Why are you still using Internet Explorer as your web browser?
\n
\nOkay, I confess: I use Internet Explorer (IE) because I have to write about it. As the default web browser for Windows, I use IE because I assume most beginners do as well. That philosophy works because IE offers basic features found on any browser. Folks can learn how to browse the web using IE and I can write about it without making them go through any extra effort.<\/p>\n
After you learn how to browse the web, however, you’ll probably want to use a web browser that works better, faster, and is more powerful than the tepid Internet Explorer. Might I recommend Firefox<\/em>. Here’s why:<\/p>\n Spell check.<\/strong> My first foray into on-line communications (back in 1982) cemented the fact that I cannot spell worth a darn. My posts were littered with awful, awkward misspellings. Internet Explorer lacks an on-line spell checker, Firefox comes with one. It’s beautiful. You can type online and get your text corrected (red underlined) instantly. It’s an amazing and welcome feature.<\/p>\n Stored Passwords.<\/strong> Many web browsers offer the ability to store passwords to your favorite secure web sites. For some reason, Firefox does the best job of managing those passwords. IE’s password management is inconsistent and unreliable. Apple’s Safari browser often gets confused when multiple passwords are used on the same web site. Firefox seems to have no problem.<\/p>\n Identity Info.<\/strong> One nerdy feature I like in Firefox is the ability for it to call up site specific information \u2014 technical stuff. You do that by clicking on the site icon in the address bar. While a beginner may not use that information, I find myself perusing it often. For example, I use the feature to check to see whether a web page is old and hasn’t been updated in a long time.<\/p>\n Extensions.<\/strong> Firefox features a plethora of extensions, tiny programs that augment how the browser works and allows you to conveniently hone your browsing skills. Notorious are the porn extensions, but there are also extensions that help suppress obnoxious advertising or certain media files. It’s also easier to browse stealthily with Firefox, helping keep your identity anonymous on the Internet.<\/p>\n