Anyone tell me about switching browsers?

[BarryH]

I have to admit I'm still using IE7, mainly working on the logic of if it's working, leave it alone.

I've been trying to get on another forum for photography software and the forum doesn't like IE at all. I've been advised to change to either Firefox or Google Chrome.

Has anyone done this, what problems can I expect, IS IT EASY?

Cheers
Barry

[David Martin]

Yep... as a diehard Microsoft fan I switched to Firefox and it's better in every respect.

Absolutely no hassle to change. Just go here http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/ and all will be taken care of... and there are some smashing add ons - for example the DownloadHelper and video converter which allows you to save and convert all those Shads YouTube clips.

Go for it!

[BarryH]

Thanks for the help David.

Will I need to find all the sites that I've saved as Favourites again?

Cheers
Barry

[stratmantd]

I tend to be a bit set in my ways and would go to IE8 from IE7. However, if you still have problems viewing a site then try Firefox or Opera. Be aware that they may change the way that a site appears as fonts can change and layouts take on a life of their own sometimes.

I would avoid Google Chrome; I tried it and hated it. The Favourite Webpages function might seem like a good idea at first but it is really annoying when it keeps sites that you do not want to keep. Also, it is yet another piece of software which downloads the Google Toolbar.

If you have slow browsing experiences check to see if you have any toolbars installed, especially Google Toolbar, and uninstall them. You will be amazed at how much better your PC runs without them.

[Risky]

I tend to be a bit set in my ways and would go to IE8 from IE7. However, if you still have problems viewing a site then try Firefox or Opera. Be aware that they may change the way that a site appears as fonts can change and layouts take on a life of their own sometimes.

I would avoid Google Chrome; I tried it and hated it. The Favourite Webpages function might seem like a good idea at first but it is really annoying when it keeps sites that you do not want to keep. Also, it is yet another piece of software which downloads the Google Toolbar.

If you have slow browsing experiences check to see if you have any toolbars installed, especially Google Toolbar, and uninstall them. You will be amazed at how much better your PC runs without them.

I have to agree with Tom here. Unlike Sir David I could never be classed as a MSoft diehard and I switched to Firefox as soon as it came out. However, having experienced several annoying problems over the years I have gone back to IE - but I would recommend IE8. Like Tom, I also have Opera in reserve and it seems OK at the moment. I also tried Google Chrome and got rid of it quickly. Tom is right about Google Toolbar. All sorts of applications keep throwing it at you and some install it without giving you a choice It does seem to slow the PC down and really is an unnecessary addition.

Phil

[JimN]

I have several browsers installed, and regularly use two of them.

I use Google Chrome for this site and a few others. I like the way it lays out the page and the way it lets you choose which one of your frequently-visited sites you want.

But I also use Firefox for general surfing (including Google searches) and media-searching. In Firefox, with the latest version of Real Player (which I recommend) installed, any video on YouTube (and in fact, most videos on the web) can be downloaded to the PC without fuss.

I have MS IE installed (it came ready to use), but I have learned not to trust it to reject virus attacks. I also have the PC version of Apple Safari on the computer, but find it of little added value beyond its easy access to the http://www.apple.com website (for downloads).

Hmmmm....

I like Mozila Firefox, but I also like Google Chrome...

But which is better...?

There's only one way to find out!







F I G H T !

[George Geddes]

Firefox most of the time; IE only if absolutely necessary. Can't make much of Chrome, but then I do have a PC which is old and creaky... [ no sarky comments from bandmates or others, please].

George

[stratmantd]

Jim, you can also download clips from YouTube using IE8 and any other browser that Real recognises; the "plugin" looks to see which browsers you have and installs the feature for every one that it supports.

Returning to Barry's original question; when you say that the forum doesn't like IE is there some specific thing that doesn't work correctly such as the way that images are shown or does it not let you log on? These could be caused by your settings. Just yesterday someone called me about a problem he had trying to logon to Switchmedia where his webmail was hosted. Just clicking the rest button on the IE security setting solved the problem.

Try IE8 but If you don't like it I would go along with Mr Legend and go for Firefox; it does tend to have a loyal following and is well supported but Opera is also pretty good.

Remember too that you can import your favourites (real spelling) to Firefox bookmarks so that you don't lose any of those precious links.

Have Fun!

[BarryH]

Hi Jim,

The problem with the site is purely bits seem to fall off, text and piccies not in place in other words.

I've mentioned it on that forum and everyone using IE has the same problems. It would appear the forum run perfectly for Firefox and Chrome users.

Thanks for all the help.

Cheers
Barry

[PGibson]

Hi Barry,

You asked about all your favourites that you have accumulated in Internet Explorer. If you install Firefox you will get the chance to import all those favourites from IE. I much prefer Firefox, but the main reason I switched from IE is security.

Paul