Answers:
My computer guy likes Firefox for all of the reasons already stated. He feels it is more secure, less viruses, ect. However, I (not a computer person) find IE much easier. One reason is the automatic fill ins and it remembers things (suppose that reduces safety). I have both and use IE much more.
firefox - less viruses, popups, etc. etc.
Firefox, does not use ActiveX, a spyware conduit
Internet Explorer for me. My Firefox browser keeps crashing and I'm sick of it. A decent pop-up blocker and anti-virus/spyware program takes care of any of those particular problems, and IE stays up & running as long as I do.
Firefox. It's real easy to slip a virus and trojens into IE, and if you use IM on IE there are viruses and spyware that can be slipped in on the back of instant messenger.
I use FF, IE, Netscare, and a couple others.
Each has it's plusses and minuses.
IE is my #1 browser because it is compatible with more websites.
If you have the right protection setup on your machine, it's as safe as any other browser in my opinion.
But I only manage a 250 machine network, what do I know?
I just downloaded Firefox, on the recommendation of Flylady.net, and I am very happy with it so far.
However, I cannot play a lot of Yahoo games that I like (ie freecell solitaire or bejeweled2) unless I use IE. I'll be keeping and using both.
I like firefox because of its proletarian outlook.
Firefox: Security
firefox i find it quicker and easier to use