I guess that this is where to post this question.

Ever since Microsoft servers were virtually attacked, a few months ago, I have noticed that Imternet Explorer has become very flaky. The number of times it decides to just "give - up" in a day is increasing in frequemcy. A couple of my colleagues have also noticed this.
Any ideas why this should have started happening.

I would be grateful of any suggestions, especially if someone has resolved a similar problem.

Thanks

I had 6 and 7 (MS uses me as a beta tester). A few months ago, I got very tired of the IE garbage invading my computer, and switched to Firefox and Seamonkey (the suite version, with email &c). Firefox is the main one I use now, and only occasionally do I use IE (usually only on Microsoft websites since those reject Firefox).
If you're looking for an alternative, Mozilla is faster, cleaner, and doesn't download a bunch of junk from every website you visit. I recommend either Firefox or Seamonkey above IE. Seamonkey has a lot I don't use, so mostly I'm using Firefox. Also, it's free for the downloading.
I tried that new Apple thing and had some problems with the beta, so I'll wait with it till they fix more bugs.

It seems fine for me, w/e if you have problems get firefox or opera, FF is much better.

If you are on dial-up Firefox is faster but I have broadband now and I see no difference in speed between IE7 and Firefox. Also if you are having problems with spyware and malware you are probably doing something illegal (warez) or looking at too much porn. I've been using IE7 for a couple months and have had no problems and I do download software illegally. Also IE7 and Firefox download the exact same things when visting websites so Firefox is not "cleaner".

I've found this:
When using IE, there are invariably trackers that are loaded. The same is true with my lady's AOL junk. Each use of IE provides me with at least 8 or 10 of these things, and while they are not necessarily harmful, after some use IE does slow down. If IE is set to reject the cookies, it becomes nearly ridiculous.
When using FF or Seamonkey, I have none of those problems. The trackers are loaded during the stay at a site, but never kept, and so the browser maintains its performance. Seamonkey, being similar, is likewise.
Not saying here that IE is not usable, just that it does load up, and if you looks at the "experts" websites, you can always find commentary about IE.

Firefox Myths

If you really want the best browser, ignore what the masses gossip about and go with what the researchers have proven. Use Opera. Or just protect yourself with good AV and malware protection. IE and Firefox both have issues. Any website can be hacked, advertisements can even install junk on your computers - and what webmaster tracks every single ad that goes on their website? They can't! If you browse, you're vulnerable. Opera is just a little safer.

To the OP, I'd recommend you delete all your temp files, scan your computer for viruses, spyware and adware, and if that doesn't help, reinstall IE6.

I'd be interested in knowing exactly what you mean by "flaky" and "give up" Are you receiving any error messages? What are the specific symptoms?

Also, are you using the US English version? Or, since I see you're in Spain, are you using the Spanish language version?

One the basis of your statements above, I've downloaded and I'm now test using Opera.
My commentary so far is this: some things, being different, will take some getting used to, for me to be comfortable. However, if I deem it worthwhile, I'll make the effort.
I notice no difference, at this point, between FF and Opera as to the downloaded files. Each is far better than IE, and it remains to be seen if the Apple browser is so much better, as the Apple lovers claim. Reserve judgement.
I'm not sure I like the way Opera deals with tabs; reserve judgement.
I've not seen any substantial difference in the cleanup results between FF, Seamonkey, and Opera, at this time. Reserve judgement.
I've not had problems with trojan horses, viruses, and the like since I discontinued use of IE; prior to that, I was very careful of certain websites (none of these are x rated, I might add, since I don't use those silly things). I will revisit those places and so reserve judgement on that issue.

I've been using the internet longer than most people (I started at its inception by the science labs across the world; that's directly affecting my own field, and so used it as information transfer). I maintain more than adequate protection from hackers, and in fact doubt that a hacker could effectively penetrate this system (I've had experts try this, all failed). All downloaded files I clean up after use of the web, if not directly, then daily at least. I use multiple operating systems, such as this XP Pro, Unix (BSD), Linux, and Sun, more or less interchangeably.
And so it makes me a little curious as to your apparent prejudice towards Opera. Please explain in greater depth.

