which is better? Firefox or IE?

webangel's picture

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which do you prefer: mozilla firefox or Internet explorer? Smiling

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I always use IE but I design for W3C compliant browsers and fix sites up with ie hacks afterwards. Microsoft do my head in by refusing to follow W3c Specs. It just makes developers life so much harder lol.

For browsing tho have to say I always use IE. I am well aware of the security risks and I turn them to the wind. Every browser has security risks, altough IE is a little different in that it is built into the core shell of windows.

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i prefer Mozilla actually it is better than the IE because i am using it IE is not sufficient to me

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Firefox is much better and faster than IE..

Busy's picture

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I like Firefox with the web developer extension/toolbar, enables you to validate html, css online and offline, turn css on and off, outline block level elements, tables, turn everything on and off, zoom in and out, small screen rendering ... also the colour picker is great.
I went from IE to Opera, but Firefox is for me

demonhale's picture

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Firefox definitely... but we need to support IE in terms of making a site, since the population of IE users is still significant...

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I use IE for my primary page building, and also as my web-browser. Firefox, is my check to see if everything is working browser.

I don't use anybodies web developing tools, mine are Coffee Cup, and Top Style Pro 3. I find by using IE as my primary browser when working on pages, I have less problems. I can then check it with FireFox, and make the fine adjustments I need. Usually margins, and spaces to accommodate both, since each browser has a little different view on these.

To be truthful Opera has given me more problems then either IE, or FireFox. I still have a little glitch on my site viewed in Opera, but it amounts to nothing more than an aggravation to me. I would have to point it out before most would notice it.

timjpriebe's picture

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Personally, I prefer Firefox. It just seems to render websites more accurately than IE, plus it has some great extensions. I use IEView all the time to double check sites I design in IE, and I use the webmaster toolbar a lot.

Serfaksan's picture

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YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH FIREFOX RULES, it is a lot better, and I almost dont get any spyware now, IE..................no comments

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It has to be FireFox. Doesnt it?....

Abhishek Reddy's picture

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BillyBob wrote: It has to be FireFox. Doesnt it?....

No, it doesn't. Smiling It just has to be spec-compliant.

Supporting Firefox alone as the alternative to IE isn't a good idea. You'll find many users prefer browsers such as Opera, Safari, Konqueror, Dillo, Lynx/Links and variants, and several others.

I use Konqueror and links2 at present. Smiling

etech-peter's picture

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I prefer to use Firefox most of the time. Although at times I also use Opera.

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timjpriebe wrote: Personally, I prefer Firefox. It just seems to render websites more accurately than IE, plus it has some great extensions. I use IEView all the time to double check sites I design in IE, and I use the webmaster toolbar a lot.

I have to agree here and would also like to add... From a developer stand point the FF Javascript debugger has saved me a TON of time.

Johnny

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It depends where I am... at work I use Firefox, but I'm a Mac geek and the Mac version of Firefox is a bit off so I mostly just use Safari.

Megan's picture

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Between Firefox or IE, currently Firefox. I don't love Firefox though, I find the interface to be less than intuitive, I hate the default skin, and I prefer having the functionality I need built in rather than as add-ons.

For those reasons, my main browser is Opera. It comes with so many features built in (no downloading extensions), it's standards compliant, and it's got a good user interface (in my opinion!). Here is a thread with some info about what's great about Opera:

http://www.webmaster-forums.net/showthread.php?t=34660&highlight=Opera (scroll down to my second post, and read the one by JeevesBond further down)

I wouldn't say that any browser is "better" than another - it just depends on what you want it to do. If you want's something really basic that works, then IE would be fine. If you want to be able to customize with special functionality, Firefox is good. If you want a lot of features built in, Opera is great (a lot of the stuff that you would need an extension for in Firefox is built in in Opera). You can get add-ons for Opera too, like a web developer toolbar. If you use a mac, Safari is really good etc. etc.

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I prefer firefox too... it has so much more than IE including extensions and tabs which make surfing a lot easier. I only use IE to test my sites.

DC_Sara's picture

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I use Firefox and have for over a year now. I like it a lot better than IE. I did download the IE 7 Beta earlier this year, but it kept crashing on me. I just downloaded the newest beta yesterday, but I haven't played with it yet, so we'll see!

