I don’t use IE—I find the interface odd, among other things. And, you’re right about it’s bad reputation for security.
On the other hand, some have recommended Chrome. Google isn’t “pure” in PC matters either.
I’m not usually a big fan of boycotts, although the firing of Eich was despicable, and a lot of noise should be made. These gays are intolerant A-holes (reference intended), aren’t they?
There are quite a number of situations in which Chrome sends data to Google: https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/privacy/
Some features can be disabled: http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/privacy/whitepaper.html
Unless I’m at a google website there should be no data going to google.
In other words, look before you leap.