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Firefox 1.5

36 (44.4%)

Firefox 2.0 (Bon Echo)

11 (13.6%)

IE 6

13 (16%)

IE 7

6 (7.4%)

Opera

10 (12.3%)

Netscape

1 (1.2%)

Other

4 (4.9%)

Total Members Voted: 80

[glynor]

I just today took the plunge (at least on one of my machines) and upgraded to Bon Echo (the pre-release builds of Firefox 2.0).  I run Firefox 1.5 as my default browser on all of my machines (except this one now), and I didn't really see too much of a reason to upgrade based on the "announced" features available in 2.0.  I decided to give it a shot today though, just for kicks...

I have to say... I'm pretty impressed!  It "feels" quite a bit snappier than 1.5 did and I really like the new theme and new layout of the Options panel.  I haven't spent much time playing with other features yet, but so far it looks pretty good.

Anyhow... This got me to wondering.  What browser do you use as your primary?  Why do you like it?  Have you ever tried anything else, or is it just what you're used to?

[lepa]

Firefox 2.0 with mouse gestures and adblock suits me. Haven't really bothered to try the others lately.

[Pink Waters]

Firefox is the way to go.

Generated: Thu Sep 28 2006 00:58:28 GMT+0200 (Egypt Standard Time)
User Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.8.0.7) Gecko/20060909 Firefox/1.5.0.7
Build ID: 2006090918

Enabled Extensions: [23]
- Adblock 0.5.3.043: http://adblock.mozdev.org
- Adblock Filterset.G Updater 0.3.0.4: http://www.pierceive.com/
- AI Roboform Toolbar for Firefox 6.7.5: http://www.roboform.com
- All-In-One Sidebar 0.6.4: http://firefox.exxile.net/aios/
- BetterSearch 1.12: http://bettersearch.g-blog.net/
- Download Statusbar 0.9.4.1: http://downloadstatusbar.mozdev.org/
- Fasterfox 1.0.3: http://fasterfox.mozdev.org/
- FlashGot 0.5.96.060910: http://flashgot.net
- Free Download Manager plugin 1.0: http://freedownloadmanager.org/
- IE View 1.3.1: http://ieview.mozdev.org/
- McAfee SiteAdvisor 23.0: http://www.siteadvisor.com/
- Menu Editor 1.2.2: http://menueditor.mozdev.org/
- MR Tech Local Install 5.2: http://www.mrtech.com/extensions/local_install/
- NoScript 1.1.4.3: http://noscript.net
- OpenBook 1.3.4: http://www.chuonthis.com/extensions/
- PDF Download 0.7.6: http://www.pdfdownload.org
- SearchBox Sync 0.4.1: http://legege.com/mozilla/
- StumbleUpon 2.83: http://www.stumbleupon.com/
- Tab Mix Plus 0.3.0.5: http://tmp.garyr.net
- Talkback 1.5.0.7: http://talkback.mozilla.org/
- TargetAlert 0.8.9.7: http://www.bolinfest.com/targetalert/
- Update Notifier 0.1.4: http://www.longfocus.com/firefox/updatenotifier
- VideoDownloader 1.1: http://videodownloader.net/

Installed Themes: [15]
- Breeze 1.5.3: http://thelemming.org.uk/view/?id=81
- Charamel 1.2.0.1: http://www.charamel.ca
- Crystal Dream 1.0.2: http://d.1asphost.com/aratap/
- Firefox (default): http://www.mozilla.org/
- Firefox 2.0 Theme 0.2: http://www.google.com/search?q=Firefox%20Firefox%202.0%20Theme
- Fusion Alternative 1.0.20060613: http://f22.aaa.livedoor.jp/%7Eptdb/firefox/aluminum.html
- Fusion Alternative 2 2.0.20060613: http://f22.aaa.livedoor.jp/%7Eptdb/firefox/aluminum.html
- HaikuFox 0.4.6: http://www.sheltonfamily.org/firefoxtheme/Install.htm
- Modern Pinball 1.5.2: http://mozilla-themes.schellen.net/firefox.html
- Opera 7.5x 1.5.051124: http://www.google.com/search?q=Firefox%20Opera%207.5x
- Orbit 3+1 0.0.4: http://themes.mozdev.org/themes/orbit.html
- Phoenity Modern 0.5.20060212: http://maguroban.s41.xrea.com/firefox/ptmodern.html
- PimpZilla 3.26: http://www.pimpzilla.nl
- PixelZilla 0.9.9: http://pixelzilla.berlios.de
- Whitehart 0.1.7: http://www.bytecave.net/anders/theme/

[GHammer]

I like being 'other'.
I use Maxthon, which uses the IE engine.

