Hi Spiritsongs,
A priori browsers are not safe. This is a fact for any browser. That is because computers are not safe, and operational systems are not safe. The main vector to make it very unsafe is sitting in front of the keyboard. You may comment: "Ha, ha, very funny", but these are basic truths. What I like about a browser, a safer one or a less safer one, is that I know all discovered vulnerabilities, holes and risks beforehand. What I like less about a browser is where coders are hoping a hole is not found up and the exploit published before there is a patch out. It is placing the ball where it should not be placed.
Browsers can be made a lot safer through taking some measurements. Use the right add-ons to prevent malware vectors to land: NoScript, AdblockPlus, in-browser pre-hyperlink scanning with DrWeb, and siteadvisor, using rights and settings that prevent automatic installs, blocking lists, in-browser scanning with the Avast Webshield to start with, checking files against the data at fileadvisor. When I started browsing with security in mind, I did not experience any problem. Then I browse from inside a memstick with a ported FF or Flock browser, that is cleared after every session. I can save whatever I want to, and if I load something onto the harddrive, I can clear the remains with CCleaner. Secure browsing is not such an effort. Also the three anti-adware and spyware proggies protect my browser like Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D and SpywareBlaster.
polonus