Your Web Browser

Internet Explorer, although it is still listed as a top web browser it is in reality the worst one around. Internet Explorer is behind in everything all the time, this includes security and features. The best one out there right now is Firefox. It is a lot more secure and feature rich then Internet Explorer can ever hope to be.

Do not let the words “feature rich” scare you away. Just because it has features doesn’t mean it is complicated, it works like any other browser and it has tabs like the recently released Internet Explorer 7 (Firefox had them LONG before IE7).

Make sure you download Java, Flash and shockwave addons you will need them all eventually (especially java it is not just used in web browsers)

It is also worth taking a look at Firefox’s Extensions there are a lot of useful little addons for the novice and advanced users alike.

Here is a list of a few to get you started:

Download Statusbar – Reconfigures the download window in Firefox into a progress bar

Adblock Plus – Blocks ads

Flashgot- Used with Flashget Download Manager for batch downloading of files on a page.

CookieSafe – Gives you more control over cookies

Full Map – Improved View of Google maps

Gladder – Bypasses some internet Censorship

Mouse Gestures – You can “gesture” with your mouse (e.g. move the pointer to do an L shape and it will cause you to go back one page)

There are a ton more, I only listed the most basic so browse around for more extensions.

You can also tweak firefox to make it run faster there is a guide HERE