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Three web browsing programs currently dominate the market, with other programs trailing in the far distance. Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer are the most widely used browsers, but all have distinct features and issues that can make or break them for the end user.

Internet Explorer is widely popular, but tends to be the most vulnerable of the big names. While Microsoft does work on minimizing the security risks, the loopholes never seem to be completely closed. It is also a “busy” browser, meaning that the interface is loaded with buttons and bars that tend to be superfluous for the job of surfing the Internet. Many external programs such as Yahoo Instant Messenger like to add in their own bars, cutting down on the real estate of the actual website window. Certainly these can be turned off, but why do they get turned on to begin with? When all is said and told, Internet Explorer may or may not enhance your surfing experience.

Firefox, another popular browser, has a much cleaner interface. The security against viruses is much stronger, although it is not invulnerable. Firefox gives the user the opportunity to install add-ins of their choice. This customizes the interface to the user’s tastes, but make the computer vulnerable to attack. However, Firefox is still a good browser, and resists most virus issues.

Chrome, created by Google’s developers, is the most pared down of all browsers. Again, it is not free of issues, but a user can overlook that in favor of a clean and uncluttered. It is the least popular of all three, but users tend to be die-hards over the program.