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5 Leading Internet Browsers and Their Important Features - A Comprehensive Comparison

The first thing we do, when a need for information arises, is open an internet browser and start searching. There are several browsers having their own distinctive features but here we will discuss about those browsers that have established a large user base and are constantly on a move to enable a smooth web experience with insight into their major performance parameters.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox has emerged as a popular internet browser for it allows a fast and reliable browsing to users. It comes with various noticeable features and add-ons to facilitate the users' experience with the internet. Its latest version is Firefox 3.6.

Ease in Usage: Ability to open various sites simultaneously (Tabbed Browsing), one click bookmarking, spell check, Restore Sessions, Smooth Scrolling, Password Manager are some of the many features that make it highly easy to use.
Security: In terms of providing Security, Firefox scores the highest in comparison to other browsers. It is Anti Malware, Anti Phishing browser that allows Private Browsing which helps in protection of personal information. One can also customize security settings with regard to passwords,add-ons, etc.
Speed: Firefox enables a fast browsing experience and with its latest version, the speed is definitely going to increase.
Supported Configurations: Firefox is available for Windows (Vista and XP), Mac OS X and Linux.

Why Firefox? The wide range of extensions that Firefox offers attracts people to use it as their browser to have an excellent experience over the web.

Google Chrome

Though new in the field, but Google Chrome has pulled off really well not because it comes from Google but due to the simplicity in its usage and interesting features it presents to the users. Also Chrome is fast and secure to use.

Ease in Usage: Chrome is specifically designed to allow ease of use. It has much enhanced Tab features which take Tabbed Browsing to a higher level and make it organized and convenient to use. It also provides the necessary tools while keeping the interface uncomplicated.
Security: Chrome ensures a high level of security to its users and sends warning signals to indicate the presence of a suspected website. It assures to protect from malware, phishing schemes, viruses, etc. It makes use Sandboxing technology allowing every tab to run independently. This helps, in case a tab develops some problem, it will not affect the functioning of other tabs. Speed: Chrome is much fast to load and enables a speedy experience. Supported Configurations: Chrome is compatible with Windows Vista & XP and Mac.

Why Google Chrome? Mainly for its simplicity and high speed, Chrome appears the right choice.

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer, ever since it was introduced has enjoyed massive popularity and has kept itself updated with launch of new versions. It is still the widely used Browser but competition in the market has led to a decrease in its market share. However its rapport is strong with people still using IE 6 though IE 7 & 8 have long made their entries. Though Microsoft has come up with the latest IE 9 Beta which boasts of support for CSS 3 selectors and improved performance of JavaScript but here we are going to discuss IE 8 as it currently has maximum share.

Ease in Usage: Internet Explorer 8 allows a much better tab experience and facilitates those who open several tabs simultaneously. It is quite easy to use as one can find all the required tools without much effort.
Security: IE 8 comes loaded with useful Security features such as InPrivate Browsing and SmartScreen Filter. While the former helps prevent disclosure of personal browsing sessions, that is, it doesn't save the history if the mode is activated, the latter offers protection against phishing and malware.
Speed: In comparison to its earlier versions, IE 8 takes less time to load web pages and therefore allows faster experience. Supported Configurations: Windows Vista, XP and 7.

Why Internet Explorer? Security features of IE 8 make it favorable.

Opera

Opera is a function rich web browser and an internet suite that comes with useful in-built tools, however still it occupies a small market share. Its latest version is Opera 11.

Ease in Usage: It is quite easy to use Opera with its extensive Tab functions and ability to customize as per the needs of the users. It offers several features to make searching a friendly experience.
Security: Like Firefox and Internet Explorer, Opera allows Private Browsing and thus helps in securing personal information. It also offers protection against malware, phishing, viruses and pop-ups.
Speed: Opera is fast speed browser but it poses compatibility issues with some websites.
Supported Configurations: Is compatible with Windows (XP and Vista), Linux and Mac OS X.

Why Opera? The high degree of customization that Opera offers makes it appealing as a web browser.

Safari

Safari is a product of Apple that gained instant recognition especially among the Mac users and contains all the necessary features offered by other browsers in addition to some new ones.

