Mozilla FirefoxLinux
vs
Microsoft Internet ExplorerWindows
Mozilla Firefox as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer
Updated
Our verdict
Mozilla Firefox is a solid replacement for Microsoft Internet Explorer on Linux for most users. It handles modern web standards (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript) flawlessly, offers regular security patches, and can import bookmarks and passwords from IE. Users who rely on legacy intranet sites that depend on IE‑only features like ActiveX or proprietary document modes may need additional workarounds, but for everyday browsing, productivity extensions, and cross‑device sync, Firefox meets the requirements well.
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript rendering
- Bookmark and password import from IE
- Support for extensions/add‑ons
- Regular security updates
What is different
- No built‑in support for ActiveX controls
- No native Enterprise Mode or IE‑specific document modes
- Different UI layout and customization approach
- Firefox’s tracking protection may block some legacy site scripts
Opening your Microsoft Internet Explorer files
Firefox can import IE's bookmark (favorites) files and saved passwords via its import wizard, but it does not read or export IE's proprietary configuration files (such as .dat cache files). If you need to preserve those, you will have to copy them manually or keep a Windows system for reference.
Switching from Microsoft Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox, step by step
- Install Firefox from your distribution's package manager.
- Run Firefox and use the 'Import from Internet Explorer' option to bring over bookmarks and passwords.
- Check critical internal sites for functionality; use the 'Compatibility View' add‑on or configure user‑agent overrides if needed.
- Install any productivity extensions you relied on in IE.
- Enable Firefox Sync if you want cross‑platform bookmark and password syncing.
Key features of Mozilla Firefox
- Extensive add‑on ecosystem
- Built‑in tracking protection
- Customizable UI via CSS
- Regular security updates
- Multi‑profile support
- Integrated Pocket reading list
Frequently asked questions
Will Firefox display old intranet pages that required IE?
Often, but pages that depend on ActiveX or IE‑only document modes will need workarounds like user‑agent spoofing or a virtual Windows environment.
Can I import my saved passwords from IE?
Yes, Firefox’s import wizard can pull passwords stored in Windows Credential Manager when run under Wine or on a Windows partition.
Is there a way to run IE-specific plugins in Firefox?
No native support; you would need to run IE inside a Windows VM or use tools like IE Tab in Chrome, which Firefox does not provide.
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