Browsers determine how we see the web

By John Borlik Jr./Senior Developer
With things in the information technology field changing so rapidly, some computer users wonder why -- and even IF -- they should have the most current browser versions.

The answer, quite simply, is YES, YES, YES!

Browsers determine how you see the Internet. Browsers (and their bundled "plug-ins") determine what kind of multimedia experience you will have. Browsers determine whether or not you're experiencing the web with the latest technology or with something that came out at the same time as the 486 SX25 processor.

Computer buff or not, most of us know that it doesn't take long to lag behind the fast pace of technology development.

A good analogy would be to consider web browsers as our eyeglasses to the Internet. For those of us who wear glasses, it is only obvious that we spend a lot of time and money ensuring that we have the most up-to-date prescription so our site remains clear and unimpaired. To do anything less could blur our vision of the world around us.

The same holds true of web browsers.

Like bumbling through the world with blurred vision, outdated web browsers could leave a web surfer bumbling around the Internet unable to see and experience what is around him or her.

What will you be missing?

You may say to yourself, "So what. Big Deal. I use the Internet for content -- I'm not that interested in all the bells and whistles. My Netscape Navigator 1.1 is just fine for me." People with this point of view still don't get it.

Having the latest technology to view web pages isn't necessarily to be able to see all the "bells and whistles" of the latest and greatest audio/video or animation technology. More and more, the latest technology drives what CONTENT a user can view while surfing the Internet. Webmonkey, a web developer's resource, spells out exactly what technology different browser versions understand and don't understand.

The "Bells and Whistles"

Web content as simple as frames, javascript, and Dynamic HTML all could be lost when using old browser versions. But let's not completely discount the "bells and whistles."

The Internet has come a long way since it's beginnings when it was used to pass simple character data amongst scientists. Now, equipped with the latest browsers and the plug-ins that accompany them, users can experience audio, video and sophisticated animations specifically designed for the web -- all of which make an Internet experience one that's quite unique.

Plug-ins are mini-programs that allow a user to see a specific file. Most of us are familiar with the Adobe plug-in which allows us to view PDF files. Other common plug-ins include Flash Player, Windows Media Player, RealPlayer and Quicktime.

Determining browser version

To find out what browser version you're using, open the Help menu at the top of your browser screen and chose "About" at the bottom of the list. For information about what plug-ins your computer is running, chose the About Plug-ins option.