If you use a Windows PC, you probably surf the Web with Internet Explorer. I don't think Internet Explorer is too bad; it's a solid browser that will get you around the Web quite nicely. Firefox is also a fantastic browser, as is Safari for the Mac, but today I'm going to focus on Internet Explorer alternatives that were made using the standard Internet Explorer as a starting point. I should point out that, while the standard IE does the job, as people who read my column will certainly come to realize, standard apps rarely satisfy me.

Fortunately, many software developers think the same way I do. They took the already solid Internet Explorer engine and supercharged it by adding tabbed interfaces, skins, expanded bookmark controls, and several other creative innovations to make your surfing experience even better.

Here are three Internet Explorer enhancers that I think offer some of the best extra features out there.

Maxthon is a tabbed browser that I've mentioned in the past as one of my top apps. It offers a skinnable interface and lets you group sites together so that you can open all of your most visited addresses at once. This is the one I use most. (Free/Windows)

Avant Browser not only gives you the tabs, it also adds a pleasant interface. With this one, you can save your opened tabs into groups that you can name, so you can go back to the same sites the next time you surf. (Free/Windows)

iRider is one of the most innovative of the group, offering a whole new way to browse the Web, as well as a great overall look. This browser arranges sites on the left side of your screen, letting you preload pages (great for dial-up users) and pin certain pages permanently so that you can always quickly return to specific sites. The cool features will cost you, though ($29). (Shareware/Windows)

If you like Internet Explorer but have always thought certain features were missing, chances are one of these apps will have them. Once you get used to these apps, I'm betting you'll think plain old IE just isn't good enough.