There have been a few posts at Mudcat Help about problems getting connected since the "changeover," so it is possible that the problem is with the server rather than with your browser.

I've been getting a "server contacted, waiting for reply" that hangs indefinitely, almost once every other day since the change. Apparently at least a few others are having the same problem.

open mike -

A very large number of the functions that at basic and integral with Windows operation are "contained" for purposes of description in the Internet Explorer "wrapper." It makes it easier on a lot of users to have the "extensions" to permit internet communication in the package. Microsoft has never made it particularly difficult to use another browser or email program, but expecting them to include instructions for how to use someone else's program is a little like complaining that Ford doesn't include instructions for how to put a Chevy engine in your new Taurus.

Isn't it nice that IE worked "out of the box" well enough for you to get the program you prefer to use?

John