Is internet explorer 8 worth downloading?

Strider590

"Is internet explorer 8 worth downloading?"

No

LeeSouthEast

I would advise against IE8 at the moment. There is an unpatched security vulnerability in it that can lead to remote cross site scripting attacks.

See here for further info: http://secunia.com/advisories/24314/

dipsy

can anyone help, tried to remove IE8 but it took it back to IE 6 so did system restore and think..... I am running IE 8 again, but I don't have any tool bars, so cant check options or anything..... any body have any solutions ?

running soooooo slow also, running windows XP...

thanks

wizk1

IE6 is even worse!

-TangleFoot-

dipsy wrote: »

I don't have any tool bars

Might this help?

Chipping

Definitely replace IE6 with at least IE7 asap. I found IE7 to be better than IE6. I mainly use Opera but also IE7 (for compatibility and for other users). I occasionally use Firefox too.

I have decided to stick with IE7 (rather than IE8) because, for me, there just isn't any need to upgrade. The extra security is not of concern because I am careful about security and the browser isn't used that often. The other functions are already provided by my Opera.

Whats good about IE8 compared to IE7: security slightly better, useful privacy functions added, apparently slightly better performance, more stable (if one website hangs then other windows/browser won't be affected), you can save browsing sessions for later, is more compatible with web standards, adds anti-phishing features.

Whats bad: its not compatible with some websites designed for IE7 or IE6 (however, there is a 'Compatibility View' button that gets around this and microsoft also provides hotfixes that supply lists of websites that need to use Compatibility View - this currently includes some v.popular sites such as google.com and microsoft.com). The install takes a long time (reboot twice) and also loads the microsoft software piracy checking software, and IE8 has been added as an update in Windows Automatic Updates.

There are also many nice little functions added, however, overall, IE8 brings IE up to the level that other browsers such as Firefox, Safari & Opera have already reached some time ago.

My recommendation:
Get rid of IE6 by upgrading to IE7. Then, either a) upgrade to IE8, if you are a stickler for IE or want to stick with something you know (remembering that IE8 works more like other browsers now), or if you prefer an easy life/want easy updates, or b) ditch IE and use Firefox, Safari, Chrome or Opera, they are all much better.


The following is specifically about Opera Browser, in case you want to try it, because it has been mentioned and I don't believe it to be as bad as has been suggested. I guess, in hindsight, it could have been better as a separate post.:rolleyes:

Re: Opera
I have been using it for many years and still prefer it. Contrary to a previous poster's comment, the latest version does display almost all websites well. It does have a handful of very annoying quirks. However, if you are the sort of person that doesn't mind going to the Opera forums to find the solutions, I would recommend using it. Usually, any strange behaviour in a website that is caused by Opera has a very simple solution and once you find the solution you won't be troubled by it again. Opera even has emulation modes to pretend to be IE or Firefox.

If you can't be bothered with all that then steer clear. On the plus side, I keep using it because it is so quick to operate. It has become like a part of my body and its difficult to get used to other browsers. It leads the way in providing little short-cuts for doing things, such as using mouse gestures (just sweep the mouse to browse forward, back, open new page, etc). Its very easy to block ads (which often speeds page loading). Its also very easy to zoom the page, and has good accessibility features including speech function and change the web page visual style. It has had most of these features before any other browsers and supports them inherently rather than as add-ons.

To quell any suggestions that Opera is amateur software, it might be worthwhile here to point out that versions of Opera are very popular Internet browsers on mobile phones and PDA's. Opera is also one of the oldest browsers going having started off before 1996.

:rolleyes: Sorry it was so long - hope it helps.

wizk1

I prefer Firefox first and foremost, but I know that Chrome, Opera and Safari are all excellent browsers, and definitely worth looking at. I dislike all flavours of IE, simply because the performance (especially JavaScript) is abysmal.

Blackpool_Saver

Use Chrome it's quick and efficient

[Deleted User]

Chipping wrote: »

Whats bad: its not compatible with some websites designed for IE7 or IE6 - if you must access them you will have to revert back to IE7 or IE6.

That's what Compatibility Mode is for (the broken page icon to the right of the address bar). You do not need to revert back to a previous version.

Duarte_Fonseca

yeah firefox is best but it IE 8 is not too bad compared to IE6 and7.