Why?

1. Security

   With the many new security threats that are found each day, making sure you have the latest internet browser is an absolute necessity to keeping your computer and your information safe. An up-to-date browser is the first step to safely enjoying the many advantages of the Internet.

2. Consistency

   Using a modern browser allows you to enjoy the same site layout that everyone else sees. Older browsers such as Internet Explorer Version 6, are rarely supported by modern website developers due to the high cost of developing work arounds for multiple old browsers, resulting in websites with reduced features, and 'broken' layouts when viewed in those browsers.

3. Speed

   While the speed of your internet connection is the primary factor in how fast your computer can download a webpage for your viewing, your browser can play a significant role in how fast those webpages are rendered after they are downloaded. Additionally, many modern browsers tend to take less computer resources to run, resulting in an overall faster experience.

4. Features

   As new browsers are released, many new features become possible, such as faster websites, faster video, more visually compelling designs, etc. However, until the vast majority of browsers are updated, developers are unable to efficiently implement these new technologies for anyone.

Upgrading

Isn't it difficult, and time consuming?

Upgrading is extremely easy. Simply dowload the latest release from one of the following links. Run the downloaded program to install the browser.
Download latest Firefox
Download latest Opera.
Download latest Safari
Download latest Internet Explorer.

Will I lose my bookmarks, and settings?

No. Upgrading your browser keeps all of your bookmarks, and settings intact. Often, when switching to a completely different browser, the installation program will even give you the option of copying your bookmarks and settings to the new browser.

I don't want to have to learn a new program.

All browsers are extremely simple and very similar. Most people, with or without alot of computer experience, don't have any problems switching to a new browser. You do not need to know every feature built into it, in order to begin using a new browser

Choosing the best browser

Many different, excellent, browsers exist. The primary options that exist are: Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and Opera. We'll look at each of these and discuss the advantages of each. These are listed in order of recommendation

Firefox

Firefox is widely regarded by web developers, and computer "power users" to be one of the most user friendly, and flexible browsers available today. You can enjoy simply browsing the web, or take advantage of the hundreds of plugins available to enhance your overall experience, and extend your favorite sites.
Download latest Firefox

Opera

Opera is a small, fast, browser which was originally built for Linux operating systems. It, like Safari, is now available on Windows. Opera can also be extended with plugins, and features a built in email program, as well as a rss reader.
Download latest Opera.

Safari

Safari is an excellent browser which was originally built for Apple's Mac operating system. It is now available for Windows, and is often installed when ITunes is installed.
Download latest Safari

Internet Explorer

The latest version of Internet Explorer is light years ahead of the version which comes installed by default on Windows XP. Thanks to being installed by default on Windows, Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser available. Unfortunately it does not support all of the standards that developers enjoy on every other browser on this list. Essentially, Microsoft doesn't bother supporting these standards, because they know that they will have the majority of users, providing that no one realizes that other, better, options are available.
Download latest Internet Explorer.