[wilfredjg]

I like Firefox I'm using 3.0a1. Been running good no crashes

[glynor]

I like Firefox I'm using 3.0a1. Been running good no crashes

Wow... Running with Gecko 1.9.... Interesting that you haven't seen much instability.  Do you update builds regularly?  Are there any extensions available for Trunk builds?

[wilfredjg]

Wow... Running with Gecko 1.9.... Interesting that you haven't seen much instability.  Do you update builds regularly?  Are there any extensions available for Trunk builds?

I'm using Minefield and testing auto update. The auto update is working ok. It updated itself tonite to Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9a1) Gecko/20060926 Minefield/3.0a1 I need to go and download a nightly build to see if its the same. No problems using it  three hours a night.

[Magic_Randy]

Hmmm - I'm using IE6 - boring

[Magic_Randy]

OK - now I'm Firefox 2 RC1.

As long as I'm moving forward - any comments re: Firefox vs. IE7?

[enervation]

I've been running the firefox nightly builds up to 2.0 but now that it's nearly out I'll probably switch to minefield (firefox 3.0 development builds).

[glynor]

Wow.  I'm actually quite surprised by the results.  Of course, it could be somewhat stilted by the fact that someone who thinks "You mean there are other browsers?  I just click on the big E..." probably doesn't take the time to vote in my little poll.

Either way.... Firefox is beating up on IE pretty bad so far in the results.

As long as I'm moving forward - any comments re: Firefox vs. IE7?

Let me preface this by saying that I have not actually bothered to try IE7.  However, I have read about it extensively, checked out all of Paul Thurrott's reviews and previews, and generally just paid attention.  I guess my point is...  There's a reason I haven't bothered to actually try it out.  Why bother? It really doesn't seem to bring anything new to the table.  It seems to be, to me, very much of a "me too" release.  Sure, there's an extra or feature thrown in here or there, but certainly nothing that changes your browsing experience like Tabs do (yes, I know they're doing tabs finally, but that's a me too).

Firefox is small, more secure, and already contains all of those much touted IE7 features.  It's free.  I don't have to worry about Microsoft installing any craptastic "I'm going to check your license constantly and report it back to HQ and break your computer if I think you might not be legit for a second" WGA spyware on my machine.  It's quite extensible (I would find it hard to live now without Adblock Plus and the Filterset G updater).  And, frankly, it's open source.  They've, to me, proved that, while they are certainly not immune to serious security problems, they: 1) admit to them readily rather than lying and hiding it, and 2) they fix them more quickly than Microsoft does.

But, really, the main "feature" that drew me towards Firefox in the first place is it's cross platform compatibility.  I can use the same Profile and Bookmarks file (I have my bookmarks file on a network share so it's actually the same exact file) for my many Windows boxes, as well as my Linux machine, and my Macs.  And even more importantly, they all work basically exactly the same, so it's a familiar, easy environment.  Heck, if you want, there's even ways to install Firefox onto a USB flash drive and carry it around with you.  At the coffee shop in Brazil and want to use your own bookmarks and browser with your extensions?  Cool, just plug in the USB drive and go...

[LonWar]

I use IE7... To me it's just as good as FireFox, but I don't have to switch browsers to use windows update. I have also found pages that either don't work, or don't work propperly in FF.

For the adblocking, I use Admuncher, it kills google ads in google search and Gmail. I haven't found a way to do that in FF.


I do have FF2 on my system and occasionaly try it, but Why Bother?  I have never had a problem with IE or Microsoft... It asks you to validate your copy of windows, big deal, I use a legal copy.,...

[glynor]

I do have FF2 on my system and occasionaly try it, but Why Bother?  I have never had a problem with IE or Microsoft... It asks you to validate your copy of windows, big deal, I use a legal copy.,...

Just to be clear.  I do to.  I'm not really talking about the validation (which in itself is insulting, but acceptable).  I'm talking about the WGA Notification application that Microsoft released as a "Critical" download, and which runs resident on your system all the time, and which "phones home" once per day (and does so without disclosing that fact -- well, until they got caught).