Ease in Usage: For Mac users, Safari offers excellent experience. It may take some time to get used to it for non Mac users but overall it is easy to use Safari as a browser. Security: Safari allows Private Browsing, protects against malware, viruses, phishing and also offers Parental Controls.
Speed: Safari is a fast browser which loads pages faster.
Supported Configurations: Windows and Mac.

Why Safari? Safari is best for Mac users.

Having seen the usefulness of various Browsers it is time to check their popularity in terms of usage by the users. You can refer the following link: rel=nofollow [http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp]www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp.

This was our effort to make you familiar with the major internet browsers, out of which you can select the one of your choice as per your requirements related to use of Internet.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Leading-Internet-Browsers-and-Their-Important-Fea...] 5 Leading Internet Browsers and Their Important Features - A Comprehensive Comparison

What Is an SSL Certificate?

SSL is an open protocol, so it can be used by any manufacturer of Internet applications, one of the great advantages that can be used with any Internet services (WWW, FTP, news, mail), but more often it is used for traffic through the WWW. The protocol is based on the use of an encryption system that uses mathematical algorithms and a key only known by the user and the server. These keys allow the encryption of data for anyone who did not have to read its contents.
This means that any information sent from a secure server using a browser with SSL technology, travel over the Internet safe from prying eyes.
To use the SSL protocol requires that the web server that supports SSL is in possession of relevant security digital certificate (is issued by a duly authorized independent agency, such as Verisign or Thawte), and by the user, it is necessary have a WWW browser that supports SSL (Netscape and Internet Explorer both support it).
SSL security system is based on the algorithm (public key / private key) for RSA, which uses a security key 40 or 128 bits long. This means that to break this key and access the information it protects, it would be necessary to use a personal computer for all years. The increase in computing power of personal computers gradually reduces the time needed to break the encryption keys, which is saved with the increase in the number of bits used.
When connected to a secure server ("https://www."), browsers warn of this fact by a yellow padlock in the bottom and it can verify the information contained in the digital certificate as a server that enables insurance. SSL can collect data such as credit card information, etc. in a safe environment because the information sent through a secure form is transmitted to the server in encrypted form.
So if you would like to know how SSL sites work, I greatly suggest rel=nofollow http://www.rapidsslonline.com to go through.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-an-SSL-Certificate?&id=5262061] What Is an SSL Certificate?

The Epic Battle Between Mozilla and Firefox

For the first time in the history of Microsoft, Mozilla Firefox has beaten the score of usage of the Internet browser. In the last month, according to the ratio, market share of Mozilla was 38.1% and Internet Explorer's was 37.5%. This is really breaking news as Microsoft, for the very first time, was left behind as its competitor went high.

Microsoft being one of the oldest organizations with integrated Internet browser, till now, had the image of masters or leaders. But now it seems that Microsoft has tough competition with Firefox. This ratio, however, is only in Europe whereas in North America Microsoft still has the market share of 48.9% as compared to Mozilla Firefox who has 26.7% of the ratio.

With this kind of ratio especially in Europe Microsoft is really having a hard time. Suggestions to Microsoft as far as Internet Explorer is concerned are that it should increase and include some new features to its browser which are competitive to Mozilla Firefox, such as add-ons for web hosting gurus and developers.. Mozilla Firefox has many special features like "Display Passwords ", "Delete Individual Cookies", etc. This helps the user of Mozilla Firefox to work with this browser more conveniently and efficiently. The other problem Microsoft Internet Explorer has is that it crashes frequently. Mozilla Firefox, on the other hand, has comparatively lesser crash ratio.

However, Microsoft Internet Explorer is integrated and is shipped along with the operating system therefore users need not to take the pain of downloading and installing third-party application. This is the point which makes Microsoft Internet Explorer preferred by many users. On the other hand Mozilla Firefox is a freeware but still it needs to be downloaded and installed on the operating system before using, for which Mozilla have their very own website and have recently acquired a new domain for add-ons from the rel=nofollow [http://www.one.com/en/web-hosting/cheap-web-hosting]cheap web hosting companies. Also, there are plenty of plug-ins which are required to run many applications while using Mozilla Firefox whereas in Microsoft Internet Explorer most of the things are integrated and which are not integrated are automatically downloaded and installed by the Internet Explorer making the entire process completely transparent to the user.

