What Internet Browser Should I use?

Dear Positive Way Money Line, does it really matter what internet browser I use since most of them are free anyway?  I don't know whether to stick with Microsoft Internet Explorer or to try something new like Opera, Netscape or Firefox.  And how to I stay clean of adware and spyware?

Singed, Microconfused.

Dear Microconfused, this is an interesting question since essentially all computers come with some browser and, of course, Windows operating systems include Internet Explorer (IE).  Options have opened up now even for Windows operating systems as a result of court actions.

There is more to consider than the initial cost of purchase even if you have IE as part of your operating system.  With the never ending tide of black hacking and downright thieves on the internet you must be concerned about the security of any software you connect to the internet.  That should be your primary concern, followed by the browser look and feel, and lastly by the cost of purchase and/or maintaining the browser security.  Opera, for example, is free but a year of support is $29 US.  That freebie is really $29 in my calculation.  IE is currently providing Windows Defender (Beta 2) for free to help stop spyware and adware on their system but that is not enough on its own.  The real problem with IE is that it is the largest target for attack and new problems are regularly found.  It's a chore to keep up with protection.

The Netscape browser has been getting some good reviews and seems to have the protection one would want.

I've personally become a convert to Firefox because it has a great feel and the security features have been working really well.  It's free and the is really a powerful browser and search engine package.  I also recommend   This is part of how I keep my computer safe.

I recommend you try out browsers and packages then choose what works for you and keeps your computer secure.  Whatever system you have - the key to security is to keep your software up to date and use firewalls and other protective software at all times.