The Surf May Look A Bit Different

A new set of web browser updates from Firefox and Microsoft could bring an unwelcome perspective.

October 26, 2006
Found in: Articles : News :

Summary:

Updates are coming for two of the top three web browsers in October, the software used to surf the Internet and view web sites, which may affect how web sites look for millions of Internet users. Enthusiast offers a free assessment to make sure your web site is in working order for your potential customers.

Surfing Defined

I attempted to surf with an old friend a while back. It was the first and only time since then that I have attempted to navigate a nine foot plank above a haunting deep. Pacific Beach in San Diego was beautiful and I was glad to have the opportunity to sit and stare at the horizon where many throughout history thought the edge of the Earth was found. I did manage to stand up, if you could call my split second rise above the board prior to my harsh decent "standing". My sinuses and other surfers are certainly glad I spend most of my time "surfing" the Internet rather than the ocean.

As you read this, you are part of the revolution of users who now view web sites the most relevant source on a variety of topics. Our use of the Internet in general and reading information on a web site in particular is made possible by a specific software program called a web browser. Every computer sold today comes preinstalled with some flavor of a web browser in order to enable viewing of web sites on the Internet.

Updates Are Coming

You may remember that a company called Netscape made significant progress on this web browser idea in the early 1990s and soon Microsoft followed suit with Internet Explorer. Apple computers used one of these web browsers until releasing their own called Safari in 2003 which is now the version preinstalled with new Apple computers. These names might not be familiar but these programs are used as commonly as a telephone and word processor today. Given our dependence on these software tools for everything from making DMV appointments, booking vacation travel, and selling antiques on eBay, any changes to these applications could have sweeping consequences for computer users like you and me.

There are more web browsers than are listed here such as Konqueror and Opera, but most of the others are a remake of one of the top three listed above. Each of the big three browsers, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari have their own development and update schedule. It just so happens that both Internet Explorer and Firefox are slated for a major update in October. This will be the first non-security related update for Internet Explorer in over five years and the second major milestone for Firefox in about a year. We all have a different attitude toward change so it would helpful to know how these updates will affect our daily surf and when to expect the change.

Web Sites Out Of Sync

Depending on your computer preferences, these updates will either be installed automatically when the companies deem appropriate or during your next IT related update. You may find the surf looks a bit different one day and we want you to be informed that the Internet isn't broken, it may be the web site you are viewing isn't compatible with the updated web browser you are now using - in fact, it might be yours. With millions of web browsers set to be updated over the next few months, it is imperitive that they be tested and compatible in order to remain relevant and usable to potential customers.

At Enthusiast, we know technology is a pain for many people and have tried to minimize the impact of changes like this with services like this article, Browser Insurance℠, Quality Assurance Testing, and Enthusiastic Support℠. If you think your web site may not be ready for the new web browser versions, contact us for a free assessment.

The updates are immenent and many users will not know why your site may look different than intended. Please let us prepare a free assessment of your web site so you can make an informed decision. You may fill out our contact form or call 866-396-GOAL to get started.

More info:

Internet Explorer
Firefox