When you buy a computer you'll notice they all come pre-loaded with Microsoft Internet Explorer as the default browser. Everyone knows Bill Gates runs the Internet, right? Wrong! When it comes to browsers for surfing the Web, there are plenty of other choices... if you know where to look for them. So if you thought you were stuck using I.E., let's have a look at some of your other options.

1) Safari: http://www.Apple.com/safari

Safari is the browser of choice for most Mac users. Faster than Internet Explorer (at least that's the claim), it contains a built-in Google Search, tabbed interface to browse multiple sites at once, automatic form completion and more. Free to download.

2) Mozilla: http://www.Mozilla.org/products/mozilla1.x/

Also known as "Sea Monkey," Mozilla is open source soft- ware, so it's free. Mozilla is for Windows,Linux or Mac users. Browse several sites at once with the tabbed interface, block pop up ads and it even includes IRS Chat and a built-in Email client with Spam filters.

3) Opera: http://www.Opera.com

For Windows, Linux and Mac users alike. There are two versions; one free (which is ad supported) or for 39.00, you can lose the ads. Opera is very fast with a built- in email client that includes anti-spam filters. It also contains the usual pop up blockers and a nice little zoom function.

4) OmniWeb: http://omnigroup.com/applications/omniweb

An award-winning Web browser strictly for Mac users. Cost is 29.95. Features include ad blocking, history searching, website change notifications, even speech recognition. This is one powerful piece of software.

5) Netscape Navigator: http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/default.jsp

Although Netscape doesn't have the market share it enjoyed in the "old days", it's still alive and well. Netscape 7.1 is based on Mozilla 1.4; both programs are almost identical. Free to download.

6) FireFox: http://www.texturizer.net/firebird

Firefox (aka Firebird) is actually a stripped down version of Mozilla and built for speed. It's only a browser with no built-in email client, so if you need email you'll want to download its companion, Thunderbird, at http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird

Those who love Mozilla will find many of the same features here. With Firefox you can block pop ups, customize the toolbars, even change its appearance with the use of themes. For Windows, Linux and Mac users. Free.

These are the heavyweight alternatives to MS Internet Explorer, but if you're looking for something a bit different you'll want to take a look at some of these browsers:

1) Avant Browser: http://www.AvantBrowser.com

A tabbed browser that's really fast and allows you to view multiple websites in a split window interface. Free.

2) SlimBrowser: http://www.FlashPeak.com

A Windows-based browser with a price tag of zero. It's easy to customize the look of this browser with the use of skins. Includes a spell checker,pop up killers, and a tool for filling in forms. Also includes a language tab for translating different languages.

3) MyIE2: http://www.MyIE2.com

Fashioned after Internet Explorer, this tabbed browser is served up at no charge, but they do ask for donations if you're feeling especially charitable.

4) NetCaptor: http://www.NetCaptor.com

Built on top of I.E.'s interface (without the security flaws), it's another tabbed browser for power users. Free version is called "Personal Edition," which contains sponsored ads or you can upgrade to "NetCaptor Pro" for only 29.95.

If you're not happy with Internet Explorer, or maybe you're just ready to try something new, download one of these browsers and take "her for a spin." Like a new Car you just meant to take for a "test drive," you may fall in love and decide to keep it permanently. Stranger things have happened!