The Ideal Browser Alternative: Mozilla Firefox

Yes, it's true: The updated version of Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 6.0 in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is a lot more secure than earlier IE versions were. But, for a variety of reasons, some people can't upgrade to XP SP2. If you're one of those people, what can you do to improve Web browsing security? You can use an alternative browser, such as the Mozilla Organization's Firefox 1.0, until you can upgrade.

Firefox is an excellent solution. It's lightweight and offers a multitude of useful features, including pop-up blocking, plug-in control, extension control, advanced cookie control, advanced software-installation control, advanced download control, NT LAN Manager (NTLM) authentication, automatic software updates, quick turnaround for security patches, and much more.

After you review Firefox's features, I think you'll agree that it deserves serious consideration as a way to boost Web browsing security on the desktop and server in lieu of XP SP2. Plus, Firefox is open-source software and is freely available to everyone. . . .