Re: update: evaluation of Firefox Browser - spyware too!

Phew! That was a lot to say. I will admit I did not read every word but I think I got most of it. I feel that I need to respond on several of these points.

First and formost was your statement that Firefox downloads updates without giving you the option to allow or disallow the installation. This is not true. You can access the setting to turn automatic downloads on/off by clicking Tools then selecting Options. Click on the Advanced button then choose the update tab. You will see the various options that you have for downloading and installing Firefox updates.

I also want to say that any person that uses Internet Explorer is 100% guarenteed to get some form of spyware, adware, or other malware (this includes trojans and viruses). You have a much higher chance of getting "infected" if you click on popups or advertisements. Concerning Alexa. Alexa is spyware but because it is "official" and "licensed" it is presumed to be ok by large companies and by most individuals. Alexa is owned by Amazon.com and is essentially a traffic tracking cookie. Once the Alexa cookie is planted in your browser, it will record all of the websites you view and send the information back to its sponsors in order to be able to better market to you. For example, if you have the Alexa cookie and are frequently visiting websites about health, it will show you advertisements for health related products and services, not for dish washing soap. Is it safe? Yes. Do you want those companies knowing about all of the other sites you view? That's a personal choice.

I think that was everything that I wanted to say. I'll post again if there was anything I missed.