FirefoxLinux
vs
Microsoft Internet ExplorerWindows
Firefox as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer
Updated
Our verdict
Firefox is a solid replacement for Microsoft Internet Explorer for most users. It handles modern HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript just fine, and it imports bookmarks and passwords from IE. The browser is faster, more secure, and respects privacy. If you rely on legacy sites that require IE‑specific ActiveX or document modes, you’ll need to test those sites first. For everyday browsing, work, and even some legacy web apps, Firefox works well.
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 158.0 (October 7, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both are web browsers that render HTML/CSS and execute JavaScript
- Both can import bookmarks and passwords from IE
- Both support extensions/add‑ons
- Both offer cross‑platform sync
- Both receive regular security updates
What is different
- Firefox does not support ActiveX controls or COM objects that some legacy IE sites depend on
- IE’s proprietary rendering quirks (e.g., Quirks Mode) are not fully replicated in Firefox
- Firefox lacks the built‑in Windows‑specific integration (e.g., IE’s integration with Office)
- Firefox is open source; IE was closed source
- Firefox may require manual configuration for some legacy sites that rely on IE’s user‑agent string
Opening your Microsoft Internet Explorer files
Firefox can open standard HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and image files that were created in IE. It does not natively open proprietary IE‑only files such as .htm files that rely on ActiveX or .xps documents. For exporting, bookmarks and passwords can be exported from IE and imported into Firefox via the import wizard. For other legacy data, manual conversion may be required.
Switching from Microsoft Internet Explorer to Firefox, step by step
- Export bookmarks and passwords from Internet Explorer using the Import/Export wizard.
- Download and install Firefox from your distribution’s package manager or the official site.
- Launch Firefox and run the Import wizard to bring over bookmarks and passwords.
- Adjust Firefox’s user‑agent string in about:config if you need to access legacy sites that check for IE.
- Install any required add‑ons for productivity or legacy site compatibility.
- Test your favorite sites to confirm they work as expected.
Key features of Firefox
- Fast page loading
- Strong privacy controls
- Customizable UI
- Extensible with add‑ons
- Cross‑platform sync
- Open source
- Regular security updates
How to install Firefox on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefoxsudo apt install firefoxsudo apt install firefox-esrsudo dnf install firefoxsudo pacman -S firefox-i18n-es-mxsudo zypper install MozillaFirefox6 other alternatives to Microsoft Internet Explorer
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