Internet Explorer vs. Firefox - The Ultimate Browser!

Browsing on The Internet - we all do it. For many of us it is like driving on the local freeway; but what kind of car do you prefer to drive? Driving on the web prompts the same question; yet instead of a Honda or a Chevy, your choices are Internet Explorer or Firefox.

Yes, there are more choices than Microsoft and Mozilla, just as there are more car options than Honda and Chevy - but I think you understand where I am going with this discussion.

Which browser do you use, Firefox or IE? I asked a few different people and here is what they had to say:

“I choose Fire Fox because I like the tab browsing and the password save feature.”
  Tom – Mac User, Graphic Designer

“I choose Internet Explorer mostly out of habit.”
  Carly – PC User, Administrative Assistant

“I have both on my computer but use IE more often it seems to load faster.”
  Kim – PC User, Operations

"Our corporate standard is Internet Explorer because it works with all our applications, however, we here in the IT department prefer FireFox."
  Donna & Bruce - IT Department

“I love Firefox because when it crashes it restores the session I’m in.”
  Ramon Ray-Technology EvangelistSmallbiztechnology.com

"I understand the sexiness of Firefox's "speed". The Thunderbird email option is also easy enough to manage. What still compells me to trust Internet Explorer, is the fact that you are still forced to 'allow' something into your computer system, rather than simply not even having a door for any website you happen to visit. The web is a wonderful and scary place. I'm still working with IE as a preferred browser."

  Thomas Vesque - Vesque Partners Inc.

As you can see, the reviews are mixed, and everyone has a different opinion. Personally, I use them both. I use Internet Explorer for listening to my Satellite Radio because the plug-in is already installed; Firefox prompts me to install it. I use Firefox for certain sites because it saves my passwords. When we work on web pages for clients we test it in both IE and Firefox and sometimes we find what works for one browser, does not always work for the other. So be sure to look at your web site in more than one web browser.

Overall, you should use what you like and are comfortable with (not what others tell you to use), but be knowledgeable of the features for both to make an informed decision. Click here to see a comparison.

Let us know your opinion leave a comment – which do you prefer IE or Firefox?

Where Business & Pleasure Meet – The Gathering Place

Where does business come from - networking, advertising or word-of-mouth?
Business comes from all three, but how about enjoying a cocktail, some luscious hors d'oeuvres and setting up tables on a Tuesday night for businesses to display their goods and services?

Alexander Achilleos and Jan Goldstoff have created a place where business meets pleasure at The Gathering Place. This monthly event focuses on a theme, inviting companies they endorse and work with to showcase their talents. On Tuesday, January 9th, along with nine other merchants, I was one of the selected vendors to have a table displaying cds, booklets, as well as our emarketing and web design services.

Throughout the evening there were over 100 people who came to the restaurant; enjoying the tasty morsels and walking the room to see what there was to buy. I purchased a few items myself helping to support my fellow exhibitors. It was inspiring listening to local business people discussing their hobbies, and their reasoning for attending this gathering, on a chilly January evening. This was not a typical networking or marketing event, it was a social event. I began to wonder, have we forgotten about the social side of business - going out to an event with no agenda and just seeing what comes our way? Are we relying too much on technology, Googling what we need instead of actually picking up the phone to ask a friend?

Social networking and Web 2.0 are all the rage, using the web to create communities… In creating this community online are we dismissing our actual community? The Gathering Place reminded me that people still want to meet people in real life – not just online. Now as the Technology Therapist I have not abandoned my passion for using technology to market and gain new business, but as in life, there needs to be a balance. Do you find balance in your business? Combining work and fun - it is possible and I am glad I was a part of this wonderful event.

Click here to see the list of exhibitors and details of the event.

Tell me your thoughts – click comments below to read or add a comment of your own.

Feedback = Success

My husband, who I adore, knows me very well he is my best friend, but he can’t seem to pick out presents for me. Every year two-three weeks before Christmas I send him a list of things I like, tell him the right sizes and colors. I explain to him that I don’t want everything on the list he can choose what he likes. This is to give him some guidance so I am happy, and he feels relieved that he found something I will enjoy. I realized over time that without providing him with specific details of what I am looking for we did not always envision the same idea. Specific feedback and exact examples of my taste and preferences made gift giving more exciting for both of us. This annual ritual made me think about small businesses, and our relationships with the companies we hire to help us market and design ideas for our businesses.

When you work with a marketing company or design firm, print or web, you need to know what you’re looking for; your company’s goals and objectives. But it can not stop there you have to be part of the process, offering feedback to the people you work with explaining how you want things to work and what directed you toward those decisions. Every company has a personality and the market they want to focus on has characteristics, both items need to be fulfilled. It is my opinion that your web site should represent your company’s personality but it has to work for your audience. This same tactic is true for your marketing strategy.

Frequently, companies need to have multiple people involved in the design and marketing process and that is a wonderful idea. However, make sure you meet internally before you hire an outside firm. Discuss who will be the point person and make sure you’re all on the same page as far as look, feel and approach. Having too many opinions can spoil the process as well as increase the cost.

Successful web sites, logos and marketing campaigns come from company’s who are part of the process. Yes, you are hiring an expert and they will bring skills and ideas to the table but they can’t read your mind. You need to tell them what you like, what you don’t like and why. Listen when they offer guidance and be prepared to be part of the process.

My 2006 Christmas was very enjoyable. My husband picked out some great gifts and I was surprised by what he chose, but very happy because it was my taste and my size!

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