Are you still using Internet Explorer 6?
Some statistics from a fairly reliable source suggest that as many as 17.16% of internet users were still using Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) in May 2010. IE6 was released back in 2001, when the web had a totally different landscape. IE6 has had its day and it is time to move on… now.
What are the options?
There are lots of different web browsers available, so you don’t have to use Internet Explorer at all. The most popular ‘alternative’ browsers are:
All of the above are very good browsers and each has its own particular strengths. It comes down to personal preference in the end.
Of course you could stick with Internet Explorer but upgrade to the current version, which at the time of writing is Internet Explorer 8. If you’re using Windows XP you’ll need to ensure you have Service Pack 2 or later installed. If not, you can download it through Windows Update. If you’re using a version of Windows earlier than XP you won’t be able to install Internet Explorer 8 (or 7) because it isn’t supported. At the time of writing the current version of Mozilla Firefox is 3.6, this supports all versions of Windows as far back as Windows 2000.
If you’re using a version of Windows older than 2000 then it really is time to consider buying a better computer. If you’re strapped for cash, have a look for a second hand one on eBay. You should be able to pick up a refurbished box with Windows XP installed for under £100. Or you could run a quick Google search for Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.20 which is the final version that supports Windows NT 4, Windows 98 and Windows ME.
But please, please, please… stop using IE6 because I’m so tired of writing CSS hacks so that you can view the websites that I create.