Application Specific:Web Browsers
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Web Browsers – Internet Explorer, Netscape, and Firefox:
Recent statistics have shown that Internet Explorer (IE) is still the dominant web browser. Firefox has been gaining popularity quickly though. This might be attributed to the increased Netscape’s popularity appears to be declining. It was the main alternative to Internet Explorer before Firefox or Mozilla.
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) is the web browser that comes with Windows. This browser is characterized by quick launch time and ease of use. Prior to SP2, IE was known for spawning pop-up windows while browsing. Now, IE includes a pop-up blocker that is pretty effective.
Security updates for IE and Firefox are quite frequent. IE is usually patched. Firefox requires you to reinstall the browser. Netscape updates are less frequent.
Browser Differences & Simularities:
Browser Differences
- IE uses the Microsoft Virtual Machine whereas Firefox and Netscape use the Java Virtual Machine.
- IE supports ActiveX controls while Firefox and Netscape do not.
- Firefox uses extensions to add functionality to the browser.
- Firefox and Netscape both store user information in Profiles, usually located in H:\Application Data\Mozilla or H:\Application Data\Netscape. Internet Explorer stores its information directly in the User profile used by Windows.
- Netscape has the ability to act as an email client. Neither Firefox nor IE can do this.
- IE is the default web browser. In order for Firefox or Netscape to be default, an administrator account must make the necessary changes.
- The Windows Update web page can only be used by IE and not Firefox or Netscape.
- Netscape sometimes feels bloated because of the many toolbars and menu options available.
- Many security flaws in IE don’t exist in Firefox or Netscape. However, Firefox and Netscape both have their own flaws.
Browser Similarities:
- All have pop-up blocking capabilities.
- All need Flash and Java plug-ins
- All have the potential to be the default web browser.
- Security flaws exist in all web browsers.
Installation:
Internet Explorer:
Internet Explorer is automatically installed when we install Windows XP Pro.
Firefox:
We download and install the latest release of Firefox. We use the typical installation. However, we want the profile stored on the H:\ drive so that the bookmarks and customizations are not lost if the computer goes bad. This occurs when a user logs in and first launches the program.
Netscape:
Netscape uses online installers. We have our own offline installer which we use to perform a custom install. Mail/Newsgroups and Instant Messaging are not installed. SAS does not install Netscape mail because we prefer our customers to use Eudora or Thunderbird instead. Netscape tries to install AOL Instant Messenger. This instant messenger has security flaws. We install Trillian instead as it is a more secure client that allows the user to use the AOL chat protocol. We set Netscape to store the profile on the H:\ drive as well.
Bookmarks:
Bookmarks can be easily transferred from one web browser to another.
- IE has an Import/Export tool under File.
- Under Firefox, you go to the Manage Bookmarks/File/Import.
- For Netscape, go to Manage Bookmarks/Tools/Import
