The real question is will you give the new version of IE a go when it comes out? If it's seperate from the OS, and has tabbed browsing and is generally better than FireFox, I'd use it. Until something better comes along.

Separate from the OS?

Dude, the great thing about Microsoft products is how they integrate. I can export an HTML table straight to excel, copy the graph to Word, and still be able to edit the data to alter the graph. I have a pocket PC running PocketWindows 2003, and whenever I plug it in it automatically updates the calender, e-mails and appointments. That sort of integration is really the only thing that makes Microsoft products better than open-source.

It will do that, I'm assuming. It just won't come bundled with the OS. And I won't use the new IE because there's no chance in the world it will be free, and I don't like paying for software when there's a free (legal) alternative available that's just as good.

You don't think MS would market IE as free? I think they'd be nuts not to. Think about it, people (for the most part) think that Internet Explorer IS the interent. Why would Microsoft uproot that, the one thing that gives them real market share? Imagine it:

"Actually yes Mrs Smith, there are other ways to browse the internet that IE, and some of them are free. Better yet, we're offering a new version of IE that brings us up to date, and only now will we start charging you for it!"

They'd be much better off making a big deal about how good IE 7 (or whatever number) is, then giving it away for free.

Oh and Mort, IE can integrate with MS Office all it likes, I think that's a great idea too, it's the fact that it's integrated with Windows that makes it dangerous.

it's actually not all that integrated with windows, and i've had no issues with security since sp2.

Oh no, its not like IE is used to display every folder window in windows...

But it doesn't run in the kernel, it runs in the shell.

If the next version of IE has tabbed browsing, I'd definitely check it out. It's pretty much the only thing I like better about Firefox, other than the download manager.

And the last time I checked, the shell was a part of Windows...

Do you read?

I said it's not all that integrated, meaning it's not integrated to the extent that most people fear. I didn't say it wasn't integrated at all.

That would be a good idea.

apart from you can only vote once, you'd need a choice for every popular permuation...

I see youve never used KDE...

IE

Never had a problem with it, either with safety measures or browsing.

I still think its a "Microsoft hater" scam

Pretty much

Well I guess its all opinion then. I consider it VERY integrated if every single folder window, and the desktop, and the help system, all use IE for their display.

How exactly is that bad? Konqueror is the file browser and browser for KDE...Galleon the same for GNOME. You keep trying to push it as some sort of fatal security flaw or some horribly bad design work, but the fact is, it's not.

Yeah, I could see Microsoft's SE department...
"Okay guys, we have a working web browser, now your task is to write a file browser with a similar [easy] interface that does a very similar function, only locally."

"Well we can just integrate IE into the shell!"

"Oh, sorry Frank, that's bad design because the Linux zealots are running out of anti-MS ammo!"

firefox 99.9999% of the time IE is usually only if some program opens a link in that instead of my default browser

Dominik, Firefox doesn't take over access to the Internet, your parents and brothers can still use IE, while you open Firefox for your browsing needs. Simple. My Dad uses IE but I use Firefox. No problems at all.

Firefox mostly, on the odd occasion I use IE and Opera for testing purposes.

Yes I know, he just doesn't want Firefox in his Taskbar/Programs. He's already threatening me because of JED, and all my programming/editing programs.

I have to get a new PC. Now.

Well boo-****ing-hoo. Put your programs and shortcuts in your own folder or make a seperate profile for you to log in as. But that's probably a hassle for him. Sounds like a lazy and or stupid *******. I mean that in the nicest possible way.

Firefox.