Many people are happy with surfing the internet on any-old browser, not knowing the differences between Firefox and Internet Explorer, etc. But there might be some important information that you're denying yourself, which could potentially put your computer at risk. Picking the right browser and updating it on a regular basis isn't just something for computer geeks, it should be done by everyone.
IE. Strangely similar to the sound I make when using it. IEEEEEEEEEE!
I think it's fair to say that most people reading this will be doing so through either Internet Explorer 6 or Internet Explorer 7; Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser in the US after all. But just because most everyone is using it, doesn't make it the best. In fact, these are arguably the worst browser versions to have right now.
IE6 (Internet Explorer 6) was created back in 2001 along with Windows XP. Nine years is a long time in the internet age; and with viruses evolving just as fast as fixes, no one will be addressing them when IE6 is involved. The browser is so old now, no one wants to support it; there simply isn't a reason anymore to care about fixing the problems this browser has caused. Google, Youtube, Facebook, are all planning to drop support. IE6 is also the browser that makes web designers cringe the most, by far. IE6 does not fully support CCS version 2, which is the coding language that controls how web pages look. Certain transparencies will not register without the hassle of a work-around hack, and certain codes can actually crash the browser. Of course, this wouldn't be so bad, but it's been estimated that 20% of people are still using it. Because of this, there are many campaigns on the internet that were created solely to get rid of it entirely.
My recommendation: get IE8 and get it now. It might not be the best according to everyone (or anyone), but it's a serious upgrade from IE6 and IE7. Doing this will help with internet security and make web browsing a much more pleasurable experience. It's supported on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 as of right now. And best of all, you can upgrade for FREE. Some draw backs are: it's still one of the slowest browsers around, and is still behind much of the competition in terms of security. But IE8 has allowed Internet Explorer to stop being the punchline of the internet community.
Current version is IE8.
Setting a fox on fire is really an irresponsible thing to do.
Firefox is probably one casual users of the internet have no idea about, but it's usually the tech-savvy browser of choice. Originally dubbed "Phoenix" back in 2002, Mozilla Firefox has included features that are considered standard nowadays. Tabbed browser windows, spell checking, live book marking, a download manager and support for some awesome plug-ins, this browser ensures your surfing is secure and enjoyable. It's also the second most used browser in the US. I believe it's also the only open-source browser out there right now.
One feature that makes it so great is "No Script". This is a simple plug-in that anyone can download and install to their Firefox browser for enhanced security, and one that I would highly recommend. IE8, surprisingly supports this plug-in as well, leaving very little excuses to not have it. You can control which pages you want scripts to run on and which you want blocked. Once installed, you can right click on any webpage and see the No Script windows which let you customize your levels of security.
On the less-practical-for-the-casual-surfer side of plug-ins, there's "Screen Grab". This one lets you take a screen shot of whatever is being displayed in your Firefox browser window.
Current version is Mozilla Firefox 3.6.
I just know those lights are gonna flash in some pattern that I'm gonna to have to memorize...
Google Chrome
The newest browser to come to the internet is Google Chrome, which has seen a great deal of popularity, being the third most used browser in the US. Keeping with a nice, clean look, and some of the fastest internet surfing around, Chrome features similar developer tools to that of Firefox's "Firebug" which is mostly used by web designers. There's also "FireBug Lite" which is the Chrome version of the Firefox add-on. A unique mode that Chrome features is Incognito which prevents the browser from storing any history information or cookies from websites visited. But this is only for the local side of things, your IP address and such can still be tracked.
Chrome also features an impressive collection of extensions like Google Mail Checker which hooks up to your gmail account to check to see if you have new mail right on your browser window. There's also a host of tools that aid web designers: screen shot tools, page resolution tools, color tools, pixel dimension tools, SEO tools, and much more. I'd say Chrome is serious about giving Firefox a run for its money. Some of the extensions are for Windows only though.
Current version is Chrome 6.0, which is the latest stable release.
No matter what direction I point my browser, it always says NE, or is that SW?...
SafariIf you're on a Mac, you should be familiar with this one. It's also supported by Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, and is the fourth most widely used browser in the US. This is another acceptable means of getting around the web, and even better if you own a Mac. Featuring unique PDF viewing, iPhoto integration, Mail integration and pop-up ad blocking, Apple has made it their policy to include this browser in with the rest of the operating system features.
Safari probably has the most flair out of all the browser. What I mean by that is, there's a lot of innovation being done with Safari, but not all of it is useful. One of the better ones is the Top Sites feature which allows you to seamlessly flip through up to 24 pages with just one click. You can do the same thing with your page history and bookmarks, flipping through pages like you would your iTunes library. Safari also uses the WebKit technology which is the power behind most every mobile internet device, iPad, Android, iPhone, Nokia Series 60, etc and is being used for Chrome. For mobile browsing, there really isn't anything better.
Current version is Safari 4.
So just when you thought your internet browser was only good for surfing the internet, recently, there's been a massive undertaking to make internet browsers a more integrated apart of computers and web technology. There of course are other browsers out there that have a dedicated fan based, like Opera, but these are the 4 biggest. And no matter what you're using, the number one rule is the make sure it's up-to-date.
Logos and company names are all registered trademarks of their respective companies. All information came from research done via the web, blame any inaccuracies on the interwebz and not me.
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