‘Web browser’ is the generic name of the program you use to view the internet. Back in the (not so) good old days nearly everyone used the same browser – Internet Explorer – which appeared as a little blue ‘e’ symbol on your desktop.
These days you could easily be using something totally different – Chrome, Firefox, Safari – to name just a few. On occasion you might see a message from your browser reminding you to update – it might take thirty seconds or five minutes for an update to download and install. We think it’s totally worth that time.
Some modern browsers update themselves – an absolute blessing that saves you the bother of having to install new software every few months.
Your browser works by understanding layout and programming languages like HTML, PHP, CSS and Javascript. Some do a better job than others. Newer browsers always do a better job than older ones – so here are four reasons to keep your browser up to date (and some advice on how):
1. Safer Browsing
All computer programs suffer from a bug or two every now and then. This could be a minor display problem, a glitch that causes the software to close unexpectedly – or much worse. If your web browser it can mean someone loading a program on to your computer to steal passwords, card details or other personal details. Keeping your browser up to date is the easiest and cheapest way to keep this from happening.
2. Faster Surfing
As companies get to know the web coding languages better, the better they can make the browsers at processing those languages, making the pages load more quickly. This can mean a real difference – especially if you have a slow internet connection.
3. Prettier Pages
The languages that the web is written in are constantly evolving. With the launch of Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) in March 2011 all major browsers now support a decent proportion of the next generation of ‘HTML’ – the building blocks of most websites. Up-to-date browsers also understand and interpret the latest ‘CSS’ – the code we use to make sites look the way they do. Modern browsers allow you to see the web for what it is – rather than how it used to be. This helps us designers be more creative and develop a richer web experience.
4. Something’s Missing
As time moves on older browsers are getting left behind. Because they are no longer as compatible, it takes time to tweak websites so that they work on old software. Designers are getting less and less bothered about designing for older browsers because they want use the latest tools. If you are still using Internet Explorer 7 you may already be seeing this. Some new websites might be broken in parts or just less attractive then they might otherwise be.
So now that’s the why – how’s about the how?
To install any of these browsers on your computer just follow the links:
Firefox
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
Firefox is the must have browser for web enthusiast and professionals alike. It’s a popular browser mainly thanks to its customisation – the ‘add-ons’ are many and varied, and can greatly improve your web browsing experience.
Most apps are free, and can augment your social networking, set up great bookmarks, customise the colour and appearance of your browser and much, much more.
Firefox is a bit of a ‘web developer’s workhorse’ – it does a great job of rendering websites and it has all the tools you need to really take control of your web experience.
Firefox now updates itself automatically so you can always be sure you have the latest, safest code.
– Download if: you want to customise your web
Google Chrome
https://www.google.com/chrome/
Chrome is the new kid on the block and like any new kid it has learnt from its elders – it does everything quicker and simpler than those before. It supports most of the new web trickery that has been developed over the last few years (html5 and CSS3) and like Firefox has a fairly extensive ‘app store’ (although not with the same range and variety).
Chrome is the browser we recommend to everyone wanting fast, safe browsing and automatic updates.
– Download if: you want a lightweight, secure and modern web
Opera
It is more than likely you’ve never heard of Opera – but they are a well established player in the market. Opera have a knack of coming up with a lot of the really good ideas first before anyone else – some great innovations first appeared in versions of Opera with the other browsers sometimes years behind.
Opera’s strong point is its accessibility controls – it uses a variety of features that make the internet an easier place to get around if you have a disability.
– Download if: you need a more accessible web
So now there’s no excuse, get downloading today and let’s make the web a nicer, faster, safer place!
