I would like to refer everyone to an argument I had here with a certain freeper here months ago about this very issue. But I cant remember the search terms.
The constant implications and assertions that a handful of flaws in Firefox are akin to the security nightmare of IE are tired, old, and simply outright false. I know people who simply cannot maintain control of their own computers using IE, but have no problems with viruses, spyware, or hack attempts through Firefox. Until MS changes its entire architecture, making IE distinct from the OS, IE will forever be inherently more vulnerable due to its ability to access system resources that other browsers cannot.
It's a re-write of the same story you posted a couple of days ago.
Newsflash: NO SOFTWARE IS PERFECT! Resume normal activities.
I used to be the most staunch defender of IE you could find anywhere, and I still use it for certain purposes (Windows update, etc.) but I have found Firefox to be a superior browser.
Having said that, if someone has sensitive information on their computer, they should be running a physical firewall/router on their internet connection, ESPECIALLY if they're on a broad band service.
It is the height of foolishness (IMHO) to store any credit card information on your system, for example using the 'Microsoft Wallet' option, and you should be emptying all browser caches, cookies and what-not with each re-boot.
And for pre-Windows XP users (meaning Win 95/9x), consider the following:
Rename the following programs:
attrib.exe
deltree.exe
format.com
fdisk.exe
To something unique to you, but easily remembered. Why?
While the occurrance of disk wiping virus hasn't been what it was at one time, many virus' use the above programs to accomplish their dirty work once unleashed on your system.
If the programs are renamed to something that the virus can't find, little or no destruction takes place. This can also prevent a casual user who gets access to your system from causing any serious damage if they open up a DOS window to screw around.
This isn't a universal cure-all, but it worked for me.
I used IE for years, and had my share of problems. I switched over to Firefox six months ago, and haven't had one problem yet.
So I just recently loaded Firefox onto all my computers. And now this. Just my luck.
Still, I think I'll stick with Firefox a while longer. IE I know is frustrating; Firefox has yet to disappoint.
I caught some fire (no pun) and scorn in a Firefox thread for suggesting it'd have its own share of bugs and attacks, once its public profile became prominent enough to attract attention.
I'm still waiting for all the apologies.
Dan
(c;
Work around for the top paragraph security hole, which is in the Gecko kernel, at http://users.tns.net/%7Eskingery/weblog/2005/02/workaround-for-idn-spoofing-issue.html