[jdemnyan1116]

I use firefox as my main browser, have I.E. as a backup incase of problems. Haven't used I.E. for months now. Have updated it at times so it is mostly current. Question, if firefox is your main and I do mean main browser, do you really need to install all the updates and patches for I.E? I just about know the answer but does firefox use any of I.E. for its browsing?

 

[BillC]

No, Firefox does not use IE if that is your question. But there are some sites that require IE in order to use/view them. And if you want to go to Microsoft to update Windows, you must use IE, not Firefox.

I too use Firefox as my primary browser but find it useful to have IE on standby. I'd suggest you keep IE current including the upgrade to IE 7.

 

[TOGG]

If you are still using 95, 98 or ME you do not need IE and should 'lock it down' so that none of its potentially harmful features are still running (because of the deliberately intensive integration between Windows and IE, some of the unpatched 'holes' in IE could be open). See here for info about IE6 SP1;http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/btw/ie/ie-opts.htm (Note: This does not apply to XP SP2 systems).

Because of the integration or interdependence between IE and Windows, you probably should apply all the updates for IE6, even if you don't use it. If you haven't already had IE7 foisted upon you by Automatic Updates it might be an idea to try and stop it from happening or, if it is too late, to revert to 6. Have a look at this site for the latest information; http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html