This isn't Microsoft's best moment. Because of the many security risks present in Internet Explorer--not the least of them the current attacks using the Browser Helper Object (BHO)--the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team recommends that Windows users move away from Microsoft's Internet browser. Mac and Linux users aren't affected by the latest security flaws, but where can Windows users turn? Here's a quick overview of IE alternatives available today.
Although it's still in beta, Mozilla's new Firefox browser has so far lived up to the buzz surrounding it. Created by the programmers who originally programmed Netscape, Firefox returns to a very simple yet powerful design that made Netscape an early leader in the browser space.
If you want a browser that's been thoroughly vetted, Mozilla itself is an option. Designed primarily for Web designers, Mozilla has a friendly enough interface for even the occasional Internet surfer.
Netscape isn't dead yet, either. Once the market leader in Internet browsing, the latest version isn't the must-have it once was, but it's stable and secure, which is more than we can say about Internet Explorer.
Finally, from Norway, comes Opera, a robust alternative to Internet Explorer. Despite its somewhat cluttered interface and the occasional requirement for a security patch, Opera has held its own for several years and has its own following. There are free and paid versions of Opera available.
Whichever browser you choose, you'll probably need to reset some cookies and save your favorites all over again to get back to the surfing speed you're used to from IE. Nonetheless, it'll be worth the time sacrifice to keep your personal data safe.
Two other alternative browsers, NetCaptor 7.5.2 and MyIE2 0.9.26, offer features and usability enhancements you can't get with Internet Explorer. However, since these browsers use Microsoft's Internet Explorer engine, they may be vulnerable to some of the attacks that also work on IE.
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