Explorer 8

[rsvp]

I have been getting a pop up asking me to update to Ex8 - now do I need this and is it an update or do I have to pay? Have read a bit about it and can't see it is going to 'enhance my surfing experience' -have also read that others have had problems with their computers after getting EX8 - I'd really be grateful if any answers were phrased as if I had the brain capacity of a tomato - thank you

[AlBags]

Yes .. you should update to IE8 and check/apply any other service packs/security updates on top.

MANY others have problems with the recently introduced IE9 .. not 8.

Make sure you have SP2 if using XP (I presume you are)
SP2 here .. Read first ..

http://www.softwarepa...dows/patch-notes.html
http://www.softwarepa...inxpsp2-security.html

IE8 latest version here ..
http://www.softwarepa...ecurity-download.html

These downloads link from Microsoft server.

[Buenchico]

A pedantic point:
'Explorer' is the program which helps you navigate around your PC (e.g. by opening folders and moving files between them). You seem to be referring to 'Internet Explorer', which is a web browser.

The vast majority of web site will open perfectly well in any version of Internet Explorer (well, from IE 6 onwards, anyway). If you don't want to upgrade, there's no real reason to do so. IE8 is theoretically more secure than earlier versions of Internet Explorer but the threat levels probably aren't really that different anyway.

Most of the 'regulars', here in AB's Technology section, don't use Internet Explorer at all. The world's most popular browser (where 'popular' is defined by choice, rather than by lethargy) is Firefox:
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
That's what most people around here (including me) use but Chrome, which is the second most popular browser worldwide, also (deservedly) has many fans.

Forget Internet Explorer and switch to Firefox (or Chrome) today. You won't regret it!

Chris

[rsvp]

thank you both for the reply - will read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the content when 'miracle babies' on tv has finished! xxx

[rsvp]

okay - albags - your answer is very clear - however,not too sure what SP2 means but will read your links carefully later - trouble is, not sure if I'll understand it.
Buenchicho - if I use Firefox as my browser, do I have to uninstall IE - if so,does it affect any security I may already have (AVG and Malware) and will it upset any internal thingies I may have on my computer -
Honestly - I'm totally thick.

[Buenchico]

SP2 means 'Service Pack 2'.

You can have as many browsers as you like on your computer. You don't need to uninstall one to install a different one. (My computer has Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome on it, with SeaMonkey Portable available to me on a memory stick). You can even have lots of different browsers open at the same time, if you so choose.

If you install Firefox you'll be asked, during the installation process, if you want to import your Internet Explorer 'favorites' (horrid American spelling!). If you do so (as most people would) they'll become available to you as pre-installed 'bookmarks' within Firefox.

Firefox has loads of 'add-ons' available. The most popular ones, with AB users, include the British English dictionary (so that all of your posts on site like this one will be automatically spell-checked) and Adblock Plus (which gets rid of the ads on site like this one, so that the site load much quicker).

Chris

[rsvp]

Buenchico - all I use my computer for is to skype - do a bit of research - email and do the AB and FB thingie - will firefox help me?

[rsvp]

buenchico - have been having a quick look on comparison sites and google chrome comes out quite well for what I do - skype, bit of research, email and ab/fb -I already have this so what about sticking with that? (am happy to change if necessary btw) and how to I get rid of the irritating pop up?

[AlBags]

I use Firefox .. for several years now. You will find it better and more reliable for sure. Also it is easily kept simple .. or can have extras installed which do or help with certain things. My elderly father (over 75!) prefers it.

However, updating to IE8 does not just update the browser itself, it updates other important system files, which is a good thing.
So .. see if Service Pack 2 (for XP, if that's what you use) is installed. To check, R Click on My Computer/Properties and look at the panel beneath System. It will tell you the SP version installed.

Then, when it's sorted, use it or change to Firefox. Firefox is like adding another program .. IE stays the way it is. There are just a couple of easy settings to tell Windows to use Firefox, that's all. Al.

[rsvp]

albag - I really appreciate the clear instructions - have just booked an international flight on line which is a huge, huge thingie for me so will sit down and really check out your and buenchico's advice tomorrow. It's funny how very au fait most people are with computers - I'm just can't grasp the concept - thank you so much.

[AlBags]

No probs : )

[rsvp]

x Albags