“Microsoft’s lawyers would probably point to the existence of
dozens of alternative browsers as proof that Internet Explorer has
no monopoly, but don’t be fooled. According to statistics kept by
the University of Illinois, only about 6 percent of the Web’s
visitors use any browser other than the Big Two.”
“Still, those 6 percent may be on to something. By choosing an
off-brand browser, you can reap rewards in speed and simplicity.
You dodge the bugginess of Netscape Navigator 6 and the feeling of
slavery some people feel when using Microsoft’s browser. And if
your older PC lacks the copious memory, processor and disk-space
demands of the Big Two, these alternative programs may be just the
ticket.”
“It’s easy to see, for example, why Opera 5.0.1 for Windows,
written by a pair of Norwegian programmers, has developed such an
enthusiastic following. (Mac and Linux versions are still in the
testing stage.) Until you’ve experienced how fast this program
makes Web pages appear, you’re hereby forbidden from complaining
about the speed of your Internet connection.”