Which internet browser are you using to read this right now? Chances are that you are using some version of Microsoft Internet Explorer. It's the one that probably came with the computer you bought (unless you are one of the growing number of lawyers turning to Macs), and if you are like most busy lawyers, you've just probably never thought it made enough of a difference to change.
Well, it does. And the good news for you is that changing your browser is free, quick and easy. There is almost no reason left not to make the switch. I mean seriously, what else in your life would you turn down if somebody offered you something better than what you have for free?
The better, free internet browser is Mozilla Firefox. At last count (March 2008), Internet Explorer still controlled over 50% of the market, but Firefox is up over a third of the market and headed to 40%. To give you an idea of the trend line, Firefox market share looks like this:
March 2008: 37%
March 2007: 32%
March 2006: 25%
Not bad for a browser that doesn't come bundled with the computers folks buy. So, what is the reason motivating computer users to go out and download a new, different browser when their computers already came loaded with one?
Firefox is better. Among the many reasons to switch, most people are motivated by Firefox's superior blocking of pop-up ads, its excellent tabbed browsing (if you have not tried tabbed browsing, it is a HUGE improvement over opening multiple windows in Internet Explorer), its more intuitive bookmarks system, and its customizability. You can read a more complete list of reasons to switch here. There is also a nice list of frequently asked questions about making the switch here.
If all that is not enough to sway you, here are two more reasons. First, the technology press has been won over to Firefox in great numbers, meaning Firefox is now a safe choice, not an edgy internet technology. And second, unlike the pesky Microsoft applications, if you try it and decide you don't like Firefox (though I can not imagine why) it uninstalls cleanly and easily without clogging your machine with a bunch of detritus and junk.
Try it. You'll like it. And if you don't, just uninstall it and say that you were just browsing.
