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Add to SafariWhen comparing Internet Explorer vs GNU IceCat, the Slant community recommends GNU IceCat for most people. In the question“What are the best desktop web browsers?” GNU IceCat is ranked 8th while Internet Explorer is ranked 64th.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Downloads well
Downloads safely, quickly, and nicely.
Pro System built-in browser
Browser has many system related features. With Internet Explorer you can run certain types of files, without saving them in a non-temporary directory, or you can change proxy settings via a built in Windows dialog window.
Pro Can fluidly stream 4k video
IE 11 can fluidly stream 4k videos on Youtube without issue.
Pro Works great with ruTorrent
Pro Isn't a big target for hackers
Nearly all browsers use the same browser engine as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox; meaning they have the same security-holes as one of the big three. IE doesn't, it has has its own engine.
In other words, even if you find yourself on a website that tries to hack your computer: It's very likely that the the website will only be designed to hack the big three, and wouldn't be able to do anything to IE.
Pro All the benefits of Firefox, but with 100% free software
Pro LibreJS
LibreJS blocks proprietary JavaScript code, ensuring your user freedom.
Pro Protects your freedom, certified free by the FSF
Pro Extra security and privacy features
Pro Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.
Pro No spyware
Pro Https-Everywhere by default
Pro SpyBlock
Blocks privacy trackers.
Cons
![[deleted]](https://avatars.slant.co/identicons/50/eb641207-4f56-47e7-903e-e7b5d8f48db4)
Con Out of date
Con Final version of the browser
Microsoft confirmed that Internet Explorer 11 (released on 2013, still bundled in Windows 10) will be the last version of Internet Explorer as Microsoft is shifting it's development focus to Microsoft Edge.
Con Windows only
Internet Explorer is currently available on Windows only. Internet Explorer was previously available on OS X and UNIX, but both of them have already been discontinued.
Con No browser extensions
Internet Explorer's functionality cannot be extended via extensions/plugins.
Con Not standard compliant
Con Problem rendering online Google Web Apps correctly
I.E. 11 has many issues with rendering Google Web Apps correctly such as Docs or Sheets. The landing pages for each has incorrect button placements and doubled icons, making the sites barely navigable.
Con It's slow and crashes a lot
Con Created By Microsoft
Con No reader view
Con Too much bloat
The browser comes with 15 addons installed by default, most of which are useless or ruin one's browsing experience.
Con Mainly just an old Firefox
It is mainly a renamend older version of Firefox that comes preinstalled with some extensions.
Con Not up to date
Latest binary is still version 60.7 ESR and was last updated over a year ago
Con Requires too much unnecessary configuration to use
You have to manually delete all the bloated addons from your files (only for them to show up again when the browser is updated) and manually install some addons and themes that the browser labels as "corrupt".
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Can't install some Firefox themes/addons
"Installation aborted because the addon appears to be corrupt".
Con Includes LibreJS by default with no way to remove it
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Dependent on Mozilla
Since IceCat is based off Firefox, it's dependent on all of Mozilla's decisions.
Con Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.
