It's Time to Change Your Browser - Say Bye to Internet Explorer

In the early days of the internet there was Netscape Navigator. It really was the only decent web browser back then. In fact anyone who knew anything about computers would laugh at the very thought of using Microsoft Internet Explorer. Those days are back.

A browser is a computer application/program that you use to browse the internet (hence the name). When Windows 95 took the world by storm, Internet Explorer (also fondly know is "the blue E") came along for the ride and became the worlds most popular browser. The reason it was so widely adopted was because it was included with Windows. It was already there when you turned on your computer, so there was no need to download another browser. But, just because it was (and in most cases still is) the most popular browser, doesn't mean its the only one OR the best one.

The "blue E" isn't the only way to get to the internet and you should have at least two different browsers on your computer. Here are a few reasons why you should install Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome on your computer and only use "the blue E" when you absolutely have to:

‍1. Security

‍Nobody's perfect. Applications are made by humans and humans make mistakes. However, Microsoft Internet Explorer always seems to have more "mistakes" than any of the other browsers. These "mistakes" often present themselves as security vulnerabilities that may give you greater exposure to online web-based attacks.  Don't get me wrong, other browsers have security vulnerabilities as well, Internet Explorer just seems to have more.

‍2. Compatibility

‍The truth is that despite what the ads say the web actually works better on other browsers such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. There are many websites that simply do not work properly when viewed in Internet Explorer, but work perfectly when viewed in other browsers.

‍3. Features

‍Browsers like Google Chrome support features that allow you to have your browsing history, bookmarks, and tabs synced with all of the computers (and devices) you use, so that you easily pick up your browsing wherever you left off. Firefox was the first browser to support "Add-Ons" which are small programs that can add custom features to your browser. The point is that if you try a different browser chances are you'll find something new that you like.

Most people have already started using browsers other than Internet Explorer, and to those people I say, "Good for you!" But to everyone else, "It's time to change your browser." Call us if you need help implementing a change to a new browser at your company. Our Miami IT support professionals can advise you on how best to use your selected browser.