Oct 26
As a web developer, I get frustrated with Internet Explorer – every version has different bugs that affect the way the brower renders a website. It is something that the average person doesn’t think about because we try to make sure that websites look the same on all browsers.
It is made all the more frustrating because people don’t upgrade their browsers when new versions come out. I still get hits to various websites from people using Internet Explorer 5!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that people upgrade just to make my life easier. There is a far more sinister reason to ensure you keep your browser – whichever browser it is – up to date.
I am aiming this at Microsft’s Internet Explorer because of the many security issues they regularly have, but it applies to all browsers.
Software development is not all about adding fancy new features, it is also about identifying existing problems. Companies do not offer unlimited support on outdated products as they want to concetrate on improving the most recent browser.
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 5 was the first browser I every used back in 1999. Support continued for this version up until 2004 when Microsoft switched all support over to it’s newest browser, Internet Explorer 6. So, there are still people using a browser that has not had any security updated since 2004 – and they could be doing their internet banking online whilst giving away all of their details.
This is an extreme example, but general internet users are unaware of the security implications of not using the most up to date version of a browser, and are not aware that if they are using an old browser version, it may no longer be supported by the manufacturer and so could be at risk while surfing the internet.
The easiest way to make sure you are doing your utmost to stay secure online is make sure that you are using the most up to date version of your browser of choice.