Firefox browser

[Potatoman]

Hi all! Following Luckey121's q about the ffox browser, what are the general opinions of people? Is it REALLY more secure? Do you need a firewall? And another thing, will all websites display proply on it? Iv heard that a couple dont. I ask this as im thinking of 'upgrading', and im very security -aware! Thanks.

[NetSquirrel]

I don't know much about the security aspect, but I'm using FireFox 1.0 at the moment and it is an improvement over Microsoft's Internet Explorer in many ways.  Some websites do not display perfectly, but the difference is usually insignificant.  For example, when posting an answer on this site, Internet Explorer allows you to format your text (bold, italic, line spacing etc.) but with Firefox these features are hidden.

 

http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

[Sam172]

I would strongly recommend a firewall whatever browser you are using. If you are using XP as your operating system then you may already have one turned on, but it would be good for you to get one anyways. Free versions (such as the one I use) are nice, such as Zonealarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/s ku_list_za.jsp)

It is seen as generally more secure due to the recent security scares with Internet Explorer. A number of webpages will not work with Firefox. This due to a number of things, but your main problem is Active-X - which does not work with Firefox, but does in Internet Explorer. This allows the website to gain a certain amount of control over your pc. An example of this is the Microsoft WIndows Update website. This will not work in Firefox (although it is easy enough to open it up with IE just for that occasion). This is a bit of a blessing though sometimes, as Active-X has been known to comprimise the security of IE mailicious code.

I am using FireFox 1.0, and have been since 0.9 was released. I would not go back to IE now. I just love some of the extra functions in this, such as a built in partially customisable popup blocker, the ability to tab webpages (my pet favourite function ^_^) so that you don't have to have dozens of Internet Explorers open at once, and of course all the plugins. You must remember that Firefox is supported by an outstanding community, therefore loads of extentions are available to plug into Firefox. You can also change the theme of the browser and there's a lovely search bar plugged into the top of the broswer. No need to go to Google every time you want to search something now, just type it in there and it'll take you straight to the google results, or whatever search engine you want.

It takes a little bit of getting used to, but if you take the time I

[Sam172]

think you will find it worthwhile :).

[bobtheduck]

hey potatoeman whats your defence like? i have a back three of norton, ad-aware and spybot may make another signing though :)

[Potatoman]

bob, im using Norton internet security 2005 with the latest adaware. Iv tried Ffox and it seems very good. Thanks all for your help. PM

[dodgyshirt]

If you do sign up another one bobtheduck, try Spywareblaster which makes a good attempt to block the scumware rather than delete it after the event.