The Alternatives to Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer, in it's various forms, is currently used by about 95% of all web users. To say it's dominant is something of an understatement. It comes free as standard with the world's most popular operating system. Whatever your thoughts on how they achieved it, IE is by far and away browser number one.
Due to its inclusion in Windows, many users don't need, in fact, probably don't realise that there are alternatives to IE, let alone see a reason to use them. This article aims to introduce some reasons why now might be a good time to look at the alternatives and gives details of some of the more popular choices.
Reasons to change
Although there now seems to be some confusion as to whether Internet Explorer will continue to be developed by Microsoft as an individual piece of software, it appears that their overall plan was certainly not to. The aim was to use it to make people move to their new operating system (code-named Longhorn), which is due for release in 2006, but which is already expected to be delayed.
So, having got rid of the competition (by destroying Netscape) and firmly installing themselves as market leader with a browser that was showing potential (if a little loose in the standards department), MS have decided to say stuff it to web users and spend their time and money on other things (probably fixing security flaws in IE and other applications). In fact, if the evidence is to be believed, Microsoft not only doesn't like the idea of web development, it positively fears it. Recent news suggests that the Seattle-based firm want to move back to a 'rich client' situation, protecting the valuable revenue from Office and Windows. This from the company that seemed so upbeat about ASPs (Application Service Providers) not so long ago.
What MS don't seemed to have comprehended is that the web, and the browser market, isn't just going to sit idly by for two years or more while they get things right, then rush out to buy a new OS just for a web browser. Development has been continuing on Microsoft's competitors and after years of apparent wandering, they now seem to be back on track. Even Netscape, which is now owned by AOL and was abandoned not so long ago, seems to have been given the go ahead for an overhaul.
Another very good reason is the security flaws present in IE. A new one was recently announced which even had all the experts suggesting people move away from IE to eliminate a vulnerability that can cause applications to be downloaded to your computer without your knowledge.
So, you can stick with IE, which looks set to remain stagnant for two or more years and then be forced to upgrade to the new version of Windows, or you can take a look at some of the alternatives, and be left with a choice as to when, and if, you upgrade. There are also a number of benefits to be gained from extra features, better standards support and better security.
The contenders
I've listed below the most popular alternatives to IE. I don't wish to discount any of the newer projects, but those listed have generally stood the test of time, have a good support community and have ironed out most of the bugs.
Mozilla (1.7/0.9.1/0.7.1 ~ Windows/Linux/Mac/Other ~ Free ~ www.mozilla.org)
Mozilla is developed by the Mozilla Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation that was set up by AOL's Netscape division in 2003 to continue development on the open-source Mozilla applications. Mozilla.org (or The Mozilla Organisation) is the co-ordination team that brings together all of the efforts of it's volunteer developers. Anyone can submit or refine modules for Mozilla, that's what gives it it's strength. You can also run it on a number of platforms.
There a several options when choosing Mozilla as your browser. You can either get Firefox, which is their standalone browser, Thunderbird, which is a standalone mail client, or Mozilla, which includes a browser, email client, web page creator, address book, newsgroup and IRC client. With options like built-in pop-up blocking, search, skins, and junk mail controls you'll certainly find surfing can be a lot less hassle and look however you want.
Focusing on the browser though, speed is an overwhelming benefit. The Gecko engine that renders pages in Mozilla is noticeably faster than IE. Tabbed browsing, which allows you to view several pages within the same browser window rather than having numerous windows open on your taskbar, is another distinct benefit. And the built-in pop-up blocker is useful for combating those annoying ads. The built-in search (which can be tailored to use whichever search engine you prefer) is useful for anyone who spends time trawling the web. Added to the fact that the software is constantly under development, constantly being improved and updated, has a large selection of extensions which add extra functionality, the ability to import IE bookmarks and settings, and has a world-wide community who can provide help and support around the clock and you have a killer application. Highly recommended.
Netscape (7.1 ~ Windows/Linux/Mac ~ Free ~ www.netscape.com)
Netscape was one of the first of a new breed of browsers when it was released and quickly took a lead, establishing itself as the browser of choice. Eventually it was joined by Internet Explorer and the so-called browser wars began. Internet Explorer won the war of the browsers (for reasons I won't go into), but Netscape didn't disappear. It was bought by AOL, who developed it for a while, then decided to stop, handing most of the source code over the the Mozilla Foundation. Netscape is essentially based on Mozilla now, running the same engine and having most of Mozilla's functionality. Netscape also incorporates AOL's Instant Messenger. AOL recently announced that they will be doing work on Netscape and releasing a version 7.2. Due to it's similarity to Mozilla, either one is as good as the next, although Mozilla is being developed more regularly, so it makes little difference which one you choose. I would recommend going with Mozilla though.
Opera (7.5.1 ~ Windows/Linux/Mac/Other ~ Free/$39 ~ www.opera.com)
Opera claims to be the fastest browser on Earth and it's certainly quick, but that's not the only string to it's bow. Like Mozilla, Opera is a browser that has been around for some time, constantly being developed, refined and improved. The free version come with ads in the top corner, but assuming you can put up with them, has all the functionality of the paid version. Functions include a mail client, chat, notes, search and contacts. It has a built-in pop-up blocker, tabbed browsing, password manager, the ability to save windows on exit, hundreds of customisation options and the ability to import bookmarks and settings from a variety of applications. And the list of features goes on and on.
Opera is produced by a spin-off of a Norwegian telecoms company and definitely has an eye on being a commercial product. It knows it's in a tough marketplace and seems to have settled on the best way to get ahead: by being the best browser available. With that in mind, Opera has been developed feverishly and has made a number of alliances with big software and hardware manufacturers. It seems to be constantly adding new features and functionality, but it remains true to three overriding aims: speed, security and standards. Like Mozilla, Opera has adopted web standards in a big way and this is a good thing for web browsers and developers alike.
Apart from having to pay to remove adverts, this is an excellent product and is highly recommended.
Avant Browser (9.02 ~ Windows ~ Free ~ www.avantbrowser.com)
Avant also claims to be the fastest browser on Earth, so somebody's lying, but let's forget that for a second. Avant isn't so much a browser in it's own right, as an upgrade to IE. Basically it adds tabbed browsing, in-built search and skinability (the ability to change the look of the browser) to IE. As such, it's basically IE with all it's inherent security flaws and problems, and so I won't discuss it further.
And for those people running different operating systems, there are even more choices. On the Mac for example, you have the option of the excellent Camino and Safari and on Linux, Konqueror. As you can see from the choices above, IE may be way out in front, but it's certainly not alone. If you want a browser that is continually developed by people who are constantly trying to improve their product, if you don't want to be tied in to any one company's view of the web, if you're interested in a faster, more stable, more secure way to surf, why not give one of those a go? You never know, you might find you like it.