Web browsers are rarely thought about except for when they stop working.  At that scary moment, you realize just how vital they are to everything you do.  Thinking about updating your browsers and subsequently your operating systems, isn't at the forefront of your mind.  However, as every single piece of our lives moves online, web browsers become more and more important.  Here are three reasons why you should take care of your browsers so they take care of you.

Why You Need to Update Your Browsers

1. Website Compatibility 

Just like software, new website technologies are often only supported by newer browsers. As businesses update their websites utilizing these new web technologies, older browsers will not function properly and may not be able to display parts of the website. For example, Gmail, YouTube, and Facebook have stopped supporting older versions of browsers. Therefore, if you aren't running the latest version of your web browser, you're probably missing out on some of the latest features. 

2. Security

A compromised web browser could make your personal information public.  Personal information like emails, banking details, etc. can be stolen due to a web browser that is out of date and contains security vulnerabilities. Hackers are producing viruses a lightning speed so keeping your browser up to date limits your risk of attack. 

Vulnerable browsers may also facilitate the download of spyware that can capture passwords, permit the download of key logging software, which could record and transmit any data that you type, or even turn your computer into a "bot" used to participate in "denial of service" attacks against other websites.  Therefore it is important to not let your browser be the weak link in your efforts to secure your computer.

3. Browsing Experience

Newer browser versions are equipped with the resources that help improve the look and functionality of the website you’re visiting. Older browser versions do not perform these tasks with the same speed as newer browsers. This makes your experience on the web slower, and can sometimes cause your browser to crash.  

How to Update your Browsers

Working at a software company we have browser wars as often as we drink coffee (go team Google Chrome!) , but most people barely notice the icon that they click on to access the internet. It's just one click in the millions of clicks they make throughout their day. To find out what browser you are currently using simply go to https://www.whatismybrowser.com/. 

According to the U.S. Government Digital Analytics Program, here is a recent breakdown of browser usage:

Source: U.S. Government Digital Analytics Program

Most browsers have automatic updates that you can turn on, however, not all browsers do and not all browsers update in a timely manner.  Therefore, it is important to know how to update your browser when needed.  Please click on your browser preference below for update instructions. 

 Google Chrome

Safari

Mozilla Firefox

Microsoft Edge

Internet Explorer

Safari Browser and macOS work Together

It is also important to keep in mind that the Mac Operating System and Safari web browser work hand-in-hand. In other words, only certain Safari browser versions work with certain Mac Operating Systems. So if you are a Mac user, not only will you need to keep your browser up to date, but you will need to also make sure that you are keeping your Operating System up to date as well.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS 

From increased functionality to decreased security flaws, it is imperative to keep your browsers and operating systems up to date.  We keep an updated list of browsers that are compatible with Design Manager Cloud in our help center so you always know whether your browser version is supported.