need advice choosing anything other FIREFOX 6 i have NortonS.Stuite Ver:5.0.0.125 thru Comcast

i need feedback on choosing which official URL address for search bar and which type of 'explorer' as default to choose. I have spent WHAT TOO MUCH TIME configuring Firefox settings, uninstalling, reinstalling, settings, etc. i have literally printed out entire ream of paper to do so= only ending up with problems continuously. i'm sick of reconfiguring, reseting administrative settings, scans, live updates, everything in the HELP selection.  settings. i dont trust i.e.. So what is a safe choice to use and compatible w/norton version: 5.0.0.125 (provided by Comcast) and is compatible for all updates, etc. Whether if microsoft or whichever opinion anyone has. i spent over 2 weeks, plus sending my older Dell in for repairing the audio. I would love to rid Firefox/Mozilla altogether, get rid of GMail and use hotmail due to easier file set up and saving locations.  i need to solve and choose asap=due to posting my resume for employment. my family members complain to me of why i chose Firefox to begin with- but since updating to new version:  6...IM ready to throw it out window!  i read a bookmarked page for comparisons of them. but using my kids new laptop w/windows 7 installed and its fast, easy, but i cant do that at this time for myself. so what can anyone ofer for adviced or something else to choose?  I read the comparison of different versions comparisons(which i cant find at this time) and firefox/mozilla had better security, choices, etc. over i.e..  i desperately got to slolve this asap, and upload my resume by sunday.  PLEASE HELP!  OVERWHELMED, and honestly the 14+ hrs this past 13 days configuring is taking its toll on my eyes and patience. i need HELP..... PLEASE ANY ONE WHO KNOWS OR USES SOMETHING OTHER THAN FIREFOX- I'd like feedback, experieniences, etc. i do need something compatible with Norton version: 5.0.0.125 and need to learn if anyone knows about Thunderbird?    

 

if this helps:  I'm awarae my Dell is =outadate= 'old desktop' is version. ive updated thrughout the years. added 1GB,

here is the original info:

OS Name:  Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

version:  5.1.2600 Service pk 3 build 2600

model:  Dimension 2400

System type:  X86=based PC

processor:  x86 Family15 model 2 stepping 9 genuineIntel ~2791 Mhz

Bios version date:  Dell Com Corp A05, 12/2/2003

SMBIOS:  2.3

Windows Directory:  C:/WINDOWS

System Directory:  C:/WINDOWS/system32

boot device:  /Device/hardisk volume 1

hardware abstraction layer: Version= "5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413=2111)"

total physical memory:  1,280.00 MB

available phy memory:  719.39 MB

total virtual memory:  2.00 GB

avaialble Virtual Mem:  1.96 GB

page file space: 2.97 GB

page file:    C:/pagefile.sys

 

i am typing viewing my desktop onto a laptop that is new. 

 

anywat- what else i can provide? if Anyone is interested into helping me out?  i will log into my old dell online and try 'screen prints' tomorrow.  it is late here. please help me?

 

i'm not computer illiterate, generation X- so its a bit harder to 'catch on' to all of it, but i gotta get this solved.

 

thank you in advance to anyone and especially the few users i read their threads and solutions alot.  especially thanks to Symantec employees- using your off time from work to help people like me.

 

thanks  Cindy