Opinions on most secure browser

**WebPages** · March 14th, 2004, 12:15 PM

I would like to get some opinions and reasons on which browser Techimo users consider the best and safest to use. Please exclude IE.

**vass0922** · March 14th, 2004, 12:17 PM

Don't worry, regarding security IE is always left out

Opera is my preference by far.

Mozilla/Firefox is the other popular alternative

I'd say they're pretty much equal in security neither one has a track record for security vulnerabilities.

**Pamlor** · March 14th, 2004, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by vass0922
Don't worry, regarding security IE is always left out

Opera is my preference by far.

Mozilla/Firefox is the other popular alternative

I'd say they're pretty much equal in security neither one has a track record for security vulnerabilities.

U got the free version of opera..?

I mean is it the pay version or free version u recomend?

**skuz** · March 14th, 2004, 01:01 PM

Both are the same, it's just that if you pay for it you don't have an ad in the toolbars.

Personally I use Mozilla.

**DanGrease** · March 14th, 2004, 01:03 PM

I recommend Mozilla.
I use Mozilla Firefox 0.8

dan

**The Real Bingo** · March 14th, 2004, 01:03 PM

I'd go for Mozilla.

**crouse** · March 14th, 2004, 01:23 PM

Mozilla.......
For windows or linux.

**vass0922** · March 14th, 2004, 01:29 PM

I did pay for my copy of Opera, but thats only because I wanted to support the company

But as noted above there is no difference in functionality between paid and free, except that the free version does get a banner up in the upper right but they're pretty good about the banners.. not too annoying.
With newer versions you can get banners that are tailored to things you're surfing on based on google search ads.

**Pamlor** · March 14th, 2004, 01:33 PM

Btw what is wrong whit IE..?
ISn't IE ok if u get the security updates..?

**crouse** · March 14th, 2004, 01:43 PM

Mozilla security pages.

http://www.mozilla.org/projects/security/components/

http://www.google.com/custom?cof=LW%...org&q=security

**e980238** · March 14th, 2004, 02:01 PM

Another vote for Firefox here!
The addblock plugin is god.

**vass0922** · March 14th, 2004, 02:11 PM

Pamlor
Even with the security updates IE still calls out to the spyware lords for more spyware food

It welcomes it with open arms.
There will ALWAYS be gazillions of security holes with IE,and Microsoft isn't exactly on the ball with patches.
Now there is always the matter of the type of sites you visit, but IMO I shouldnt' have to be wary of where I visit because the software I use is holier than swiss cheese.

Do a search for browser types in the forums, there are a million threads on teh topic . This thread is not about a browser war so I'll end here.

**skuz** · March 14th, 2004, 06:05 PM

IE is the most used browser, therefore the one hackers and spywares focus on.

If for example Netscape had won the browser war in the mid 90s, I'm quite sure IE would have been considered a secure browser today because Netscape would be the most common browser (the one attacked).

**crouse** · March 14th, 2004, 09:24 PM

Originally posted by skuz
IE is the most used browser, therefore the one hackers and spywares focus on.

If for example Netscape had won the browser war in the mid 90s, I'm quite sure IE would have been considered a secure browser today because Netscape would be the most common browser (the one attacked).

I doubt that IE would be considered secure......

I prefer mozilla simply because the source code and problems are in the open --- and the holes and problems can be fixed quicker, as you have alot more eyes on the problems and the code. Just mho though.

**Scott Tiger** · March 14th, 2004, 09:58 PM

Originally posted by vass0922

Opera is my preference by far.

Same here. It took me a long time to come around but I really do like 7.50 - it's everything you'd want a browser and more.

(now if I just figure out how to minimize it to the tray rather than to the taskbar)

**Beemer** · March 14th, 2004, 10:31 PM

I have never had a problem with keeping up to the security of I.E. Why so many others do is beyond me.

My 71 year old mother has Zone Alarm, AVG, SpyBot Immunization, my customized hosts file protected by SpyBot and surfs the web and goes to all sorts of sites sent to her by my Aunt and other friends. Not always the safest sites either. Outlook Express is her E-mail client.

I never find viruses or spyware on her computer. Over 2 years running now.

I.E. is a fine browser if you have half a mind to learn the do's and don't's of the half life world.

skuz is on the money with his reply.

Get lazy today and get caught tomorrow.

Cheers!

**vass0922** · March 14th, 2004, 10:48 PM

Either do all this to use a browser that lacks many features of modern browsers...

Zone Alarm, AVG, SpyBot Immunization, my customized hosts file protected by SpyBot

OR use mozilla/opera with all of the bells and whistles without a ton of 3rd party apps and host file configuration (that your 71 year old mother does not do by herself most likely)...

Hmmm

**Scott Tiger** · March 14th, 2004, 10:54 PM

Even if IE is as secure as Opera/Mozilla (maybe the sun won't rise tomorrow either) why in the world would you want to use it over the alternatives?

You get so much more from the more full featured browsers - it's really no contest.

**e980238** · March 14th, 2004, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by Scott Tiger
Even if IE is as secure as Opera/Mozilla (maybe the sun won't rise tomorrow either) why in the world would you want to use it over the alternatives?

You get so much more from the more full featured browsers - it's really no contest.

I second that! Tabbed browsing is awesome and I cant live without it now.

**Beemer** · March 14th, 2004, 10:58 PM

Of course she didn't. I'm in the know being here at techimo.

Zone Alarm has more than one use and a very light foot print. I think you will find firewalls on machines with alternative browsers.
AVG protects the computer as well as browsing and has one of the smallest foot prints in the industry. I think you will find Anti-Virus software on machines with alternative browsers.
So basically, SpyBot and the hosts file are the only extra applications I have created to secure her browser.

No biggy.

Lock your car doors at night? Pain in the butt, "eh"?

Cheers!