~*Sara*~

waffles's picture

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Firefox, but not because they do anything better than IE. They do, but that's not the point. Firefox has built up such a fan base and numbr of people willing to create skins and extensions for it that the support is just so much better. Problem in IE? Go to Microsoft. Problem in Firefox? Go a lot more places and find at least the same level of help.

waffles Radio Coming to a set of speakers near you September 2006

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I was a hardcore IE user until I discovered Firefox. It's so much easier to use and Tabbed Browsing is the best thing for internet browsing since the development of the internet itself Sticking out tongue

mandyjb's picture

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I use both, IE for website and FF for security reasons. FF has more security but when viewing my website in FF it doesn't seem to support some javascripts and colours I have used. I have been eliminating some of my JS so that my website is compatible with both.

Cratima's picture

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I think that this:
"which is better? Firefox or IE?"
is NOT a real Question.

IE is actually not a real browser for me.

The real question can only be:
"which is better? Firefox or Opera?"
For this the answer would be like this:
1. Firefox for strange and bizzare wishes that can be fullfilled by extensions and for IE compatibility;
2. Opera for speed and for ease of use for beginners;
In case those issues are not the critical determining factor, than either Opera or FireFox can be used. Wink

Abhishek Reddy's picture

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Cratima;208457 wrote: 2. Opera for speed and for ease of use for beginners;

Whilst Opera may be the best for beginners, it's worth noting that it's also very good for advanced users, developers and so on. I don't think you implied that it's only for beginners, but I'll point this out anyway. Smiling

Megan's picture

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Browser vulnerabilities comparison chart

As an advanced user I totally love Opera. It lets me customize everything, and has so many built-in features that I barely wish for extensions Smiling You can even add on your own custom toolbars and menus (which allows you to create a web developer toolbar and other such enhancements).

I'm glad cratima noted ease of use for beginners though - I never really thought of Opera as a good browser for beginners to be honest. I thought of it more of a power user's tool.

italianninja's picture

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i prefer firefox due to the extensive plugins that are available, extensions, security and themes. Regular updated, run by people with a passion for the web.

I do use everysingle browser out there though, on both pc and mac to check how things turn out.

Cratima's picture

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Why is Opera for beginners?

You want a definition of an word. How do you do that with IE? Open dictionary.com. With FireFox? Install an extension. With Opera. Right-click. Now that's simple.

How to save all tabs being opened? FF - install tab mix plus. Opera - automatic. IE? Haha. "What's that?" IE asks.

Mouse gestures? Extensions vs. Just enable it. I think IE is hiding when asked this question.

Autofill - 3 different extensions (including the Google toolbar) vs. integrated in Opera. IE has Google Toolbar for that.

There are just a lot of things that a user should serach for and install for itself if it uses FireFox. With Opera they are all there! No install required. A right click, an "Enable" option, a walk through the "Preferences" will solve most of the issues.

Sure, there are some things (mostly weird) that Opera can't do. For that is FireFox. But for the ease of use (and these are the beginners!) - go Opera. Right-click and you're done!

JeevesBond's picture

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Thanks for pointing that out Cratima! I couldn't have put it better myself. Also Opera runs on everything, on phones, PDAs, Windows, am using under Linux to type this, Mac etc.

Anyway, Firefox Vs. IE is a bit of a daft question. IE hasn't been updated for five years, now MS are updating it they're only doing it because they've been forced to. The updates they have done are basic CSS (that should have worked correctly in the first place), and have stolen some ideas from all the other browsers.

Firefox is certainly better in almost every respect to IE. Unfortunately MS have an unfair and illegal (proven by the US DOJ) advantage from bundling their product with Windows. Let's hope the European Commission destroy their monopoly. George W's regime certainly won't.

The only thing I don't understand is why the EC doesn't stop Microsoft from shipping IE with Windows. Confused

a Padded Cell our articles site!

DDoSAttack's picture

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JeevesBond;208549 wrote: The only thing I don't understand is why the EC doesn't stop Microsoft from shipping IE with Windows. Confused

Because if they did half the people who bought a new computer would be pissed that they didn't have a pre-installed browser that "works"

Firefox is my browser of choice... although I have to say I am disappointed that some of the extension developers haven't updated their extensions to work on FF 2.0 yet, Mix Tab Plus being one of them. I am lazy and I want to be able to just hover over my tabs and have them change focus!!! Laughing out loud

I tried Opera and never did "get it" really. I liked it more or less but found that I liked the extensions that were offered for FF better.

For instance I run FoxyTunes to run WinAmp and I like it. Opera doesn't have that. Also I like the sleek look of the Noia Extreme skin for FF as opposed to the blocky Opera themes. I also really really like the way FF handles the bookmarks way better than any other browser.

I do have to say that I was quite disappointed in IE 7!!! I had yet to try any of the RC's (I run Windows Server 2003 EE as my OS and could not install it until recently) It is UGLY and very unintuitive!!!

