The two biggest players in the browser war are Microsoft and Firefox. Microsoft started with Internet explorer just after Netscape did in the earl 1990's. Both software packages were available in retail stores until they were later both offered as free software. Microsoft continued on as Internet explorer, and netscape changed it's face to that of Firefox.

Side by side, both browsers appear the same, but under the hood are two completely different machines. Essentially, the perform the same functions, however with some big differences.

Firefox is faster for starters, and out of the box, it is easier to use and configure. There is no initial setup as with IE, and coupled with the google toolbar, the combination is perfect. Firefox has tabbed browsing, enhanced security, more customization options, and uses less system memory.

Breaking down these differences, simply put, Firefox is more secure because it does not have the inherent vulnerabilities as IE does. The reason is because IE is built and embedded into the operating system. Firefox is a 3rd party application that must be downloaded separately. (http://www.firefoxinstall.info)

IE is the most popular web browser no doubt, but it is not the best. It is the most popular because it is included with windows. If it were not, Firefox would surely surpass IE's popularity. Being the most popular has its drawbacks, those being the focus of hackers and virus attacks. The more popular, then the more attention it receives. Which means a greater potential for vulnerabilities and exploits.

Firefox on the other hand has been widely accepted as the IE replacement, initially this was because many did not like Microsoft and would take anything they could to avoid using any microsoft product, nowadays, this is not so much the case. Firefox has the features, and functionality to rival and surpass IE. So much so that Google has partnered with Firefox to offer the firefox with google toolbar package.

The free firefox browser and google toolbar package (http://www.firefoxsetup.info) combines the features of firefox such as its speed, and enhanced security with google's popup blocker, form filler and bookmarking shortcuts. A winning combination!\

More information can be obtained at http://www.firefoxinstall.info