I can see it from that side too.  I just have been using Firefox since version 0.6 so switching back is a "why bother".  IE is just now catching up (with a beta version that breaks other applications, like older builds of MC, might I add)...

[dlone]

I use IE7... To me it's just as good as FireFox, but I don't have to switch browsers to use windows update. I have also found pages that either don't work, or don't work propperly in FF.

There's a couple of Firefox exensions that let you use IE as the rendering engine (by a single click on on icon to change a page, through to being able to set entire sites to use IE)
Best of both worlds 

[Lasse_Lus]

For the adblocking, I use Admuncher, it kills google ads in google search and Gmail. I haven't found a way to do that in FF.

the extension "customize google" fix the google ad issue

Portable FF rules 

[AoXoMoXoA]

I like being 'other'.
I use Maxthon, which uses the IE engine.

^ same here

[Alex B]

Opera 9.02

Opera is a bit like MC. The more I use it the more I like it. Opera is full of clever features, but you need to find and learn to use them first.

[GHammer]

Hmmm, I guess it depends on your viewpoint.
Extensions are exactly why I quit FF.
The second time I updated and found that most of my extensions did not work, I dumped it.
I have not found anything I like for RSS feeds from FF.

I have Opera 9 installed here and have to make myself use it soon.
I say 'make' because we all get used to doing things this way or that way. First experience with different methods is annoying. To me anyway.

I have four things that have to work with a browser.
Roboform
RSS feeds need to be easy to use.
ReGet Deluxe
Mouse gestures have to be easy to customize. I only like to drag a link to open in a new tab. I have lousy mouse technique so I do not want things open/close/print/search/etc when I move the mouse this way or that. I just want to open a link in a new tab. Unfocused. Next to what I'm doing now.

Give me those 4 and I'm a happy camper. And for now, Maxthon using the IE engine fills the bill.

[glynor]

The second time I updated and found that most of my extensions did not work, I dumped it.

I understand.  That irritated me horribly at first.  Just so you know, 2.0 will check automatically for updates for your extensions and download/upgrade them automatically if they're available.  That's why I bothered to upgrade...

The fact that Opera includes a Email and IM app (the suite mentality) leaves me cold.  I like to mix and match...  I thought I had posted another message here about Opera, but it seems to have disappeared (or maybe I never clicked "Post" and eventually closed the window, who knows).  Either way... I try out the new Opera releases every so often.  There's a lot I like about it, but some that I don't (mostly the suite thing, but other stuff too).  Never really had enough "wow" power to get me to switch over from Firefox, which I've been using as my primary browser since version 0.6.  It's a close second though...

Give me those 4 and I'm a happy camper. And for now, Maxthon using the IE engine fills the bill.

And that's what's really important.

[Magic_Randy]

It was so much easier letting Bill (Gates) do all of the thinking for me.  Didn't have to decide anything.

[adamsp70]

Opera is a bit like MC. The more I use it the more I like it. Opera is full of clever features, but you need to find and learn to use them first.

Couldn't agree more - the best things in life take a bit of effort ;-)

[Johnny B]

Couldn't agree more - the best things in life take a bit of effort ;-)

I do agree as well - Opera is my favourite...
I used to play with FF but was never quite excited about it... And what really pi**ed me off was THE attitude of the community on message and discussion boards... It is soo much warmer feel when going to Opera boards...

[Alex B]

... Extensions are exactly why I quit FF.
The second time I updated and found that most of my extensions did not work, I dumped it.
I have not found anything I like for RSS feeds from FF.

I have Opera 9 installed here and have to make myself use it soon.
I say 'make' because we all get used to doing things this way or that way. First experience with different methods is annoying. To me anyway.

Actually, I never had the time to find and learn FF's extensions (except FoxyTunes & CleanJR controls for MC that I tried). The plain FF browser is not anything special.

Opera comes with almost everything you need right in the box. I have had it installed for years as a part of my standard new OS install procedure, but I have not used it much until recently.

Just to name a few features:

- Zoom, works with complete pages including images & graphics. Can be easily used with the + and - keys.

- Versatile tabs and separate browser windows. You can drag about everything between everything - tabs to other or new windows, a tab to a shortcut panel so that it becomes a shortcut etc.

- Integrated text notes with hyperlinks. Just highlight a text block and do a "right-click > copy to note". The notes tool can edit the saved texts. It has a folder structure and even a trashcan. You can simply double-click a note for opening the linked address again in a new tab.

