About Web Browsers

I have put together this article to familiarize visitors to SafariExperts.com with the importance of using the appropriate Web browsers. Over the past few years there have been many reasons for Internet users to upgrade to the new versions.

The first major reason to upgrade your Web browser is the fact that newer browsers fix many security problems. Older versions leave your computer open and vulnerable to vicious attacks and viruses. This in itself is a CRUCIAL reason to upgrade.

The second major reason is something called Web Standards. Older versions of browsers did not follow the guidelines set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (w3c). The W3C sets the standards for Web designers and developers to follow when creating Web sites. Since there was no support for certain technologies in older Web browsers (Netscape 4.8 and below, Internet Explorer 4.0 and below) Web sites that follow the Web standards appear broken or look DRASTICALLY different than they would in the newer compliant Web browsers. The new Web browsers are now closer to standards compliance and display Web sites properly across all compliant browsers if the standards are followed by the Web designer/developer.

Unfortunately, it is up to the end user, you, who must upgrade their Web browser. Upgrading to these newer browsers is crucial as it will get you up to the minumum standard needed for a pleasant Web experience. After that, if you wish, you do not need to upgrade for a while.

I invite you to read below and determine which Web browser is best suited for you. And remember, Web browsers are free, well, except one.

AOL users: click here.

Sincerely,

Jared Bronson
webmaster@safariexperts.com

First, How to determine which browser and version you are currently using:

In your browser window, select from the very top-most toolbar HELP and then select ABOUT [NAME OF BROWSER]

Which will be one of the following: Communicator / Internet Explorer / Mozilla / Netscape / Opera / AOL

Once selcted, you will then see the Browser NAME and VERSION number.

Internet Explorer 6.0 (Windows) OR 5 (Macintosh)
Cost: FREE
Windows Download
Macintosh Download

The latest and greatest versions of Internet Explorer. These versions are definitely more secure than older versions and comply with Web Standards set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (w3c). It is HIGHLY recommended that you upgrade your version of Internet Explorer to AT LEAST this version unless you are using Mac OS X. If you are a Mac OS X user it is recommended that you use the new Safari 1.2 browser. Its tight integration with Mac OS X will provide a better experience for you.

Safari 1.2 (Mac OS X)
Cost: FREE
Download

Safari, the Mac OS X default Web browser, offers you a superior Web experience with outstanding performance. Even the most complex of pages load at breakneck speed. In fact, Safari loads pages more quickly than any other Mac Web browser. But that’s not all. Safari uses the advanced interface technologies underlying Mac OS X to offer you an all-new view of the Web, one that’s much easier to use. Any Mac user should switch to this Web Standards compliant browser.

Mozilla 1.6 (Windows/Macintosh/Linux)
Cost: FREE
Download

Mozilla is a open source browser that is designed from the ground up to support open Internet standards across a variety of platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, OS/2, Solaris, and many more. Mozilla provides users with acclaimed browsing convenience along with power features such as pop-up blocking and tabbed browsing. Recommended for users who do not wish to use the Internet Explorer 6.0 (Windows) or Safari 1.2 Browser.

Netscape 7.1 (Windows/Macintosh/Linux)
Cost: FREE
Download

Definitely the best version of the Netscape Browsers. If you plan to continue using the Netscape Browser it is HIGHLY recommeded that you upgrade your browser to AT LEAST this version (Netscape 7.1). However, it is recommended using Internet Explorer 6.0 or Mozilla 1.6 for Windows and Safari 1.2 for Mac OS X.

Opera 7.23 (Windows/Macintosh/Linux)
Cost: $39 U.S.
Download

The only Web browser you have to pay for. You can use a free version that requires banner ads displayed right in the program interface. While Compliant with the Web Standards set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (w3c), we'll leave the decision up to you if you want to either pay for this browser OR if you want to deal with the ads in the free version.

Netscape 1.0 - 4.8 (Windows/Macintosh)
Cost: No Longer available or supported

The older versions of the Netscape browsers are completely non-compliant with web standards set by the World Wide Web Consortium (w3c). Many people are still using these antiquated versions. Not even mentionioning the security vulnerabilities, these versions do not fully support Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) which is now a required portion of the web design/development process. If you are using any of these versions of Netscape you will often find Web sites broken and difficult to use. and IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU UPGRADE to the current version of Netscape (Netscape 7.1). However, it is strongly recommended, that if you choose a non-Internet Explorer browser, you change your browser to Mozilla 1.6 (Windows, Linux Macintosh) or Safari 1.2 (Mac OS X).

AOL USERS ONLY:

AOL 9.0 (Windows/Macintosh)
Cost: Included in your Monthly Access Fee
Download

AOL 9.0 is the latest version of its access software which includes a version of Internet Explorer 6.0. Upgrading your access software will ensure that you have a newer, compliant Web browser installed on your computer.