if you're getting popups you're either on some site that has a weird advertising method (get google chrome and install adblock) or you've downloaded something you shouldn't.

ive never had problems with any of the 3, sure you get a few toolbars from rushing through an install wizard but you can just remove them manually on any of the browsers.
i aint saying internet explorer is bad but it's by far slower and is less customisable (no plugins)

bitch if you say one more word about internet explorer functioning better than chrome or firefox ill delete you permanently from my life.