For those that have used the computer for a while, you'll remember time-to-time when you were essentially a "n00b". I had no idea, for quite a while, that I could even use anything else other than Internet Explorer to surf the web - that's until a friend suggested I try out Firefox. Years later and a drastically improved Firefox, it's hard for me to reccommend anything but Firefox as the main browser on your computer.

Appearance

With the 3.0.x versions of Firefox, the browser has upgraded the look over the 2.0.x versions while vastly improving areas such as an always awesome search for add-ons. Although the look of this browser has never been too graphic-intensive, I wouldn't want it to be, it keeps up a very stylish and simple look which can be changed with a listing of, at this time, over 300 themes.

Usability

While the differences between the most-used Internet Explorer and Firefox are quite apparent, Firefox has also never had a problem with being too different as to make using it a learning curve. As well, at least since 2.0.x of Firefox, stability has not been a concern of mine although one nagging issue still is RAM usage/leaking. From 3.0.5 compared to 2.0.x, leakage is not a problem and memory usage is down quite a bit. But it's still an issue that's there, but just minimized quite a bit.

Features

What makes Firefox so popular is the add-ons feature, singlehandedly. The option to quickly and easily, within seconds, install a component that lets you check your email within the browser, the weather and essentially anything else - it makes it quite apparent why the popularity of Firefox is and will continue to rise. Other features such as bookmark management and configuration options also help the browser.

Value

When I look at the list of programs I absolutely must have, for example when setting up a new PC, the list is fairly short. FTP Program, Messengers, Security and Internet Browser. Being an internet guy, Firefox is incredibly useful program, which gets installed on any computer I use.

Conclusion

Firefox is the king of internet browsers (quality, not market share), has been for a while and I can foresee for quite a while. Opera is one to lookout for, with quite a following and an impressive perfect Acid3 test on Opera 10 Beta, but for now Firefox is established as the main internet browser to have.