Cathie,

I assume that you are not having such problems on other sites. If by chance you are, then that would indicate a number of other things to look at.

But assuming that is not the case . . . I would first check out your firewall. One test would be to disable it while you are on this site and see what happens. To be safe, just make sure you re-enable it before surfing anywhere else.

I also assume you are using IE as your browser. You should start your system in Safe Mode with Networking. Do not open any other programs except IE and see if you can stay connected on this site.

Also, IE has a Repair utility. But for some strange reason, it is hidden away. You need to go to Control Panel, then Add or Remove Programs, then locate the entry for IE. Once you click on it, the Repair option will be offered.

I would strongly endorse the use of Firefox as a browser of choice. In any event, it would be good for you to install it (very simple process) and see if anything changes in terms of staying connected.

If you need further help with any of these things, let me know. It can be frustrating to isolate a problem like this. But if you really want to fix the issue, these are the things that need to be done. Hopefully, the solution will follow naturally.

rafi

What version of IE are you using? I would guess IE6. It could be worthwhile to upgrade to the latest version . . IE7. No reason to do so right away . . . wait to see how the "tests" turn out. Egads, now I am even turning a computer problem into a medical PN simulation. Time for a break.

rafi

Rfinney:

I have to ask a question. I have verizon dsl with Internet Explore 7 as my browser. I used to have AOL which used its own browser, right?

My son told me to get Firefox, something about it's more stable, it's better, etc. etc. (I have no idea why he feels this way, and I've never had a problem with IE7 at all!!

So why would a person switch browswers? I mean, what are the benefits.

And lets say I decided to go with Firefox. After downloading it, I assume it would self install, right? So what happens to my IE 7??

And if I ever decide to switch to Firefox, and this might sound dumb but I really don't know the answer..... when I turn on my computer in the morning, what is on my desktop??? an icon for Firefox??? that I would just click on and I would get on the internet and would everything look the same?

Right now, as I type this, the top of my screen says NEUROTALK Communities - Reply to Topic - Windows Internet Explorer.

I assume (if I changed browsers), the ending would say Firefox Explorer????

Thanks for answering. I just don't know why one browser is better than another browser

Melody

from my experience the Mozilla Firefox or the Netscape browser load the web pages and sites much faster than IE 6 or IE 7.
I have used all 3 and Firefox is my favorite, then Netscape and lastly IE.
something about it just seems very slow when I have done comparisons.


All you do is download Firefox - make sure it goes to a place you can find it!
I usually make a special folder on my desktop named downloads and send all of them to it.

when download is done - go to that saved folder or file- and double click it -and it will do the install and ask you a few questions- for most just of them just click yes or hit enter unless you want to change something.

It will make desktop icons for you too so when all done just click on that and it will open up and be ready to use.
When opened you can click on Tools and go to the options to tweak any settings that you want to change.

IE will still be there also for use too -you can pick which ever one you want to use.

Mel- it will say Mozilla Firefox

Mel,

jo55 has provided a lot of useful info. I will say that while most folks feel Firefox opens pages a bit faster, some find it a bit slower. I don't think speed is the main reason why most Firefox users love it.

First, Firefox is more secure. It is debatable how much this is due to the fact that most "bad stuff" is targeted at IE, but I do think that the consensus is that Firefox is built to be safer. This might not be too important for web users who are pretty conservative in their surfing - that is, they visit a forum or two, and then just other mainstream sites, do not visit or download from more questionable sites, etc.

Second, Firefox is infinitely customizable. When you first install it, you just get a basic configuration. It may be all some users need, but the vast majority install any number of "extensions." It is these add-on pieces that make each Firefox installation unique. You can add things that will do just a HUGE number of functions, many of them specialized for a particular site or task. This is what I love the best about the program - I am constantly adding and subtracting, as new extensions are created. BTW, these extensions are as easy as could be to install.

As jo55 indicates, it is at least worthwhile to download Firefox and install it. You will still be able to use IE. Use it for a bit and see what you think. There is no harm at all in just leaving it on your system if you end up not using it. Or just go to Add and Remove Programs and uninstall it.

One consideration: even if you really end up liking and using Firefox, do not remove IE from your system. You need it to do things like install Windows Updates and other Hotfixes (there are workarounds so that some folks do actually remove IE, but not recommended unless you are technically proficient).

As for AOL - it did supply a browser - I think a branded version of IE - but you could use your own. I can't imagine that has changed. So AOL users can use Firefox if they wish - perhaps after some minor adjustments.

rafi

Hi Rafi and everybody:
Okay, let' see if I have this straight.
I go to Firefox and download it and save it to a folder. I then install it.
After I install it and reboot my computer, and I want to go on the internet, I'll see an icon on my computer that said "Firefox" (is that the icon, or what does it look like, is it a symbol or something?).

Right now, when I go on the internet, I click on the E thing (that indicates Internet Explorer). So what will the icon for Mozilla Firefox on the desktop that will bring me to the internet, what will it look like?

So after I click on the forefox thing, will I be at the same homepage I have now?? I have MSN.COM.

And I assume at the top of the page the last words will say WINDOWS MOZILLA EXPLORER???

How am I doing so far??

And what do you mean, that you can still use Internet Explorer 7 even if you have Firefox as your browser. And what do you mean by extensions, that firefox lets you do extensions. And add on pieces.... I have no idea what this means.

How can you use two browsers at the same time? Are you saying that because you have both icons on the desktop you can use either one and it will take you to the internet?

Sorry to sound dumb but I'm completely self taught here and even though my son's a blooming genius, we have no contact with him. He's the one I would ask in this case. But since I can't I have to pick YOUR brains in this one!!!

Thanks guys.
Melody

here's a webpage that has the download link and the ICON that will be on your desktop is the logo that is shown {orange fox wrapped around the world}.
The site has more info on the clickable links too-
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

[How can you use two browsers at the same time? Are you saying that because you have both icons on the desktop you can use either one and it will take you to the internet?]

Yes you can just click on either the IE or the Firefox Icon and use either one you want to use.

when you have 2 or more browsers installed they each will ask if you want it to be the default - I usually set the Firefox as default but you can still use either one.
default just means if you click a link on a page or in your email that default browser will be the one used.

The home page will be the firefox page but you can change that - I always make Google my home page.

I don't really pay attention to what the top of the page says- it just tells you where you are on a website and what browser you are using - but it would say - Mozilla Firefox.

all the favorites you have saved with IE?

when you use Firefox it will ask if you want to import bookmarks/favorites.
so just say yes and they will be copied into FF.

Oh the stuff I learn from you guys. Believe me, when I can, I pay it forward.
The other night I spent two hours (probably more) hooking up filters and then putting in the dsl line for the two 80 year old people who live downstairs from me. Just imagine me speaking italian for two hours, using a computer where the screen and everything on it is IN ITALIAN!!
Then the tech guy from verizon online dsl is speaking to me FROM THE PHILLIPINES. I never laughed so hard in all my life.

But I did it. And now the 80 year old italian guy who lives downstairs can now go on his computer while his 80 year old wife gets to talk on the phone!!! I can't wait until he wants me to hook up a webcam so he can see his great grandchildren!!!! This will be so cool!!!!

Ain't technology grand?????

lol
Thanks for all the information.
Melody