which browser

[CarlTR6]

Vista did not give you the ability to totally remove Internet Explorer from your Windows installation as Window 7 does. Thus, in Vista, I had to disable IE, whereas in Windows 7, you can remove it by way of Control Panel > Uninstall a program > Turn Windows features on or off > un-check Internet Exploerer 8.

And, by disabling IE in Vista, the file association would automatically take place as the browser you choose would become the default browser.

Thanks; I did not know that unchecking IE via the control Panel actually removed it. I thought it merely disabled it as it does in Vista. Thanks for education.

 

[Kari]

No, I do not disable IE (or FF or Chrome). TBH, I've never thought about that.

Speaking of preferences: If I were running IE, Firefox and Chrome and decided to use Lunascape, then FF and Chrome would be flat out uninstalled and IE would be removed via Control Panel. I wouldn't see the need to have 4 browsers when one can take the place of the other three. That's just me.

I believe that's going to happen here. Like I said, I've just started with Lunascape, until two weeks ago it wasn't even my default browser.

I needed to be sure first; I believe that I am now, especially after noticing that when using Gecko engine (Firefox) it really uses all add-ons as if it were Firefox. On the other hand, my system drive is 320 GB so a gig or two means not so much, not too busy to uninstall anything.

Kari

 

[mpcrsc562]

Vista did not give you the ability to totally remove Internet Explorer from your Windows installation as Window 7 does. Thus, in Vista, I had to disable IE, whereas in Windows 7, you can remove it by way of Control Panel > Uninstall a program > Turn Windows features on or off > un-check Internet Exploerer 8.

And, by disabling IE in Vista, the file association would automatically take place as the browser you choose would become the default browser.

Thanks; I did not know that unchecking IE via the control Panel actually removed it. I thought it merely disabled it as it does in Vista. Thanks for education.

Windows 7 Lets You Finally Uninstall Internet Explorer (Kinda) - windows 7 - Lifehacker
Windows 7 lets you remove Internet Explorer 8
Removal of Internet Explorer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

To some, it might not be "uninstall" by definition, but to me, it's good enough. But, in my current config, it's a moot point as I use IE8 exclusively.

 

[noobvious]

Moot point, but I was merely referring to your preference, i.e., do you remove IE8--that's all I was asking. For example, when I ran Vista as my main OS and used Firefox exclusively, I disabled Internet Explorer because I would install the Firefox add-on "IE Tab." My personal preference was to do away with the extra (Internet Explorer) as long as there was a way to use its functionality (IE Tab).

I understood what you were meaning when you stated that there was no need to remove anything, just was looking for your preference.

I may be wrong; but I understand that disabling is not the same as uninstalling. If you disable IE, it is still there; it is just disabled.

Vista did not give you the ability to totally remove Internet Explorer from your Windows installation as Window 7 does. Thus, in Vista, I had to disable IE, whereas in Windows 7, you can remove it by way of Control Panel > Uninstall a program > Turn Windows features on or off > un-check Internet Exploerer 8.

And, by disabling IE in Vista, the file association would automatically take place as the browser you choose would become the default browser.

I don't think disabling totally removes it at all. I have disabled WMP12 before, and re-enabling it brought it back. I would think that if it was totally removed, you would have to literally re-install it, wouldn't you? All it says is "turn Windows features on and off".

So are you really sure it removes the feature?

Edit: looks like you just answered my question, right before I posted it.

 

[mpcrsc562]

I may be wrong; but I understand that disabling is not the same as uninstalling. If you disable IE, it is still there; it is just disabled.

Vista did not give you the ability to totally remove Internet Explorer from your Windows installation as Window 7 does. Thus, in Vista, I had to disable IE, whereas in Windows 7, you can remove it by way of Control Panel > Uninstall a program > Turn Windows features on or off > un-check Internet Exploerer 8.

And, by disabling IE in Vista, the file association would automatically take place as the browser you choose would become the default browser.

I don't think disabling totally removes it at all. I have disabled WMP12 before, and re-enabling it brought it back. I would think that if it was totally removed, you would have to literally re-install it, wouldn't you? All it says is "turn Windows features on and off".

So are you really sure it removes the feature?

Edit: looks like you just answered my question, right before I posted it.

I understand what you're getting at--and to some, it may not be uninstallation by definition. Someone correct me if I'm off-base with this: Prior to Vista, if you removed a Windows feature, then tried to re-enable it, you would have to pop the installation disc in to regain the functionality of the item you're trying to "re-install." But Vista and Windows 7 are "smarter" in that when you remove a Windows feature and subsequently re-enable it, you don't need to use the disc as the feature has been "removed from sight from the operating system," but the application itself still resides within Windows, just not accessible.

So, in essence, I believe that Microsoft's "disabling" or "removing" of features is not a true uninstall but a clever way to hide the application from the operating system.

So, by that definition--if I'm on point--means that no Windows feature is truly uninstalled... and that means Internet Explorer 8 as well in Windows 7.

Am I in the ballpark?

 

[noobvious]

It sure sounds like you're right with that assessment.....but I could very well be wrong too.

 

[CarlTR6]

I think this sums it up:

"Since Internet Explorer's rendering engine is also used throughout Windows and with third-party applications as an embeddable component, it won't completely uninstall—only the executable is actually removed. Still, being able to finally banish IE proper from your system is a pretty good start for folks who really don't like IE. Hit the link for the full screenshot walkthrough of the uninstallation process."

So it does not completely uninstall; but is rendered inoperable as a browser. I haven't tried it so I do not know if any disk space is saved by disabling.

 

[MilesAhead]

Yes, everyone does have an opinion. Unfortunately, an opinion is usually based on the understanding of the user, rather than the facts.

+1
An opinion is almost automatically subjective. To have an objective opinion is almost impossible. Therefore, the best way to find the best browser is to try them, feel different designs and UI's.

My subjective opinion: I've lately fallen in love with Lunascape browser (Lunascape Web Browser - The World's First Hybrid Engine Browser), as can be read in my post here. It's incredibly fast and uses clearly less resources than for instance Firefox and Chrome.

Kari

Never heard of this one. Gonna' check it out.

 

[MilesAhead]

I think this sums it up:

"Since Internet Explorer's rendering engine is also used throughout Windows and with third-party applications as an embeddable component, it won't completely uninstall—only the executable is actually removed. Still, being able to finally banish IE proper from your system is a pretty good start for folks who really don't like IE. Hit the link for the full screenshot walkthrough of the uninstallation process."

So it does not completely uninstall; but is rendered inoperable as a browser. I haven't tried it so I do not know if any disk space is saved by disabling.

I read an article how to disable IE by using Local Security Policy. Seemed like a cool way to do it and easily get it back if I wanted. Boy was I surprised when I installed a software and IE popped up after the install finished!!! Turns out "trusted installer" has more privilege and overrides the Local Security Policy. That was enough of a warning. I uninstalled then.

No matter what browser if I'm going to unfamiliar sites I run it Sandboxed.