Internet Explorer 8 Welcome Wizard

The first time you open Internet Explorer 8 after install you will be greeted with the screen below. Click “Next”

The next screen has to do with “Suggested Sites.” Suggested Sites uses your browsing history to make web suggestions. I suggest that you select “No…” Answering “Yes…” will make surfing slower. Then click “Next”

In the screen beloow select the “Custom…” option.

Microsoft will set your search provider to their search engine by default. I prefer Google, but you will be given a choice of several at the end.

The IE 8 search box can be modified (new programming). If you want to allow search providers to install updates, click yes. I would click no because I don’t want Microsoft to install updates for Live (their search engine). More on that below.

I turn off all the “Accelerators.” You might select the “Show me...” option.

Definitely turn on “SmartScreen Filter”

Also say “Yes…” to “Compatibility Settings”

Then Internet Explorer opens with three tabs. One of the tabs is for search engines. As I said, I like Google.

For a more detailed look at Internet Explorer settings, follow this link.

Internet Browsers

Most reading this post are using Internet Explorer (IE for brevity) on a Windows PC to "surf the net." Those using a Mac are probably using Safari. But there are other choices, and they all have their strengths. I use IE often, but sometimes I need some of the features that Firefox provides. While Opera has less third party support (available add-ons), it offers some really nice features and is one of my favorites.

Here are some links to other browsers. All are available on both the PC and the Mac.

Firefox
Opera
Safari
Chrome

BTW, if you have hot yet upgraded to IEv8, you should, but wait a week. Next week I will explain the options offered the first time you start IEv8 (or at least tell you how I think you should answer the questions).