Firefox 2.0 and IE 7 are now released, and I have decided to upgrade my systems, and compare the install an setup of the two. I am a long time Firefox user, so I am a little bias. Fortunately, Microsoft didn’t let me down in confirming my reasons for using FireFox.
Internet Explorer 7
Microsoft is known for asking a ton of questions during installation, and never the correct questions either. The first question comes even before you download the setup file, where Microsoft asks you what O.S. you are running. One would think that this shouldn’t matter for a browser installation, or Microsoft should be able to tell that information. I guess when Internet Explorer is so far embedded into the O.S., this question is relevant. And if Microsoft detected this information, privacy advocates would go running for the hills.
The download from Microsoft comes in the form of 14.8MB executable. Much larger than Firefox, and in addition it has to download more data from Microsoft during the install process. I was concerned what lied ahead of launching this install process, and Microsoft didn’t let me down. One of the first screens you will see when installing IE 7 is validating your copy of Windows. I am just about sick and tired of validating my copy of Windows, I have done it over a hundred times and I would think by now that Microsoft would know I am not a criminal. In addition, I must ask why I need to validate my copy of Windows when installing a browser?
Shocker! I passed. On from that: After asking me another question, Microsoft needs to download some more stuff. I thought I already downloaded the install, but maybe I was wrong. So I wait for the download. Microsoft has put one of those progress bars that actually doesn’t tell you the progress, it just goes back and forth letting you know it hasn’t stopped responding yet. This will keep you entertained while you browse your web pages in another window with Firefox.
You done? Good. The actual install process happened so fast I actually didn’t notice it. Granted I was doing something else, but it was really short. I went back to the install window, and in true Microsoft fashion was prompted with a restart screen. Now I get to close everything else I was doing, save my progress, and restart. Yeah!
Once restarting, it was time to play clean up. Delete the Internet Explorer shortcuts from start menu, desktop, quick launch, and for some reason my language toolbar bar was present in the taskbar. It would have been nice if Microsoft had asked if I wanted these shortcuts, like EVERY OTHER INSTALLER DOES. The only thing I can guess is Microsoft developed the O.S. so they feel they can do what they damn well please. So I am ready to launch Internet Explorer for the first time, and the first screen I see is…
Granted this screen only came up because I have a homepage, and it’s probably meant for the less technical people. But as feared, Microsoft has included it’s love of prompting the user in Internet Explorer 7. I am sure I will spot more of these alerts from Microsoft as I continue to (rarely) use Internet Explorer. I had to play more clean up by removing the links that Microsoft loves to put into the users Favorites. A note to Microsoft, if the user doesn’t have these links there… it’s probably because they don’t want these links there… So over-riding them with an ever growing list of other Microsoft sites, probably isn’t the best approach.
Overall, it could have been worse: Microsoft could have re-enabled Automatic Updates or Windows Firewall, or bundled Windows Defender in with Internet Explorer 7. Bottom line, Internet Explorer 7 may be the greatest thing in the world, but the fact that Microsoft’s products are getting more and more integrated with each other makes me go else where for solutions. In addition this is the first major update to Internet Explorer in five years, ever since they crushed the competition and decided they didn’t need to enhance or support the product anymore, until competition comes back around in the form of Firefox. Not only is this a huge let down for customers because they have invested interest in seeing a product updated and enhanced; but when that product is so far embedded into the O.S. and no major enhancements come out to ensure that someone is not going to violate my Windows Install… one really starts looking elsewhere for the browsing experience. I hope Microsoft stays on top of Internet Explorer 7. Yes, they have done a lot to it, and to a certain extent it’s good to see life back in it, but Internet Explorer really brings nothing new to the game.
Firefox 2.0
So if you made it this far, you might get an understanding on how user-unfriendly the Internet Explorer 7 install is. (Warning, Firefox pitch) So do yourself a and get Firefox, you will not be disappointed. The installer comes in the form of a lean mean 5.62MB file. No questions on the download page, just an easy to find download button.
The great thing about Mozilla, is they understand the two different users; ones who want to customize, and ones who just want the thing installed. They do not try to guess how you want things configured on your computer. Firefox prompts you for the standard or custom installation, I selected custom.
With the custom installation, (Microsoft, take note) you get to CHOOSE your shortcuts. I deselected them all because I already have shortcuts where I want them.
The install process was fast, and over before you know it. When launching Firefox 2.0 for the first time, everything was as it was before the update. In addition, the only prompt Firefox gave me was for the extensions that were no longer compatible with Firefox 2.0. With Firefox 2.0 comes a great new default theme, that looks sexy. New security features to prevent phishing schemes and advancements to password management. Some privacy enhancements in relation to cookies, history, and form data are also included. Firefox also took some extensions and made them a part of Firefox, like inline spell checking for forms. For me Firefox also seems to be a little bit faster, and better with memory management.
Conclusion and Recap
Firefox, hands down, wins once again for me. The install process was painless, in comparison to Internet Explorer. Firefox gives you choice, with extensions and themes that are supported by an army of loyal users and developers who are constantly innovating. Internet Explorer took off five years for any major enhancements, only after crushing the last of its competition. This is huge let down for those users who have vested interest in seeing Internet Explorer advance. In addition, when your browser dominates 85% of the market and is integrated so tightly with your O.S. that dominates the O.S. market; this leads to a security nightmare. With Firefox, I can safely say no one is going to violate my O.S. though Firefox. I am impressed with parts of Internet Explorer, and hope that Microsoft stays on top of releases and improvements. I would like to see Internet Explorer add extensions similar to Firefox, currently the search toolbars that are packed with spyware aren’t cutting it. Internet Explorer 7.0 was playing catchup, while Firefox 2.0 was enhancing the product… and it didn’t take five years.
tooo sarcastic for noob readers. please be more to the point. a little bit biased like me i am firefox /opera user.