Microsoft's Internet Explorer took a lot of heat earlier this week, when the U.S. government and several big corporations said not to use the web browser due to a gaping security hole. Microsoft fixed the problem by Thursday, but during the long days before the patch, many started looking to alternative web browsers.
Both the Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome web browsers have strong followings and many people believe that they are safer and more user-friendly than IE.
Chrome
Google thinks that Chrome is so safe it's offering $2.7 million to anyone who can break through its security and hack it. Google has a lot of money, but the $2.7 million bet should still be taken seriously. So far, no one has managed to hack Google Chrome, which is something IE really can't say.
In addition to its superior security, the Chrome web browser also offers the ability to customize your browsing experience and extra add-ons. Chrome has its own app store, so you can even add photo editors, password memorizers and other cool apps to your personalized browser. Many of these apps are free, but some of the premium ones cost a buck or two.
If you already have Gmail and use Google's app suite, including Docs, Drive, Sheets and more, Chrome is the obvious best choice for you. Once you sign in to your Google account, you have access to your Gmail and Drive accounts. Your bookmarks also travel with you when you sign into Chrome, which is nice if you use several different computers and devices.
To ensure that your data stays private, all you have to do is sign out of your Google account when you're done using Chrome. Overall, Chrome is the most popular option and a very practical, secure one.
Firefox
Firefox is also quite secure and many think that it's actually the most private web browser because it is owned by a non-profit company that doesn't profit off of user data. Firefox is committed to an open Internet, user privacy and data security. It won't sell your data to advertisers any time soon.
The new version of Firefox, v.29, is even sleeker and more easy to use than ever before. In fact, the new design makes Firefox an excellent alternative to Chrome and IE. You can customize it a lot with different tabs and extensions. You can also drag and drop items around on your desktop when you're multitasking. Firefox even syncs your bookmarks just like Chrome, so you can move between devices effortlessly.
Additionally, Firefox lets users install pop up blockers, email firewalls and other great security features with unparalleled ease. If you're worried about your data being hacked on IE and exploited on Chrome, you'll feel much safer on Firefox.