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Opera is far the best.I really like the widgets(developing widgets is best thing for webmasters to prove their skills).

greg's picture

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I have used firefox for a long time now, mainly as an alternative to IE due to IE's security problems (although I think they have come a long way since the bad days). Its good because you dload the 'bare' software and users can add on their individual plugin/module requirements.

As for security, as firefox becomes more popular and has somewhere near the same amount of users as IE it will become as vulnerable to attacks as IE.

I use Vista at the moment and have to say the new tabbed IE is pretty good (even if copied from our open source friends)

timjpriebe's picture

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Firefox.

Well, that's my personal preference, anyway.

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I prefer FX but it also needs some improvements like one extension should not interfere with workings of other extension and it should not shut after an error without giving any chance to save something ...

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definitely FF at the moment, but then we're comparing a 6 year old dinosaur with a newcomer.
FF definitely has a large base of extension developers and is also at the forefront of the open-source movement.

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I've been a Firefox convert for a while now. I know that any browser has security loopholes - but I like the number of extensions available for Firefox as it makes it easier for me to block known ads and javascript on sites I'm not familiar with and with one click unblock them either temporarily or permanently. It does mean that anyone using my computer to surf the Internet needs a tutorial session beforehand, but I haven't had a major security issue with Firefox in the couple of years since I started using it. The last time I actually allowed IE to connect to the internet I ended up with my browser hijacked within a few minutes - which was discouraging (especially as it's not like I'm going to porn sites or crack sites - all it took was following one link to a clipart site for it to happen.)

PopeCuervoLime's picture

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Opera.

FireFox is alright but I think the honeymoon period is over and hackers are starting to put a bull's eye on it now. It's kind of hard to tell how long FireFox's reputed security strengths will last.

I keep IE 7 around to test sites because 89% of the populace still uses the damn thing.

As for which one is the fastest browser I can only ask one question: in the world of high-speed broadband, who cares? No one I know uses dial-up anymore, for whom which faster browser times might be important. Sometimes FireFox loads quicker, sometimes it's Opera; it's like Coke and Pepsi, almost tastes the same to me.

Megan's picture

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PopeCuervoLime;209524 wrote: Opera.

Yeah, man Wink

Renegade's picture

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Sorry to be the grumpy old person here but, Opera is not one of the options Sticking out tongue

PopeCuervoLime's picture

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Renegade;209548 wrote: Sorry to be the grumpy old person here but, Opera is not one of the options Sticking out tongue

I know. Wink

lenaosterhagen's picture

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But here the discusion is between IE and firefox not for opera.

Megan's picture

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Sticking out tongue

Megan's picture

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I just came across this really funny old thread: IE or NS? What do you use? from February/March of 2000! (I'm quite proud that I was already talking about using Mozilla at that time Laughing out loud)

Another historical thread: Microsoft, the evil empire, from June 2001

Oh, and here's one from when I first started using opera (November, 2001!). Awwwww! Better thank Parker for recommending it next time I see him around.

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My browers.

Netscape to IE to Mozilla to Avant to ........ Green now..

however answer to ur questions...is mozilla that I support

thanks

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Firefox is the best. It is fast, secure and convenient is use. I'm using it for three years and don't havw any problems.

wazzupweb's picture

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FIREFOX is the best! Second is Google Chrome! And now, Firefox 3.5 is coming so soon! And Mozilla claims that it's the fastest firefox ever! For more info, visit: http://xrl.in/2eug

victorsmith's picture

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IE 8 is much better then previous version but still firefox rocks...
safari 4 is also good and fast....

Firefox is much secure, convenient to use for all..

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IN my opinion Firefox is better. Because it’s really fast more than IE. And also have more of add-ons better than other browser...

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Why does Internet Explorer crash all the time? - 2.57 million results

Vs.

Why does Firefox crash all the time? - 218,000 results

{link removed}

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Firefox is much simpler – but quite possibly too much so. JavaScript, for example, can be enabled or disabled (along with setting a half dozen or so JavaScript capabilities) for all or no sites. It’s nice that turning off dangerous features like this can be quickly turned on and off. It’s so simple that anyone could (and should!) experiment with it. But I want a little bit more flexibility than this.

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I prefer firefox over ie.

IntegratedS's picture

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hey i would go for firefox..its the best one..

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As from the first I prefer the Firefox and the thing is that I want to say you that there are many other browsers, but all of them use the built-in drive to provide cried, with the exception of Opera Mini. I like tis all of the features that much and the more thing is that I like its add-ods features that much.

