UC Davis Information & Educational Technology

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New Browser: New Horizon!

Posted on April 12, 2005

Sometimes we need a change in our lives, but rigorous class schedules can prevent us from jumping in the car and driving to Mexico when that urge for novelty hits. Well, I�ve got the perfect solution for you�change your Web browser. A simple switch from Internet Explorer might be the added spice you need to curb daily drudgery.

New Ways to Browse
Using a new browser can provide an exciting change of pace because most browsers now come with an eclectic variety of useful tools like tabbed browsing, pop-up blockers, a Google search bar, site-level cookie control, and download managers. Best of all, three of the more popular browsers�Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Suite, and Apple Safari�are fully supported by IT Express. That means if anything goes wrong, the campus computer help desk will be right by your side.
But maybe you need a bit more incentive, so allow me to show you new vistas from the safety of your armchair. Speaking of safety, you will be happy to hear that these free alternative browsers are in many ways safer to use than Internet Explorer.

  • Because IE is directly integrated into your operating system, it is more vulnerable to security holes, worms, and viruses. Since these other browsers are not directly integrated into the operating system, they are less exploitable.
  • Other browsers don�t have Internet Explorer�s ActiveX, a technology that can be used for malicious purposes, like installing spyware on your computer without your consent.
  • Hackers generally target Internet Explorer because it�s the most popular browser. As a result, switching browsers might spare you some real frustration.

Of course, with a whole lot of tweaking you can probably make IE as secure as any other browser, but it�s a difficult process. Why bother taking on that complicated task when switching to a more secure browser is quick and easy? Hop on the Internet and give these Web browsers a ride.

The Best of the Browser Alternatives

Firefox for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X
If you want a good, solid, stable browser, grab Firefox, Mozilla�s stand-alone browser. Since it doesn�t have all the programs found in the Mozilla Suite, it loads even faster than Mozilla.
What�s more, Firefox is open-source, which is a big plus. This means that the program is supported by a large community of software developers working together to improve this fine product. And if you�re the type who cringes at the word �conglomeration� and shutters at talk of �monopolies,� you�ll be relieved to hear that Firefox is distributed by a nonprofit foundation. Now that�s good karma.

Mozilla Suite for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS 9 & X
Ah, the joys of a complete package stuffed with the essentials. Simply put, the Mozilla Suite is sweet! With one download you�ll get a Web browser, an email and newsgroup client, a basic Web page editor, and an IRC client for chatting with friends. Talk about multitasking.
You should know, however, that the Mozilla Foundation stopped supporting the Mozilla Suite, but it may be picked up again by another development community.

Safari for Mac
Safari: even the name screams adventure. This browser comes standard on all new Macs, but if your computer doesn�t have it, don�t sweat. Just browse Apple�s Web site and grab yourself a free copy.
Note that if you�re off campus, you may experience difficulties using Safari with MyUCDavis Course Management features (e.g., GradeBook, uploading files, etc.)

Don�t Toss IE Just Yet!
Just because you choose another browser doesn�t mean you�ll need to uninstall IE. In fact, Windows users need Internet Explorer for Windows Update. And to be quite honest, you couldn�t uninstall Internet Explorer even if you wanted to; it�s integrated directly into the Windows operating system.
But even if you�re a Mac person, it�s good to keep Internet Explorer around for those special times when a Web site requires it. IE�s a good program with its own set of plusses, but the alternatives are easier to secure and offer a bunch of fun features to toy around with. So why not give one of them a go?
When midterms are getting you down, when the common routine has lost its flavor, simply jump into the driver�s seat of a safe, secure Web browser with a vast array of fun new features. It might take you places you�ve only dreamt of!

This column is provided to you by the student writers of Information and Educational Technology. For questions and comments, please contact ietpubsjr@ucdavis.edu.

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