Feature Story : "Sure, I use Internet Explorer. Why?"
Published 13 Nov 2002 ~ revised 18 Nov 2004
Chances are when you use the web, you are using some version of Microsoft's browser for the World Wide Web called Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is a program that renders websites - and despite what Microsoft would like you to know, it is only one of several web browsing programs. In this feature, I will explore other browsing options, some of which may be faster, more reliable, or better suited to your needs. While discussing different browsers, it is important to mention how each browser deals with the way web pages are created; we'll see that although many claim to adhere to established web development standards, what you see on your screen isn't always what's supposed to appear.
Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer (aka "IE") is the most widely used browser available. It is shipped with all versions of Microsoft Windows, and because of its clean integration into the operating system, remains fast and quite easy to use. Because of its parent company, though, IE is often targeted by hackers and other malicious computer users, and is subsequently exploited. Microsoft has, for the most part, responded effectively with patches and upgrades, and tries to keep the browser software current with its handling of emerging web technologies.
One of the significant complaints about Internet Explorer comes from web developers. When a web page is created and the HTML code is tested, IE often blindly and automatically corrects development mistakes. That's pretty cool from an implementation standpoint, but incredibly irresponsible from a standards compliance view. See, if a web developer thinks that they have coded an error-free web page without being notified of major code bugs, well, the poo will hit the proverbial fan later on down the road. Not to mention, it kills all credibility and professionalism of the developer.
Recent versions of Internet Explorer ship with the free browser software, as well as integrated email and USENET news capabilities. Download Internet Explorer here.
Mozilla
As noted on their website, Mozilla is an "open-source web browser and toolkit, designed for standards compliance, performance and portability." Before March 31st, 1998, you may have known Mozilla by its commercial name, Netscape; after this date, however, the programming code for the Netscape browser was released to the open-source community, meaning anyone could read, modify, and even improve upon the code. A group of developers took this initiative and created the Mozilla browser. The code still remains open, and improvements are constantly being made.
There are several appealing features of the Mozilla browser. First and foremost, as related to the IE complaints above, is Mozilla's adherence to standards compliance. As previously described, this means that rendered web page code is accurately displayed to the user. Errors or code bugs are not automatically patched. Additionally, the Mozilla team has made a definite effort to provide the software to numerous platforms, including Windows, UNIX, Linux, and Macintosh. The code is stable and streamlined, but I have found that recent versions are quite sluggish on older machines (with slower processors). Another noteable feature is "tabbed browsing" - which allows you to view multiple websites within one application window. Once you start using tabs, you'll wonder how you ever got by without them.
Mozilla ships with a free browser, an email client, a news reader, and a chat client. Download Mozilla here.
Firefox
Firefox (previously "Firebird," previously "Phoenix") is a redesign and deployment of the Mozilla browser component. Think of it as Mozilla Lite; there is no email or news reader and no chat client. It's written using the "XUL user interface language," and like Mozilla was designed to be cross-platform. It is an independently running application, not needing a full installation/integration into the Windows registry, for example. It is extremely fast, and incredibly clean. Standard features are similar to its big brother, Mozilla, including tabbed browsing.
The Firefox project is a recent development. At the time of this writing, it is only at version 0.4 - but updates are released constantly. The advancements are coming fast and furious, and this is currently my favorite free browser. Download Firefox here.
Opera
Boasting itself as the "fastest browser on Earth," Opera is yet another great browser. According to the Opera website, the browser uses less computer memory (compared to other browsers) allowing you to fly through your web experience. This is completely true. Amazingly true. Old machines, new machines - fast browser.
Additional features include tabbed browsing (like Mozilla and Firefox), as well as standards-compliant rendering. Oddly, I've found some pages that render differently between Opera and Mozilla; so somebody's lying about the whole "adhering to standards" thing. Between you and me, I think it's Mozilla. Regardless, this is a great browser with a promising future. Opera has recently made advances in mobile web rendering. They have really attempted to create a slim, robust browser regardless of device, platform, or accessibility needs, and there's apparently more to come.
Opera is free download, with the option to buy a licensed version (which removes an ad banner and buys you some online tech support). Download Opera here.
What Else?
There are literally dozens more browsers out there - I've chosen these because they appear to be the most widely used based on my research and experience. Chosing a web browser doesn't have to be a major issue or a personal vendetta against Microsoft. Choose a browser that meets your technical and browsing needs. I use nearly every browser I can find because it's my job to make sure the websites I develop work with anything. However, for general surfing, I use Opera at home because it runs extremely fast on my old "home built" 166MHz. At work, I have the luxury of a somewhat newer and faster machine, so I use Firefox 99% of the time. I use IE for that last 1% which demands that specific browser (shudder).
I highly encourage everyone to try one or two different browsers. There is great online support for all of the software I've mentioned above, and you may even find something that better suits your needs or interests.