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Firefox killed IE, cust it is faster and less complicated.

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I like Firefox but my CPU usage is high and I have to exit out and get back in every 90 minutes. That's a real pain.

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I am using Firefox. Because its too fast than internet explorer.

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I have used Firefox for long time.I like this browser because this is used for web developer extension,turn everything on and off and also used to validate html or css. But also we need to support IE.

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Firefox of course, lighter. More Advanced, supports many great plug-ins. Even though latest beta version has some bugs but still it is waaaay better than IE.

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I am using firefox from one and half year. I really like to work on it. It is really easy to use and all the provided add ons is nice as well as good for minimize work. I really like all the add on of it.

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For me Firefox is better than IE

samuelsun's picture

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Firefox is best for professional work rather than IE.

szenovera's picture

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Firefox is fine to beat IE. Simple interface, and safe and sound mechanism for privacy are good reasons for me to choose Mozilla's brower, although there are still many functions awaiting for improvement and invention. Changing themes is another sparkling point for choice.

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Hi,
That's depend own choice which browser you select. I think most of people prefer firefox then IE, and comfort with firefox browser.Me also used firfox browser..!

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I Prefer Mozilla Firefox. Because Its Better Than Internet Explore .

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Fire fox is better then IE. Fire fox did not contain any problem but IE get problem every time in my computer and it will did not giving the speed. Fire fox provide nice speed and security on Internet and also in downloading.

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Firefox and just only Firefox Speed of this browser is also very good than IE. Also Add-on is plays good roll to increase Firefox on top, But simply it's my favorite all the time.

lvlncforeman's picture

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From two I'd rather choose firefox. But guys you should try google chrome for you to see the difference.

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Mozila firefox is better then internet explore.

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Firefox is better than the IE

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For me Mozilla is better. Its has a lot of add on and plug ins freely available. Which make it more user friendly than IE. Also its much faster than IE.

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Firefox is far better than IE.

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i think the new version of Internet Explorer is better and improved...

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I think Firefox is better and i love to use it.

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Firefox is better then internet explore. Mainly i use Firefox for seo work, mainly because Firefox have good seo related tool bars and plugin which can easily be installed and remove.

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previously i am using internet explorer but it has so may bugs and its speed is too slow that why i moved to Mozilla Firefox. firefox is good browser as compare to internet explorer and main plus point of using Mozilla Firefox is its add-ons.

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IE is the browser that comes with the system, such as travel and so many browsers are using the IE kernel, IE error, resulting in not online, other times the IE core browser can not access the Internet. And Firefox has its own kernel, and many viruses are only for IE browser, the Firefox less! After problems with IE, Firefox can still access the Internet.
I feel that both browsers have their characteristics, have the advantage, two are better.

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I think Firefox is much better than IE. I use Firefox.It has more features,good add-ons, and plug-ins.

{links removed}

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I give first preference to Firefox always because its provide good features and better performance with compare to all other browsers.

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I use Firefox. It is faster than IE.

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i prefer Mozilla

Asher ross's picture

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Hi, Firefox works best becasue it supports different add-ons to complete any task easily.

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I like Firefox, it is really a smart browser and friendly for SEO people.

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Hello friends
In present there are number of web browsers available in the market. I am using mozilla firefox because it provides more security and high processing speed than other web browsers.

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I like Firefox. I always use it. It has many add-ons .Which is very helpful in SEO such as no dofollow, pr viewer etc.

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If you ask me, I would choose Firefox because it is just so faster than IE.

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I always use Firefox. It is better than IE. It provides many features such as pr viewer , dofollow viewer etc.

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There are many web browsers on internet like, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Opera etc, i have tried all but according to me Mozilla Firefox is the best choice among all because it is much faster and better than all browsers.

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Firefox is the best browser. I always use this because it help to development hands.

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I USE MOZILLA AS IT HAS BETTER FEATURES THAN IE

lenaosterhagen's picture

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The firefox browser is best one. It is also have a lot of addons used in development and search engine optimisation. There are many tools to audit any website.

Content Writer's picture

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Without any doubt Mozilla Firefox is the best of the best.

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i prefer Firefox than anything else. yet i have not face any problem.

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Firefox is better because it has good tab management while IE don't..

gracie's picture

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Honestly, I am using Google Chrome and/or Safari. But, with the given choices I'd go for Mozilla. I find IE unfriendly and slow.

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Firefox is better than IE because Mozilla browser is always faster than IE. if we use IE it takes too much time for surfing but in mozilla it does not take too much time to load the heavy site also

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IE is sucks, choose Google Chromium - fast and reliable browser

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