I strongly recommend you avoid IE.
You can use either Opera or Mozilla:
http://www.mozilla.org/ or
http://www.opera.com/
It is not a big step at all. You do not have to un-install Internet Explorer. If you wish, you can return to Internet Explorer at any time by clicking on the icon.
Mozilla, from time to time, will require plug ins that are readily available from the website.
For reason that I do not like Internet Exlorer, go to to
http://www.****microsoft.com/content...en-files.shtml
The four stars hide what you want to do to your wife, girlfriend or boss...but it is worth reading.
I would also not recommend Outlook or Outlook Express, for the same reasons.