Update Your Browser

Lately everyone has been talking about abolishing Internet Explorer 6 once and for all. Okay, maybe not everyone is talking about it, but it's been a pretty popular subject among those of us that build and design websites. Although some of the issues with IE6 may not be relevant to the everyday Internet user, it got me thinking about something that is.

A lot of us get lazy or are hesitant to upgrade our computers, and that includes our webs browsers. The problem with that is that by not keeping updated you are taking a security risk. By using an older web browser you're making it easier for thieves and hackers to pass along viruses and steal your information. Yes, there is antivirus software that can help but you also need to keep your programs up-to-date.

There are other benefits to upgrading as well. Newer browsers tend to run faster, never a bad thing. They can also help keep your computer running faster by using less memory. On the design side of things, updated browsers will help the sites we design look the way we intend them to look.

There are lots of browsers out there, but whichever one you use I would recommend upgrading to the latest version. I've found a site that not only tells you what you'll gain by upgrading your particular browser, but it also links to the download page for each of those browsers. Take a look at updateyourbrowser.net and make sure you're up-to-date.