Internet explorer 8 is so slow compared to what people say about Google chrome, Would I be ok moving to Chrome as I have stories about microsoft not reccomended other browsers as they are full of security loop holes.

But would I be ok to install chrome if i have anti virus and internet security installed on my computer.

Or what would you guys go for as there seems to be a lot of browsers around, but dont want to use another browser if it upsets microsoft as they may stop support and my updates for my windows if there is a way they can find out I am not using internet explorer.

Talk about microsoft monopoly

Thanks

Edited 16 September, 201015 yr by justinbarrow

Microsoft would say that, wouldn't they?

Give them all a go, see what you prefer. No issue having multiple browsers installed, just that one needs to be selected as your 'default'.

So throw on Chrome and Firefox as a starter and give them a whirl

Steve

"Microsoft would say that wouldn't they?" No - they have never said this.

You can use whatever browser you want, in fact, MS was forced to advertise this and provide users with the option to change their web browser in a recent update.

FWIW you can download ie9 beta now, it's getting positive reports as far as pure speed goes.

Again, use whatever browswer you want.

Have you got automatic Updates switched on?

If so then it should have downloaded a "Browser Choice" application from Microsoft at some point. I know it appears on my Windows XP PC and I imagine it appears on later versions too.

Microsoft were pretty much forced to do this, I think after some legal action, but it does give you an "official" way to choose another browser, so they certainly can't complain if you use Chrome or some such.

Edit: beaten to it by Dodgy!

Edited 16 September, 201015 yr by DavidY

FireFox - faster, safer and loads of cool add-ons like Flashblock, Reloadevery and NoScript.

IE is pure malware, and non even HTML complaint - bane of a web-developers life !

Firefox with Noscript is fast and reasonably secure.

Chrome is very fast.

Personally, I use Opera in preference to anything else. I keep IE strictly for the internet banking site I use (since banks generally can't get their heads around anything other than IE).

Opera is very fast, has a nice slick UI, and has a great integrated email client that does IMAP and POP. Downside is ad-blocking is done rather clunkily (Firefox with adblock and noscript is a good combination for the paranoid browser).

As one of the earlier posters said, if you have Microsoft/Windows Updates switched on you'll get the the browser chooser installed (it's not easy to stop without registry hacks). MS were forced by the EU having been fined almost a billion $ (yes a billion - not a typo) into providing a choice. This allows you to choose from about 10 or so browsers, some of which a lot of people will have never heard of as they're specialised to certain specific interests. If you are already using non MS browser as your default you won't be prompted to change but the browser choice program still gets installed & I think can then be run to make a different choice if you wish.

The main ones apart from IE are Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari. IE9 is in beta but you'd need to go to the MS site to download that - current reports are that it introduces new technology features that make it a much better proposition than current offerings.

As others say, play around & get used to one, it's all personal. None of them can be said to be head & shoulders above the rest as they all have strengths & weaknesses. Personally I keep coming back to Firefox but other products like Opera have a really get set of features including a bit torrent client built in. Safari provides a simple clean interface & looks good (as you'd expect from Apple).

Good luck.

For purposes of clarification.

IE9 beta does not work with XP. You need to have Vista or Windows 7 to even be able to download it.

I've not used Explorer on our main computer for ages. I nickname it M$ Exploder. I always use FireFox. I find it much quicker and have too many Toolbars on IE. (Google, Zone Alarm, Canon print etc), although Google is useful for spell check.

We have Opera and Firefox installed. My dad uses Opera, and I use Firefox all the time. Firefox has a built in spell checker (which I uses a lot, lol) and both it and Opera keeps tabs open when you start it up, I.E. looses them.

I either use Firefox or Opera as they seem to work well for me.

I use FF mainly because I'm used to it and there are a few available addmons and plugins I find useful.

An alternative to chrome is Iron. Also fast but without the google surveillance built into chrome adding to my paranoia...

I switched from FF to Chrome, as FF seems to be getting as bad for addons that can slow down the browser.

I only want a web browser & not something that advertises other ' distractions '

Its all down to personal choice.

Edited 19 September, 201015 yr by lfc958

I use chrome, works with everything i need, including banks. Fast too.

Matt

IE8 to Google chrome so much faster.

I stupidly downloaded IE9 Beta.

Suffice to say its poo. Very unstable and not even Facebook loads correctly. Try chatting on FB chat and it freezes the display and pops up with errors about java and stuff.

I know its beta but even so, it isn't very good!!

I never have a problem with IE8 myself.

That said, i never let any tool bars or anything install onto it. Bare minimum install, and remove cookies/files frequently (paranoia)

IE for Windows (8 at work and 9 at home) without issue and Chrome on my Mac (preferred something about the look/feel over Safari) also without issue. tried various version but I've never got on with FF for some reason

Chrome all the way. Anyone I put on to it cannt get over how fast is is, usually coming for IE.

Chrome for me, I use it at work and home. I have noticed the mybroadbandspeed.co.uk speed tester gives dodgy results when running in Chrome, however.

Been using Firefox for a few years now, wouldnt dream of changing from it now.