "Sea Monkey," Mozilla is open source soft-ware, so it's free. Mozilla is for Windows,Linux or Macusers. Browse several sites at once with the tabbedinterface, block pop up ads and it even includesIRS Chat and a built-in Email client with Spam filters.
3) Opera: http://www.Opera.com
For Windows, Linux and Mac users alike. There are twoversions; one free (which is ad supported) or for 39.00,you can lose the ads. Opera is very fast with a built-in email client that includes anti-spam filters. Italso contains the usual pop up blockers and a nicelittle zoom function.
4) OmniWeb: http://omnigroup.com/applications/omniweb
An award-winning Web browser strictly for Mac users.Cost is 29.95. Features include ad blocking, historysearching, website change notifications, even speechrecognition. This is one powerful piece of software.
5) Netscape Navigator:http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/default.jsp
Although Netscape doesn't have the market share itenjoyed in the "old days", it's still aliveand well. Netscape 7.1 is based on Mozilla 1.4;both programs are almost identical. Free to download.
6) FireFox: http://www.texturizer.net/firebird
Firefox (aka Firebird) is actually a stripped down versionof Mozilla and built for speed. It's only a browser withno built-in email client, so if you need email you'llwant to download its companion, Thunderbird, athttp://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird
Those who love Mozilla will find many of the samefeatures here. With Firefox you can block pop ups,customize the toolbars, even change its appearancewith the use of themes. For Windows, Linux and Macusers. Free.
These are the heavyweight alternatives to MS InternetExplorer, but if you're looking for something a bitdifferent you'll want to take a look at someof these browsers:
1) Avant Browser: http://www.AvantBrowser.com
A tabbed browser that's really fast and allows youto view multiple websites in a split window interface.Free.
2) SlimBrowser: http://www.FlashPeak.com
A Windows-based browser with a price tag of zero.It's easy to customize the look of this browserwith the use of skins. Includes a spell checker,popup killers, and a tool for filling in forms. Alsoincludes a language tab for translating differentlanguages.
3) MyIE2: http://www.MyIE2.com
Fashioned after Internet Explorer, this tabbed browseris served up at no charge, but they do ask for donationsif you're feeling especially charitable.
4) NetCaptor: http://www.NetCaptor.com
Built on top of I.E.'s interface (without the securityflaws), it's another tabbed browser for power users. Freeversion is called "Personal Edition," which containssponsored ads or you can upgrade to "NetCaptor Pro" foronly 29.95.
If you're not happy with Internet Explorer, or maybeyou're just ready to try something new, download oneof these browsers and take "her for a spin." Like anew Car you just meant to take for a "test drive," youmay fall in love and decide to keep it permanently.Stranger things have happened!