Further examinations of the browsers of my previous post:
Some of the Firefox myths in the link just ain't so. Read the link with a jaundiced eye; take all with a grain of salt.
Firefox is slightly slower in loading than the other three, being IE, Seamonkey, and Opera. On first load, IE is slower than the rest. There is no appreciable difference apparent between Seamonkey and Opera. With respect to the myths link, I don't know where the times were obtained, but those times bear no relationship to the computer I'm using.
Firefox, Seamonkey, and Opera show no appreciable number of tracking cookies after use. IE always shows 2, even when visiting the same websites. This implies to me that IE has a more open susceptibility to loading various forms of malware. After web sessions using IE, I will ALWAYS clean up, while with Firefox and Seamonkey I don't always clean up immediately. Opera remains to be seen but appears to flow along the same lines as Firefox and Seamonkey.
At this point, I would say the choice is between Seamonkey and Opera, but more research is required regarding Opera.

Addendum: it appears that Opera does not properly handle logouts. More checking is necessary to confirm or deny this, but it did NOT log me out of UM this last time.
Also I am quickly becoming annoyed with the handling of bookmarks in Opera. Forgive me, but through my years in the software/firmware field, I've come to the opinion that this stuff should operate as stated all the time, without changing itself from what I set it to do. Call me an old fogey, but that's the way I am.

or just use linux.

Probably the best solution. Unfortunately, some of my stuff requires some form of ms windows. Wish I could just go linux.

Yeah, me too, but I get tired of giving that same answer! I have a linux machine and two macs, they're dusty but I lubs them.

I was speaking in regards to the security comments, which is why I followed with:

Opera isn't the solution to all problems, as I mentioned, it's been shown to be "just a little safer". There are security companies that routinely test browsers and they are the ones I base this opinion on. I believe there are links on the myths link from earlier, and it should be easy enough to google if you need more info. Here's one - 4 advisories in 2007, 6 for Firefox, 9 for IE7, Seamonkey 1.1 only had 2 - Nice. IMO people should just use whatever browser they prefer and keep their AV up to date and scan regularly for with several scanners. I just get tired of hearing about how fantastic Firefox is compared to IE. I'm no Microsoft fan (<--they don't make a bold big enough), but Firefox isn't going to save anyone from a virus or spyware/adware so I thought I'd toss it out there. I have heard one too many times at work, "I have a virus, but I use Firefox?!?!" People really believe it will keep them protected.

I don't use opera regularly at home, though I have it on a computer at work. What version of IE are you using? I think the myths article needs to be updated, many of the tests were run on IE6 IIRC. But I thought it would be OK since that is what the OP was using. Looks like he's got a few items updated for IE7 now, just not all. *shrugs*

Ah. OK. Personally speaking, my preference is for Seamonkey, as it seems to load a bit quicker than Firefox. My current version of IE is 6, but during the trials (and afterwards) I used IE7 beta, then IE7. When I built this current puter, I went with XP Pro, that came with IE 6, and I never bothered to "upgrade", just went with Firefox and Seamonkey. At present, I think I prefer Seamonkey and/or Opera over Firefox. Once I get familiar with and comfortable with Opera's operations, it may well take precedence over the others.
Mainly, I just don't like having to clean up after every use of the web as I do with IE.
I agree that other programs are necessary to clean. I use several, two I use a lot, the others occasionally. And the myths needs updating.
I don't think anyone who doesn't regularly use AV and other cleaning programs has a right to complain about browsers; all are subject to attack, some perhaps better, but if someone doesn't do regular cleanups, they're asking for what they get.
But, right now I'm on Ubuntu and Firefox. This Ubuntu is a new installation, trying it out for a pal, and at this point it seems to be quite good as an auto-install. Soon I'll put in Seamonkey. Don't know if Opera is available for Linux, but if it is I'll try that too.

First time I installed Ubuntu it was a perfectly clean install, no bugs, no hardware that didn't come out of it working right off. This was on a frankenstein computer, I was shocked. So I tore it apart, rebuilt it with different parts, and had the exact same experience minus one ancient dial-up modem, and I just put that in because those stupid things never work anyway. Looking forward to what we'll see from it in the next few years!

Seems like he/they are slowly updating the myths page. Last time I checked (4-5 months ago?) there was nothing about IE7, now there are a few references. I guess it's a work in progress as they keep updating the browsers. I'd never used the SeaMonkey before. With such good ratings out there, it's tempting to try it out.

I was actually pleasantly surprised with Ubuntu. Nothing like what I've had to do previously (so I didn't mess with my installations too much, just used them). I sat and watched it, is all.
I've downloaded the Seamonkey Linux version but haven't put it in Ubuntu yet.
Mainly using it in windows, and I like it much more than most of the other browsers I've tried. As I said, Opera may become a main one. We shall see.

