chadmg - 3:03 pm on Feb 4, 2005 (gmt 0)

As a webmaster, I promote the upgrading of browsers simply because I can write smaller, more efficient code that renders properly and has more functionality with a newer browser. As a user I'm happy that I never have to worry about myself or anyone else who uses my computer infecting it with spyware. I'm an Opera user and I just can't deal without the functionality that Opera provides. I find myself constantly trying to use the Back mouse gesture whenever I have to use IE only to get the right-click context menu.

Personally I wish Firefox would release a special self-updating version of it's browser. So for the slow computer users out there, they (or their IT department) can install that version and always have the latest version. And then for those of us who know what we're doing and prefer to only upgrade when we want, can install the regular version, or just turn auto-update off. Other applications can update themselves, why can't a browser? It's like 2005 already. :)

Firefox takes time to open

About the same as IE.

does a poor job opening java applet with the sun stuff

I've never had a problem.

is incompatible with some sites

This is a problem. My biggest problems is that I can't use Gmail on Opera, although I can on Firefox. Also, I run into problems on some sites when they have poorly coded javascript that do not realize that if the year is less than 1900 they have to add 1900 or else the year shows up as 105. This is a rare problem but it prohibits me from using Opera or Firefox on an obscure site I use to pay off my college loans. Otherwise I have no problems whatsoever. Either browser can pose as IE, so those old websites with bad browser checking scripts that say if you are IE go on otherwise tough luck don't trip you up.

In fact, a lot of sites are hindered by IE. You'd be amazed to check out some sites (like css empowered sites) in a modern browser and see all the things you are missing. It's like those Netscape 4 users who don't know the web looks different in other browsers.

certainly does not render the page more fast

Actually it does.

and is not prone to exploit only because it is much less used than MSIE. Actually, with over 90% of the market, and thus 90% of hackers working to exploit it, MSIE does a relative good job.

I agree with you here... somewhat. Alternative browsers aren't tied in to the OS like IE is, and therefore are more secure. I belive the same thing about Macs though. IF Macs were the dominant OS, we'd be hearing about a lot more Mac exploits.