Mozilla Firefox - The Best Browser?

It seems that ever since Firefox came on the scene back in late 2004, the "experts" of Information Technology have been singing its praises. Although I have wanted a competitor to wipe the floor with Microsoft's Internet Explorer, I still find myself returning to it. Why? Several reasons...

• It doesn't play nice with media players. I have installed plug-in after plug-in, update after update, and still have difficulty getting media files to simply stream and play consistently when I click on them within Firefox.
• Adobe's Flash Player behaves badly. I have attempted to view Flash movies, charts, and other content in Firefox with very sporadic results. For example, when I attempt to view an interactive stock chart at Marketwatch.com from within Firefox, I can see it for a couple of seconds. Then it disappears.
• Secure connections do not always succeed. I have no idea what this is all about, but sometimes I have to load a secure site several times in order to see all the content. No, it has nothing to do with allowing scripts. I have already checked this.
• I cannot configure the appearance of Firefox easily. I would like to be able to simply drag, drop and resize toolbars and buttons to my liking. I have found no way to do this in Firefox.

Now, some of you might be saying, "Why don't you just install the IE plug-in and use it to view the sites with which you are having difficulty?" I have done that, and in SOME cases it has worked. In others, like the Marketwatch charts issue, it has not. I see no reason why I should use 2 browsers when 1 can accomplish the task. Therefore, unfortunately, I will continue using Internet Explorer because, for me, it is still the best browser.

KEEP YOUR #*@$ING ICONS OFF MY SYSTEM TRAY!!!

Yes, this is a rant. You have been duly cautioned.

What is it that makes a software company think that they have the right to invade my private property (my computer) and put something on it (or in it) that I did not specifically and expressly request that they put there? This is NOT a difficult concept. If I ask the cable TV company to come and install cable to our house, they do not install cameras too. If I have someone come to repair the roof of my house, they do not install a GPS device also. Why then, does a software company think it has the right (and why do they get away with) installing pieces of software that I do not want and did not request? I am sick of needing to install "blocking" software that keeps other software on my own machine from misbehaving. Anti-spyware, anti-virus, pop-up blockers, icon removers, etc. are all programs that a person needs to keep their computer clear of pests and safe from destruction and invasion by intruders. And if a malicious piece of software gets through and causes irreparable harm to my machine, I basically have no recourse. The piece of s**t who created the malicious software will most likely continue creating more software just like it until he gets caught, and the government gives him a job with the Department of Homeland Security.

This computer on which I am typing this blog post is mine. It was bought and paid for by me. No one has the right to install anything on it that I did not request to be installed. That goes for you too, Microsoft (MSN), Apple, Yahoo, Google, Sun and the rest of you large tech companies who think we cannot live without your icons in every corner of our browser and desktop space and have your software running whenever we start our computers. The only icons that I want in my system tray (and processes running on my machine at startup) are those related to programs that keep my computer running (safely) or that I use on a VERY frequent basis. Otherwise, if I need to use your software, I can take all of 5 seconds to click the "Start" button, locate your program on the menu and start it. It does not to be in my face. I did not buy my computer to have you advertise to me at every click of the mouse.

I am to the point of frustration where I think it will be worth my time to figure out how much of my time and money these companies are wasting in slowed computer response, locating and using programs to uninstall your programs, adjusting system settings, etc. and send bills to each of the companies that uses these "in your face" techniques. Right now, these companies have no respect for us, but if enough of us take action, they will pay attention. Heck, if we get organized, we could even get bill collectors after them if they refuse to pay us. But all I really want is to be left alone and to decide what I do and do not want on my computer. It is a simple concept. It is my right as a property owner.