i never cared for IE firefox is way better browser than IE most of computer viruses xploit Vulnerabilities in IE too..
Those are some strong words. I use both browsers. Most websites just have a cleaner look tothem with IE7. FireFox is my web browser of choice since I am involved in web development and FireFox offers abundance plugins that I like. If you using IE7 then you must install plugin called IE7Pro.
FireFox is my preference, IE has had way too many flaws and security issues over the years and they are too slow in catching up with extra options that FF has. I use mostly FF and Maxthon, Maxthon is MUCH faster than either IE or FF and it doesn't slow your PC down. It does lack some options that FF has however, the main complaint I have is that you can't open new windows, only new tabs...
I like IE its fine for me. Use google pop up blocker(free) - you can even choose to block every single pop up Also use avg antivirus (free) just to check you dont have some virus.
You probably have some type of Ad-aware, or spyware installed in your pc, try running a NOD32 full-scan, and then run a hijackthis and post the log, I will tell you if anything is suspicious.
Im quite happy with IE7, with the sites that I frequent. I dont have any problems. I've never had a virus, since I dont download from unknown sites. I have nod32 running, just in case. I will be quite interested with IE8. But firefox3 does seem pretty good. Im glad they have made it run faster and sorted the memory leaks out!