A very bad browser to use when you got Mozilla and other browser which are more secure and fast.

I still have it but rarely use it.  It has handy when you have to have a few windows open.

ActiveX is evil

Version 5.0 and 5.5 had a security vulnerabilty, it caused my PC to get infected with a backdoor trojan, hated it for that!

Anythin' internet explorer can do Firefox can do better.

With the download of IE 7 requiring system authentication of your operating system it is a slow install even on fast system. With a better description on their download page I think you would see it go back to the top again. I like the new added features Most popular will be tabs, Pop-up blocker ,Phishing blocker,and shrink to fit printing.

too many viruses

I've used various browsers, and IE if bar far my favorite. Faster and more reliable than FireFox, Opera, or Netscape Navigator. And let's not forget that its interface is more compliant with programming standards than of those listed above.

I've used various browsers, and IE if bar far my favorite. Faster and more reliable than FireFox, Opera, or Netscape Navigator. And let's not forget that its interface is more compliant with programming standards than of those listed above.

Too many pop-ups, slow, always end up with lots of adware/spyware when I'm forced to use it.

People love to bash IE and for some reasons it's justified. When compared to Opera or Firefox it falls very short in features and funtionality. But I do, every once in a while, use IE just for the hell of it and its really not that bad; It's just long overdue for a makeover. IE 7 will be out later this year and then we can all see if they can keep up with these other browsers. The problem that remains is that so many people enjoy bashing Microsoft that it will probably never be given a fair chance.

I think more of us on here have respect for Bill Gates than you'd think, after all, he did start a computer revolution and brought home computers to the masses by making them easy to use and understand. I think most of the negative comments on here are because it seems like Microsoft has stopped innovating. IE, Outlook Express and Windows have had known security issues for years, and have more holes in them than swiss cheese, and each release of each product seems to be more of the same. I quite using Internet Explorer because I found Mozilla Firefox, which is very similar, but much better at blocking pop-ups (And the blocker is built into the browser, rather than requiring third party software), has tabbed browsing (who knew browsing could be this fun) and doesn't have the same security issues that IE does. Not long after I switched from Outlook Express to Mozilla Thunderbird for the same reason. And that's before you consider the fact that in all the time I've been using Firefox and Thunderbird, neither one has crashed or frozen on me. I definetly don't miss THAT with IE! Both programs do all the same things that their Microsoft counterparts did, but quicker, and much more reliable. I think that we're knocking Microsoft because it's becoming apparent that smaller companies can do the same thing, only better.

Not perfect, but it's the most functional. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Mozilla just feed off of IE anyway? I'm in the minority here, because I actually respect Bill Gates and what he was able to accomplish. To big geeks out there, EVERYTHING Microsoft is bad anyway, so none of the previous comments surprise me. I like it. I use it. I've tried others, but have always come back to IE.

balance of power

Only neccesary if the program or website demands that you use IE. Other than that if you use IE too much you will have spyware like crazy.

I'm with dusteater on this one. IE is a spyware, adware, trojan, worm and virus magnet!

If you like spyware and adware, IE is the best choice for you!

LOL! Is this the forum where the Linux geeks crawl out of their hole and vote for for their favorite command-line Linux software? Pump it.

It was the Browser of choice in the times of Netscape 4.x because it was much easier to Program and more advanced. This has changed now. IE6 stood still for the last years. They did only implement non standard conform extensions weakening some official Standards like XHTML. Which won't be used because it isn't as forgiving as the IE but would be ways better for the Internet (i.e. wuality of Search Engines).

It really sucks !!!, so many errors, bugs and terrible viruses I wouldnt use it now because I found the best and its Mozilla Firefox.

Slower then Mozilla, twice as vulnerable to attacks and viruses, and so tightly integrated into Windows that you'll never be rid of it. Plus side is its the most supported browser on the list, and by my choice. Damn you, Gates!

so easy to use .. but slow sometimes

Yikes, CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team), the world's leading organization on Internet security, is recommending that folks don't use IE, in light of the latest security breaches. This is serious stuff. If you ever needed an excuse to venture outside of Microsoft's world, here it is. Here are some good browsers to try out: Mozilla, Firefox, Opera, and Camino (Mac).

UPDATE: My original rating on Internet Explorer was four stars, but now I'm dropping down to one. I just heard some disturbing information about it on the news, and I believe it's potentially dangerous to use. It leaves the computer open to hackers (and all sorts of things worse than viruses and worms), and can eventually destroy everything on the computer before the user even knows what's going on. And once its been destroyed, there is no way to fix it. Plus, Internet Explorer has been bugging me with endless pop-ups, even though I had them blocked. I don't know about anyone else, but I do not recommend Internet Explorer. I have switched to a different browser, and I have found that not only is it much faster than IE, but I get crisper and sharper images and I have not been having problems with pop-ups.

The fact that internet explorer is susceptible to spyware and hackers is one reason not to use it. The other reason not to use it is the selfish monopoly which Microsoft has on the entire computer market. Microsoft products and their built in spyware is just another step closer to 1989. There are many other very good browsers (Firefox, Opera) which are not (yet) in the grips of Microsoft. Here in Europe, users are very sceptical about the profound invasion of one`s privacy when using Microsoft products, not to mention the amazing instability of the software. Every keystroke you make is registered by Microsoft. Even the work you do offline is transfered to Microsoft the moment you go online. Yes, of course, people will argue that no one reads any of that information since it is impossible to read all of it. In my opinion, even the slightest possibility of my private mails and letters being read by anyone but the person who is to receive it, is a reason not to use that software. Do not be so naive and think that it does not matter, because each infringement of your privacy is a step closer to the complete loss of your freedom.

Back in the day when we were using Internet Explorer 3.0 (and even the older versions..those were just downright terrible)...it was really horrid...in fact I always used my trusty Netscape 3.0...and I even used Netscape 4.0 and never even had the chance to use IE 4.0...but as soon as IE 5.0 came out...it was like 100 times better than Netscape 5.0...and it hasn't been any different since then...it once was horrible..and is now the best...but one still has to wonder why???

This browser is one of the WORST. If it didn't come with Windows, nobody would download it. I mean, let's face it. It crashes all of the time. When it isn't crashing, it is locking up. I know we all have experienced it many times.

just the average joe browser... not nearly as robust as Mozilla. it tends to repeatedly lock up on my 800Mhz duron with xppro... has too many errors...now wont log into any more sites unless I 'trick' it.... it does have good features for most average citizens... but for superheroines like me.... stick to none of those fru-fru browsers that rave too much and dont be misled by pretty colors and butterflies!