- Memory. Opera can automatically memorize your last open tabs and windows. You can also save named sessions. Each saved session contains all different tabs and windows that were open during the save.

- Easily customizable UI. You can just right-click a toolbar and change the UI configuration.

- "Paste and Go" right-click command that can be used when an internet address or a Google search string is pasted in.

- Opera's "mail department" has excellent newsfeed and newsgroup clients. (For regular email I use Eudora, which I have used since mid-nineties.)

- The Transfers tab. A basic download manager that works smoothly.

[hit_ny]

Another vote for Opera, its amazing to see how much publicity FF gets, which partly explains the huge user base. But compared to Opera it feels a bit patchy. the play is not as consistant. Go wherever you want, no worries about ActiveX exploits. I've never used Opera's suite just the browser, its available as a separate download.

Using it since ver 7. and i don't see any reason whatsoever to switch.

There are a few sites designed for IE only and if they are important then thats when i use IE, (only after FF has probs as well)

[Mr ChriZ]

IE6 does me most of the time.
It's seriously light and integrates with the windows file browser.

I do like Opera.  Occasionally found sites that gave it problems.
With a bit more effort I'm sure I could use Opera more often.

FF I found very erratic performance wise and memory wise, both
on my sluggish home machine and brand new 3ghz machines...
It's design compared to Opera out of the box was so lacking too...
Maybe version 2 is better.  I'll try it once it's had more time to settle down.

IE7 breaks to many things on my system...

[Magic_Randy]

Since this thread started, I now have 3 browsers:

IE6
FF2
Opera9

I won't try IE7 until it is standard.  Too many bugs with MS products. I will always have the latest IE as some web sites only work with IE.

Having tried Opera - my initial impression is I like Opera better than FF.  Time will tell.

[wilfredjg]

I never tried Opera a FF person and keeping IE because some sites only work good on IE. So Opera is free used to charge $39.00. I like trying new things been with FF since it came out.

[LonWar]

the extension "customize google" fix the google ad issue

Portable FF rules 

Man if I had known about that extention, I wouldn't have needed to buy admuncher.... Oh well,.,


Thanks,

[lepa]

Another vote for Opera, its amazing to see how much publicity FF gets, which partly explains the huge user base.

Probably due to fact that Opera used to be Adware if you didn't buy it. I for one didn't feel like to pay (was it 39$) for a browser when I could get good enough for free.

[johnnyboy]

Firefox here and will be for a while.
I also have Opera but the thing about firefox is that I can add any extra features I want to it simply by adding an extension.

Sure Opera has tons straight out the box, but you're pretty much stuck to those. Thanks to the HUGE community of Firefox users there are a ton of extensions to it.

Prefer it to Opera as it's customized exactly how I like now and with the IEtab plugin and Gmail Manager it gives me a full solution.

Session Manager and Snapback tab to instantly re-open any of the last X pages I've closed with full history and everything really round it off for me.

As for it using huge memory - there are a lot of articles in the web as to why this is (storing previously visited pages in RAM for faster access when navigating back/forwards). This can be easily fixed by changing one value in about:config

[Alex B]

Sure Opera has tons straight out the box, but you're pretty much stuck to those. Thanks to the HUGE community of Firefox users there are a ton of extensions to it.

Opera has a nice community and some customize options like skins, language files and Widgets. My favorite is the aquarium simulator .


Click to see more of this sreenshot.

[marko]

I have used roboform for years. I'd be well and truly fooked if I ever lost my roboform data, I kid you not.

One of the reasons I've never given Opera more than a cursory once over is that it can't work with roboform.
I believe Opera has a built-in password manager, the wand? Can it fill out forms too?

Do you use it, and if so, how do you rate it?

RoboForm can, for example, go to this page, fill out the entire form,  then click submit for me, all from a single mouse click.

I doubt I would give up roboform to be honest, couldn't help wondering how Opera users are catered for in this dept.

[Alex B]

Opera's Wand works fine with e.g. forum and webmail logins, but I suppose Roboform is quite a bit more advanced. Wand does not have similar smart cababilites. It simply memorizes what you have used previously.

[LesC]

using opera, i like the way i can continue from last time, do saved sessions, etc. i'd use ie 7 for it's cute interface but don't like the way tabs are handled.