Q: I’ve made the switch from Internet Explorer to Firefox as you guys have recommended, and I couldn’t be happier! It’s a fantastic browser that has so much to offer. I know that Firefox is pretty secure, but do I still need to worry about privacy issues?

A: Unfortunately, in the software world, you’ll rarely find anything that’s perfect. Web browsers are tricky to keep secure because of all the Internet communication that takes place. When you think of security problems in a browser, Internet Explorer usually instantly jumps to mind. It is without a doubt the victim of the most problems, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only one. Even though Mozilla, Firefox, Opera, and other alternative browsers are suggested as being safer to use, they still experience problems just like IE. The fact that I prefer Firefox to IE doesn’t mean that I just run the software and assume that everything’s in good shape. In fact, security problems have been made public in these alternative browsers, as well. People who have enough motivation will find a way to break the software, and when they do, we all suffer.

The point is that you can’t forget that security problems plague all browsers. When problems are found, patches are usually issued in a short period of time. Check the Web site of your browser to see if any updates are available. By regularly patching your browser, you’re doing what you can to protect yourself.

No matter what browser you use, always remember that nothing’s perfect. Just try not to use IE.

Have a question or subject that you would like to see covered? Drop Brandon a line and maybe he can include it in a future edition of the Gnewbie Gnook! Also, don’t forget our forums (or, if you’re a Latin freak, “fora”) where Gnomies from all around the world congregate to help, be helped, and discuss issues that may or may not have anything to do with technology!