With technology changing at a breakneck pace, it is more important than ever to keep your browser updated with the latest version. The real estate and rental industries are moving to more powerful websites, applications (apps), and web-based software that requires your browser to keep pace with the capabilities.
The browser that you use is the backbone of how you access the internet. As more websites appear, and client based applications move to web-based applications, the browser that you use drastically affects the performance and functionality of these websites and applications. Running on an old, out-dated browser that does not offer security creates new information risks, and also may affect the performance of the site that you are using.
Many are not aware, but most issues that you experience while using many websites, such as buttons not working, colors being distorted, or pages that have information jumbled, are usually the cause of the website not being compatible with the browser.
Most web developers develop websites that are compatible with most or all browsers, but the issue comes when the designers design for the latest version of your browser. If you are working on an older version, the website may not work or may have issues.
You do not have to use the browser that comes with your computer.
Many times the browser that comes on a new computer is very good, but you should know that there are many browsers available. Each one has different options and features that may be more suited to you. Some are designed to save you the most time, while others have more features to make your life easier. You may want to download a few browsers and test for yourself as browsers all have different speeds and functionality.
Don’t use a browser just because your friend does!
Browsers change fast to address issues on an ever changing internet. Test out multiple browsers, find the one that suits you and your internet needs, and make sure you have the most up to date version. Taking the time to research browsers will save you time in your day to day activities! Here are the latest browser statistics from W3Schools.com. Notice the frequency of change for the usage of specific browsers. Mozilla and Chrome are rapidly taking market share away from Internet Explorer. We recommend either Mozilla or Chrome.
http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp
Advantages to a new and updated browser:
- Security. Most internet users take security for granted. In many cases, browsers offer so many releases in order to keep up with the numerous security threats on the internet. Having an outdated browser opens your computer to these threats.
- Functionality. The internet is growing fast with new features and many of them are not supported or displayed on old browsers.
- Better user experience. Many new websites are using new technology that is not supported by older browsers versions. Pictures or images may not load, or the website may not function at all.
- New feature requests. All of us want more functionality. Things to work faster, safer, and ultimately save us time. Many of these requests are limited to our browsers technology.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you or have you ever used a website for any form of advertising?
- Do you or have you ever used an online property management software?
- Have you ever contacted a client or tenant through a website?
- Have you ever visited a website in the rental or real estate industry?
- Have you ever read this blog?
If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, then it is important to update your browser today. You could be missing out on many features, speed, and functionality.
Recommended Browsers:
As this technology continues to grow, we must be mindful of the tools we are using to view and use these new technologies, which is why it is important to maintain the newest version of your browser or try out new ones. Browsers are free to use and easy to try, so go ahead, try a few. Here is a list of browsers that are recommended:
Mozilla Firefox http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/firefox.html?from=getfirefox
Google Chrome http://www.google.com/chrome/
Apple’s Safari http://www.apple.com/safari/
Opera http://www.opera.com/
Also, make sure that if your computer came with a version of Internet Explorer, that you are updated to the latest version which can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx. We recommend turning on automatic updates for any browser.
Please Note: The information above is only our opinion on browsers. Appropriate research should be done before using any browser. We are not affiliated with any internet browser.
