Why should I upgrade my web browser?
The short answer. SECURITY.
Running software written in 2001 in 2010 only means one thing. You need to upgrade. The reason behind this are the various exploits hackers have found within these web browsers and Operating Systems, that put your identity at risk. With there experience, they will be able to access your entire computer, obtain your email and passwords, online banking credentials, and various other objects of affection. This information does not apply to web browsers alone, however. The operating system, Windows XP is also a prime target.
Part of the problem is that XP still ships with wildly outdated non-core technologies, many of which are becoming favorite targets of hackers. Key among these are Internet Explorer (IE) 6 and, less obviously, Adobe Flash 6. – Paul Thurrott
So how do you prevent such a thing from happening? Click Read More for some necessary steps in order to keep your computer secure, and safe.
Step 1: MAKE SURE WINDOWS XP, VISTA, and 7 are UP TO DATE
Make sure your operating system is UP TO DATE. As of right now the current version of Windows XP is on Service Pack 3 and has a ton of malicious software removal packs that are helpful in ridding your computer from harmful identity thieving programs. You can update your computer by going to Windows Update.
How to Access Windows Update
Windows XP Users – Click Start > All Programs > Windows Update
Windows Vista & 7 Click Start Orb > All Programs > Windows Update
When you do this you will not get ALL of your updates at first. Even after the major ones you will have to keep coming back and checking until Windows update says that there are no more updates. This may take a long time initially, but after all your updates are installed there will be less and less to obtain. Making this process less painful as time goes on.
“But I have my Automatic updates on, I don’t need to do this”
Yes you do, you may have automatic updates activated, but most of the time they will not install unless you tell them to. So if you have that little “world with the windows logo” in your “start bar” you currently are out of date and nothing has been installed.
Step 2: Check to see which browser version you have
You ALWAYS want to make sure your browser is up to date. Many hackers like to find exploits within the browser to get into your computer. A good way to check which browser version you are using is as follows:
How to Check Your Web Browser Version
Open Internet Explorer > Click Help in the tool bar > Click “About Internet Explorer”
Current Web Browser Versions
Internet Explorer 8
Firefox 3.5.7 – A Narroway Favorite
Safari 4.0
Opera 10.10
Google Chrome 4.0 Beta
Firefox – Getting the Narroway Seal of Approval
As far as the whole Web Browser debate goes, our trophy has to go to Firefox. This browser is Secure, Customizable, Fast, and it also updates automatically, not only this but it is a dream for us web designers to test within. We recommend this browser to anyone that owns a computer. Below is a link to the latest version of the web browser.
The Most Recommended Ad-don for Firefox
Ad Block Plus – Stops pop-ups and removes ALL adds within the browser. Just Subscribe to the EasyList when your browser restarts.
This will prevent you from accidentally clicking on phishing, malware, and spyware websites.