Freelance Web Designer Leeds, West Yorkshire

Over the last 12 months whilst visiting customers premises, I have been extremely surprised by the amount out dated browser software being used on office machines. My immediate reaction has been to get customers up to speed with the latest versions of their preferred browser (usually Microsoft Internet Explorer) or suggest a far more effective option (Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome).

So what’s the issue with old browsers?

The main issue with using old versions of internet browsers is that you are running the risk of coming under attack from current virus programs that are circulating the web. Daily internet activities such as Online Banking or Online Shopping are subject to “high-risk” attack when using out of date browser software. This means not only are you putting your computer system at risk, but also your personal data.

If you are running one of the following software browsers then I suggest upgrading to the latest version immediately:

• Internet Explorer Version #6 - Released by Microsoft in August 2001 (now 9+ years out of date)
• Internet Explorer Version #7 - Released by Microsoft in October 2006 (now 4+ years out of date).

Of course, there are other out-dated browsers out there in use, but I have found Microsoft Explorer to be the most common example, as it is by far the most widely used (down to the fact it comes pre-installed with Windows based PC systems).

What browser do you recommend and where can I get it?

There are many modern browsers to choose from but to keep this guide simple I have narrowed it down to three popular choices (please remember all these browsers a free to download and do not require any form of commercial purchase):

Internet Explorer

If you prefer the latest version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer you can download Internet Explorer 8. I would recommend this browser to users who are more comfortable and familiar with using Microsoft Software. (However in my opinion you have better options below!).

You can download Internet Explorer 8 here.

Google Chrome

A new browser worthy of mention is the latest from product release from Google entitled Google Chrome. Google Chrome is an exceptionally impressive fast loading browser, with all the latest up to date security features. (I have not used this browser that much since its release but I have been impressed with its overall performance and usability).

You can download Google Chrome here.

Choice Recommendation: Mozilla Firefox

However, what I would personally recommend (and I have to all my customers) is the latest version of Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is an extremely flexible and modern web browser which has all the latest high security coding built in to keep all those nasty web viruses at bay!

You can download the latest version of Firefox here.

Closing tip: Always keep your browser updated!

Once you have upgraded to a modern up-to-date browser, it is highly recommended to install software security updates as and when they become available. You will be made aware of periodic updates from the browser software itself as the software developers (Microsoft / Mozilla etc) will send update notifications for you to install the latest upgrade for your browser.