What internet programs do you use, and why?

[dogscoff]

Firefox, Thunderbird at home, because they're good at what they do, and I used to use them on Windows and were available when I migrated to Linux. I'm tempted to try Opera again though (last used it at version 5, but dropped it when v6 was full of bloat). It had better have something as good as adblock on firefox though.

I use Lotus Notes at work. It is without doubt one of the worst computer programs I have ever used. It's hideous. I can't believe they charge real money for this crap. The only thing harder to believe is that my company paid for it, and expects me to use it.

I generally use IE for browsing at work, because that's what most of our customers use so I feel I ought to be familiar with it. Also, it makes me grateful to get home to firefox. Besides, it's not my machine, not my problem if it gets pwned=-) I do have a few other browsers installed though, for testing web pages and that.

Chat: Don't use it that often. Xubuntu came with a multi-network chat client that I have used a few times to connect to #ubuntu for technical advice, but I'm so disinterested I can't even remember what it's called. For a while on Windows I was using chatzilla, an IRC-plugin for firefox (yeah I know, how pointless is that?) which was OK.

The only chat network I will bother with is IRC, can't be doing with MSN, AIM and the rest.

[Dan_]

Firfox

Google mail online interface is good enough for all my email needs. I've got several accounts setup, all forwarding to one I check, and can send emails from any account by logging into the main one. There are also some rules for email lists which are automatically grouped under a label separate from the inbox. And you can use Google search to find old mail which works well. 10 min to setup for first time, very easy, clean and simple and of course can be used from anywhere.

Skype for chat, but not much

[capnq]

I use Opera for routine Web surfing, because I'm still on dialup and it's noticeably faster than IE or Firefox. I use IE for the occasional site that's Opera chokes on, and Firefox for a single site that neither Opera nor IE can deal with.

I also use Opera for normal e-mail; it's sufficient for my needs. I have a free account that I use mostly as a spam-catcher on AOL.com , for which I have to use IE to access the Web client.

I use AOL IM, too, because everybody on my Buddy List does, but once I get the new-to-me computer connected to the net, it has Trillian installed.

[Captain Kwok]

I use Firefox/Thunderbird/Miranda.

[Baron Munchausen]

You forgot that Seamonkey also has chat. Chatzilla is developed seperately, but it's available for install right along with the other components of the suite. That's why I use it, it really is 'all in one' or about as close as a single product can be.