A browser is like any other program. It is usually best to keep it updated with the latest free patches and updates. Unlike other programs like Microsoft Word or Photoshop, any self respecting browser will never require you to pay to switch to the most recent major version (switching from version 2 to 3 perhaps), or even updates (upgrading from 2.3 to 2.4 for instance) . You can feel free to update all you want without having to shell out money.

Why does my browser need to be updated?

You’re probably pretty busy. You might not have time to keep your software updated. A browser should be no exception, right? The thing is, browsers are not like other programs. They are your portal to the World Wide Web, and most of the rest of the population on the planet. Thus, they potentially also have access to the scum of the world who would love to steal your personal information.

Keeping your browser updated has many benefits including:

1. The newest software is usually the most secure to hacking and other security threats. No software is ever perfect, but keeping your browser updated will help you stay ahead of the bad guys out there.
2. The newest browser software displays web pages the best without errors like things being positioned where they shouldn’t be. Keeping your browser updated makes it easier for us web designers to make websites. For instance, currently around 9% of people use Internet Explorer 6 (which is 2 versions old). This browser doesn’t display web pages correctly, and makes the web design process take longer because of additional troubleshooting we have to do.
3. Newer browsers add features to help save you time and make using your browser easier. And…it’s free!

What about my settings and bookmarks?

Worried about your settings and bookmarks being lost in the update process? No fear. All modern browsers will keep your settings and bookmarks automatically when you update. Some will even let you import bookmarks from other browsers you have on your computer during the installation process. Just pay attention to the windows that come up when you are updating.

It might not be your fault!

If you’re working at a company or organization that doesn’t have the money to have someone update their computers, or has to use older browsers for some reason, you may not be able to keep your computer there updated. In that case, I urge you to keep your own personal computer updated.

Well, how do I keep updated?

• Not sure which browser you are using or where to go to update it? A simple way to find out is to visit our business home page. When you get there, if you are using an old browser, a box will display telling you what browser you use and how to update it. Or, you can do one of the things listed below:
• If you are using Firefox (our favorite browser), it should inform you any time updates are available. If not, you can download the most recent version.
• Download the newest version of Internet Explorer.
• Download the newest version of Chrome.
• Download the newest version of Safari.

Things change. Don’t be afraid of letting your website evolve and grow better with time. Often, once a website is completed, it’s left alone for years. This might be because it was such a hassle getting it finished in the first place, or maybe no one can find the password and the last web guy seems to have disappeared, or it might be just that you don’t see anything wrong with it. However, you should periodically reassess your website in terms of whether or not it’s doing anything for you. What do you and your business need from your website?

A difficult hurdle for many is that if you’re a business, then your website’s content isn’t for you. It’s an all too common mistake that the CEO of the company requires the site design and content to be “just so” because that’s what they like. With no thought given to the people you’re trying to reach with the website, this is a recipe for mediocrity and lack of ROI. As tough as it sounds, the typical website visitor doesn’t care about YOU, they want to know what you can do for THEM. The websites that focus on that, will always be more successful.

I found a great commentary that goes into this in some depth, focusing on real estate websites. (I think it applies to most other types of businesses as well.) It’s Rethinking Your Outdated Website, by Vinny LaBarbera on his Real Estate Marketing Blog.

When thinking about redoing your website (or building it in the first place for that matter) it’s good to get feedback from other people. But if you do this, make sure to get a wide sampling from different types of people. Those closest to you will tend to answer questions like “what do you think of my website” in the same way that husbands answer their wives when asked “does this dress make me look fat?” Your best feedback will come from a total stranger.