IE is only 'popular' because it is provided with (and is part of) Windows and although it can't be removed, it can certainly be replaced by something far more compatible and reliable, like Firefox or Chrome.

I didn't much care for Firefox when I first started using it some years ago, but now I wouldn't change for quids as I have better things to do with my time that worry about why IE isn't working properly today (or any other day for that matter).