Computer question about browser

5 years ago

My computer updated this week, Microsoft. I've always used Internet Explorer, but now a browser comes up with that odd "b". Not sure what that is.

What is the best browser to use and how do I make that the default? Chrome?

Featured Answer

graywings123

5 years ago

Socks, google the words: how to change the default browser.

I can never remember how to do it.

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Comments (16)

Fun2BHere
5 years ago
In general, I use Firefox on my laptop. Occasionally, something won't work in Firefox and I'll switch to MS Edge.
socks thanked Fun2BHere
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
I think browsers are more similar to one another than different. They all do the same thing the same way with little more than cosmetic differences. Across my household's PCs, besides the Microsoft ones (which I don't care for and don't use but they come with Windows), the ones most used are Chrome and Firefox. I also use Opera sometimes, it has a light footprint and works well on PCs with more modest processors and memory (a nettop I have).

it's useful to have more than one ready to go because sometimes one browser may choke on a particular website's coding. Switching to another browser for the same site usually resolves the problem.
socks thanked Elmer J Fudd
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User
5 years ago
I always liked Firefox but it started giving me problems so now I use Chrome.
socks thanked User
User
5 years ago
That sounds like Bing which is owned by Microsoft. I am not a fan and like others, I prefer Firefox.
socks thanked User
socks
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes, lukkiirish. I don't want Bing. Would prefer IE or Chrome. Have to figure out how to change default browser. Probably not hard, just takes a little looking.
desertsteph
5 years ago
Is IE safer to use these days? I used Firefox for years until I got disgusted with what happen within it (the company) and switched. Then I got a new computer and it came with ME - which has been a nightmare. Most often causes me to pull my hair out and threaten to throw the whole computer into the trash.

IE disappeared from my computer... and Chrome I later found (after a Dell update) listed under 'Dell' programs in my system. I hate Dell and MS.
socks thanked desertsteph
gigirambles
5 years ago
B is definitely for Bing. Whether or not Bing is a good browser, I don't know. Generally, I use Chrome. Using whatever browser you have, google the browser you want and download it. Then go to internet tools and make that the default browser. Generally, you can find internet tools in Settings.
socks thanked gigirambles
Elizabeth
5 years ago
I prefer Firefox. The new Quantum version is very fast and quite customizable.
socks thanked Elizabeth
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
"I used Firefox for years until I got disgusted with what happen within it (the company) "

What was that?

Firefox is free, open source software that is overseen by a non-profit organization. Developers are mostly uncompensated volunteers who do Firefox coding in their spare time and otherwise work at other jobs and live all over the globe. There really is no "company" as with most other products.
socks thanked Elmer J Fudd
graywings123
5 years ago
Co-founder of Mozilla was ousted as CEO for supporting attempted California state constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage. Conservatives beat feet from Firefox over it.
socks thanked graywings123
PKponder TX Z7B
5 years ago
Socks, to change the default browser to IE, open IE , then click the tools icon in the upper right and choose Internet Options. Click the Programs tab and then click the link to Make Internet Explorer the default browser.

For Chrome, it's almost the same. Open Chrome then click the three vertical dots in the upper right, choose Settings. Scroll nearly to the bottom of settings to find the 'Make Default' button.
socks thanked PKponder TX Z7B
golfergrrl
5 years ago
Bing is a search engine, not a browser. You probably have the Bing bar installed. You still may be using IE.....but make sure it's version 11 which is the only one still supported by Microsoft.
socks thanked golfergrrl
socks
Original Author
5 years ago
I don't really even understand the difference. Thanks PK...I'll work on this further tomorrow. Actually nothing is WRONG, I just liked things the way before and feel manipulated by Microsoft! Thanks again everyone.
jemdandy
5 years ago
I have both Firefox and Chrome installed on my desktop computer, and I prefer Firefox. The old "Internet Explorer" does not work well with ISPs these days. When you need to switch to a Microsoft browser, use Edge.
desertsteph
5 years ago
I don't really even understand the difference.

between a search engine and the browser?

the browser would be IE, Firefox, MS Edge, Chrome... that's where you have your tabs, favorites list etc

search engine would be - google, bing etc - what you pull up in your browser to search the internet.

I stick with google for searching and I hate MS Edge. Will be reDLing IE in the next few days to give it a whirl if I can port over my favorites list. Otherwise I'm not switching even tho MSE is a pita.
socks thanked desertsteph