@RabidCat

What is it you dont ike about the tabs?

You can change the open order, use auto resizing single line, extender menu, multi-line (my pref), more advanced/traditional MDI mode and have the address bar above the tab bar.



Regarding logouts Opera is aggressive with its cache so it will reuse the page unless the site or you specifically tell it to recheck so even though you logout you may still see a member bar (example google) this is easily changed.

What is it you dont like about the bookmark manager?

Yes there is a linux version.

I need more time with Opera, first to adapt to the way it is, and second to completely familiarize myself with it.
Initially, however, I'm not sure I like the way it closed the tabs; again, I need more familiarity.
Regarding logouts, I prefer that when I log off some site, I am logged off, period. If there is a way to change Opera to this, tell me.
The bookmarks have, for whatever reason, changed their order. I have a whole batch I've transferred in from Firefox, and I went to the manager to rid myself of some of those. It subsequently changed order (truth is, I haven't yet looked to see why); further, it seems the bookmark manager no longer lists those bookmarks (haven't yet looked to see why). I'm used to programs that do what I want, not what they want, and this does bug me some. I presume there is some reason, obscure maybe, but I don't like it.
I'm used to being able to right click on a bookmark from the drop down and have a menu wherein I can delete or look at it or whatever. That seems to be missing in Opera, and I don't like being required to go to the manager to do simple things of that nature; seems like circumlocution to require that. If there is a way to change this, give me some methods.
While these things may seem inconsequential, they are items that stop me from using some software; not because I can't understand it, but because I really don't want to waste my time in learning something new unless it provides me with advantages that are worthwhile. At this point, I see few, if any, advantages to this over Seamonkey, to be frank.
I don't necessarily subscribe to the addage we had in electronics, "Make something even an idiot can use, and only idiots will use it", but I do think I should be able to switch from one style of browser to another without having to change concepts. In other words, browsers are not like using trade tickets for futures, or Forex tickets, where you may need to relearn different tickets; Forex or futures trading is quite important to those using them to make a living, or to increase a retirement fund, or whatever, and so it's necessary to learn a new ticket/chart setup when necessary. It shouldn't be necessary to relearn everything, or even many things about something as mundane as a browser.
If I need to learn a new schematic program, for instance, that's necessary, but it shouldn't be necessary to spend hours relearning a browser.
Perhaps I have a different viewpoint than most people on this, but I doubt it. Time IS money, to some of us. I don't mind spending a couple hours on a weekend playing with things like this, but really, it shouldn't be necessary.
As stated, I'll likely be spending more time with Opera, but if it begins to get too much, I'll simply drop it.
This, by the way, is Seamonkey under kubuntu.

????



ALT+P >> Advanced >> History >> Check Documents >> Select Check Always



Bookmarks >> Manage Bookmarks >> Right-Click in the tab >> View >> Select which order you prefer



This is there by defualt on Kubuntu for me (minus delete), you may like the bookmarks panel if you use a button to call it.



Well Opera is a Browser, Mail Client, Bittorrent Client, Widget engine so some things things will appear in it that are unfamiliar.

Absolutley correct which is why the way newer versions of IE and all the Gecko based browsers are a real backwards step for me, I had to put up with the dumbing down of the MDI feature to appeal to gecko users which took me a little time to get used to. For me it was worth it, you maybe not.



Have fun.



?? You used to post with?

I post with IE (on occasion, not often), Firefox, Seamonkey, and now Opera. We shall see. Some things I do like about this (Opera), and others remain to be absorbed. However, it seems to be worth the effort to get it in hand, so as I go along, I'll spend the extra time to grok what I don't understand.
Thanks for the tips; they did save me some time.
I use whichever operating system I've logged onto at the time, by the way. Most mornings, and through the day, I'm on (unfortunately) XP, as my Forex ticket won't operate on linux, I wish it would, but it seems the financial world doesn't care about the same things most of us care about. So it's XP. Still looking for something that will do what my DCArt does (sound restoration), and some other programs that don't appear to be available in Linux. I just don't have the time to construct those things myself, too many projects. Anyway, tks, heart.

That's why I just use Firefox now because it was happening to much for me.

OK, Heart and Episteme. I've now used Opera for a few days, in comparison with Fox and Seamonkey.
I like it.
I'll keep using it, along with the others, but at this moment, I'd say it's going to become my main browser. It's definitely worth the time.

By the way, heart, I like your surgeon general thing. My sentiments exactly.