Many people use Internet Explorer to surf the Internet. It is easy because it is installed on all Window's computers (which is what the majority of computer users use). They simply click the blue E and many people do not even realize they have another choice. The following is a basic description for both browsers that might help you decide which one you would prefer.

Internet Explorer: The Pros

Before Internet Explorer 8 was released, there would not have been much competition. Version 8 has greatly improved Internet Explorer's functionality and security. Internet Explorer is now considered much safer and the features are much more expanded.

Internet Explorer added some unique features to their browser you won't find elsewhere. The accelerators are probably the most popular and beneficial. These provide a one click access to some of the most common searches on the Internet. You can now highlight text on the browser and quick jump to a website preset with search results for the selected text. For example, with two clicks you can look up the definition of a word or the location of an address with multiple search providers and in a new tab. This not only saves time, but opening another tab avoids losing your spot. For usability and ease of use, Internet Explorer is top rate.

Internet Explorer: The Cons

The speed is still an issue with Internet Explorer. It's many features and programming have created a long time reputation for Internet Explorer. Both downloading and running this program has been known to be more complicated and take longer. Furthermore, since Internet Explorer is so tightly integrated to the Window's operation system, many complicated problems can occur during an upgrade, even if the upgrade in uninstalled. IE has been known to cause computers to crash after upgrading to version 8.

As far as features are concerned, oddly, Internet Explorer has seemed to build a reputation to lag behind other browsers. Perhaps it is because Microsoft is too consumed with building patches for problems and security threats that come with each new version of Internet Explorer, and the Windows operating systems. Another reason could be that IE is used by the largest group of computer users, especially those who are not familiar with the computers, the Internet, and downloads. These people use Internet Explorer either because it the easiest option (any others would require a download), or they don't know about the others.

For whatever reason, Internet Explorer was the last version to adopt tabbed browsing, and still does not have some very basic features available on most other browsers. For example, Internet Explorer does not allow tabs to be moved into a separate window, and windows to become tabs of other windows. Internet Explorer does not offer to remember passwords on every log in page. IE8 is much better than previous versions, so Microsoft may be breaking their tradition of being behind soon.