Hope This Might Help Some Users

[mkemse]

I hope this might help some users, I assume the information is correct
I spoke with Comcast and while waiting, they had a recorded message that basicly said if you use Comcast Cable internet, and use Windows XP, that they suggested using Microsoft IE6 or IE7 as it will work, if you use any other Web brower, such as Firefox, Mozzila ect, they will not assure full funtionality. They reccomended use IE6 or IE7 only, so if you are using Comcast for your ISP and are using a different brower other then Windows Internet Explorer 6 or 7, this may be a reason for your connectitivty problems in genenral
As i said, i have not tested this theory, just passing on the info i got
Hope this helps
:wave:

[OttifantSir]

This may be true. Sadly it seems Microsoft, though no longer best in class, is getting to be a bully. Somehow they insinuate themselves everywhere there's computers and say "if you don't use Microsoft and make it standard so no other software can run, you will lose. We are the biggest software company on Earth, you must obey."
Microsoft is an easy platform to use, unfortunately it isn't the best platform to use. In the latest release of IE(7) and Firefox too, they have implemented tabbed browsing. However, they do not do this as good as a Norwegian browser called Opera. None of them has the same ability to change settings to match the user's preferences either.

I wished to include the link to Opera's website, but thought I'd better not, as I can't figure out whether that be spamming. It's free and it's not mine, nor does it require membership, though you can get e-mail from them. Still, I prefer keeping on the safe side.

[ZaithianKnightwolf]

I dont think Comcast's statement about using IE 6 or 7 is true in saying you will get the best of speeds.

I'm going to assume that if your system is something like mine where I have dsl it goes phone jack > DSL modem > wireless hub router > computer. The cable would not be much different most likely.

If you have your port settings on your router to be open to port 80 which is standard http, you will always get the highest speeds no matter what system you are using, or what browser. Your download speeds are rarely, and I do mean rarely affected by what browser you use. I have Opera, Firefox, and IE (its like IE 4 or 5). I have downloaded using them all and I've always topped out at about 92.5kb download which is the max that I can be at.

Microsoft is trying to create a monopoly is seems like, they always want you to use their software and no one elses. The make it seem like as if any other software or OS that is not from them is bad. There are always options and such for you not having to use their software. Only MS thing I use on my computer is the OS itself. Web browser, media player and so on are all from other companies or open source programs.

[mkemse]

Zaithianknightwolf,

No, what I meant by the post was, according to Comcast, what they had on recordrd message while I was on hold, was if you use another browser I guess, and have difficulty accesing either certain web sites or part of certain web sites, it is due to you not using IE6 or IE&7, apparentl;y like you said, preffer you you IE6 or 7 over Mazilla, Opra or Firefoz amongothers, they did not say others will not work, the said "To insure full functionality we recommend IE6/7" but i agree with most replies, that is possibly an agreement betwen Comcast and Gates Inc.
I have also been told, since for example AOL is as a gateway and not an ISP, they they can control were you go, for example if there is an adult site you want to visit and AOL does not "approve of it" they can and will [revent you fro, going there, I had AOL years ago and did find this partial true, I hasd site I would not access, yet when i switched to an ISP i had no prblem with wed site
Another browser with Comcast, I am sure works, Comcast just wanted youto know, is my assumption that with Internet Explorer you should not have any difficulties in loading, speed or access, whther they will not promise you the same with asnother broswer I have asked them and all they say is "We recommned IE to browes" my guess is this is a close legaly as they can go without getting accused of collusion with another company

[OttifantSir]

I have a feeling this thread might be moved, due to it turning to a discussion/I hate Microsoft-thread.
But Comcast and Microsoft are wrong. Internet Explorer is the most used web-browser out there, but why? It comes pre-installed on almost all computers sold. I am not sure of the exact numbers, but I seem to recall reading somewhere that 96+ % of all computers sold today incorporate Microsoft OS and software.
Even if it is a OS/software package easy to learn, it is not the best. I like Bill Gates personally. Who wouldn't? Starting a multi-billion dollar, global business in your garage/in a motel room? Not many have succeded in that.

For anyone who isn't afraid of trying new things on their computer, I refer you to Ubuntu, a derivative of the Debian/Linux project, guaranteed to release a new package every six months and give support for 18 months generally, and with 6.06 they give support for three years on desktops and five on servers. Only reason I am still using Microsoft is that I haven't gotten a new computer yet. When that day comes, I will backup what I need off this and use it as a learning ground for Ubuntu. I know I will use some time to get acquainted with it, and I don't want to loose my connection with this forum or my e-mail box just yet. When I feel I have learned Ubuntu enough, I will use it on my next computer as well, reverting this one back to what it is intended as: A server. Storage. With Ubuntu calling the shots.

[mkemse]

All my intent was, was to pass information on i recieved, I have not tested this theory, but my guess is what Comcast told me is NOT correct, they simply want you to use IE instead of say another browser service, anyone with concerns should call Comcast and find out
This thread is based SOLEY on what Comcast told me, nothing more nothing less

[Mischeif]

Comcast and most large ISPs only support IE6&7 because they havent been trained on any other web browser. The only drawbacks with Opera, and Firefox etc is that they handle some HTML scripts slightly differently than IE. This can cause some pages and links to behave incorrectly, and cause problems.
It's prety rare though, as the latest releases of FF and Opera are almost fully compliant. (some of you may remember how netscape navigator couldn't render some web pages corectly)
As far as speeds go, use what you like best, as long as you have set up the cache, and refresh options correctly (defaults are usually fine), the speeds should be almost identical.

/Network engineer for a large ISP