Updating your Windows operating system and/or Internet Explorer

Disclaimer: Installing any program, plug-in, or update on any computer always carries the risk of creating an unexpected problem. Though upgrades and updates are recommended for all computer users, successful installation cannot be guaranteed. It is entirely your responsibility and liability if you chose to install programs and/or updates suggested during this course. This course can be completed successfully without any program or update installations. 

Updating your Browser

     Let's now see if your current browser is up-to-date. If it is not, your are encouraged to voluntarily update it and will be shown how. If you chose not to update, understand you may not see everything on every Web page, but you will still be able to successfully complete the class.

     How to check your existing version:

     In Windows Internet Explorer, Windows Netscape, and Macintosh Netscape: use the top right menu option -- Help >About Internet Explorer (or >About Netscape) to get the version number.

     In Macintosh Internet Explorer use the top left menu option Explorer >About Internet Explorer to get the version number.

     Once you have your browser's version number, you need to match it against the latest version available.

How to check for the latest updates and install them:

     Windows Internet Explorer users select from the top menu Tools >Windows Update... Microsoft will do the rest. It will determine what updates your specific computer needs and list them. Note that Microsoft will not only update your browser, but your Windows operating system as well. Select what you want to install and Microsoft will download your selections and install them automatically. If you don't know what to update, it's suggested you get all "Critical Security Updates" and the latest Browser, Media Player, and Active X patches. Note that the next time you visit the update site, only uninstalled updates appear. Microsoft keeps track of what is and is not installed for you.

    Netscape and Opera users (Macintosh and PC) can go to www.download.com and search for the latest version. Download it and install it. You can also visit the home sites, www.netscape.com and www.opera.com.  Macintosh users can stay up to date at www.versiontracker.com.

     Macintosh users should at least be using OS 9. Know that OS X is vastly superior and free to teachers through the Apple Web site (for a limited time). You should consider upgrading your operating system. Mac OS X also notifies you of pending updates each time you turn on your Macintosh.

At the start of 2003, these were the latest browser versions:

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