I'm 19 and from Devon, England. I like computers, surfing, music, and television though I'm not quite sure what to do with my life. I finished college last year, read every day and spend too much time on the internet. I usually write reviews and think-pieces about IT, [http://www.one.com/en/]web hosting, tech, gadgets Google and whatever else strikes my fancy.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Epic-Battle-Between-Mozilla-and-Firefox&id=5753688] The Epic Battle Between Mozilla and Firefox

HTML 5, CSS3 and Cross Browser Support

It is about time we blogged some more, it is true about getting so busy with work we forget about spreading knowledge and keeping those interested in what we do informed, we shall try to do better in 2011!!

Well I am going to write about some web development that will eventually help us designers in easier styling and basic animation using CSS. There have been many articles written about whether flash in websites will die a death and CSS will take over. It amazes us that this conversation is even raging considering CSS3 is not supported in many browsers, and IE the most used browser still (change if it you have it please!!) does not support CSS, the IE 9 new browser is better - but still building websites that are not supported with IE is dangerous to say the least.

Also flash animation provides a much better stable platform for brand animation in details CSS will never achieve, certainly not in the next 5 years. Being honest Apple should "get a grip" and support flash so certain bias developers who are "in bed" with apple stop condemning flash. Indeed android and windows based mobile technologies are supporting flash, so apple should stop there ring fencing it is a real bore.

We have to point out that we moved away from developing full flash websites several years ago as they are too bandwidth dependant, not great for SEO and generally were too interactive meaning the message of our client could be easily missed. We do however like some professional flash animation for top banners or areas where images are dominant as it really enhances a website done well.
Back to the subject!!

HTML 5 is supported in the new IE9 explorer and most other major browsers however there is still differing support for various elements of HTML5 which web developers need to understand so they do not leave web surfers or clients customers with a mess of a website.

My View of IE - Internet Explorer:

Those of us web developing for clients who's target audience use mainly IE as their browser find the whole process annoying and frustrating. There will be a few posts about IE explorer and why people should dump it as a browser, but we are looking forward to IE 9 which is supposed to be more compliant and able to utilise CSS etc better than ever before. Those along with a much faster browser in terms of flash and frames per second - so we shall certainly test drive IE 9 and provide a detailed report probably by Prash our technology blogger!!

Microsoft and Apple are certainly dominate Companies that influence the internet, how it is accessed and used as they both provide the platforms most people use, this gives them both an advantage when it comes to which browser people use. Many people with a lower degree of knowledge of such things accept what they are given with their new PC or Mac. This gives both Microsoft who like there own direction of browsing and Apple who want everything their own way to make life difficult. I for one don't like either Company, although when it comes to browsers Microsoft are the worse and no one should use it. Apple is a Company you either love or hate, my opinion is the latter:)

CSS3 is flash Dead?

There is a buzz right now that CSS3 will allow animation of sorts and will compete against flash (oh I can hear the Apple execs rubbing their designer gloves) to the point that some think flash days are numbered. However the fact is many browsers still do not support CSS3 certainly not those versions that need updating to which there are many! Also CSS3 will provide limited animation which will be great for certain applications (possibly) but could not replace flash animation and what is achieved by those with experience, such as the flash animation professionals out there.

I do agree that pure flash websites days are numbered (if not gone - hopefully) with many of us web developers moving away from that type of website. Using flash animation in place of images to enhance a website will provide a positive enhancement, in our view, but full flash websites are resource intensive, more complicated to use and just not necessary.

So our view is that CSS3 will never replace what flash can do, Adobe can rest easy and Apple should support flash:)

Well that's about it I hope this article has provided some useful info

Author Adam Stacey
Webmaster, AS Design [http://www.gloswebsitedesign.co.uk]Gloucester & Cheltenham web design

Original article source and copyright [http://gloswebsitedesign.co.uk/wp/2010/11/html-5-css3-cross-browser-support/]AS Design Blog Article source

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?HTML-5,-CSS3-and-Cross-Browser-Support&id=5737677] HTML 5, CSS3 and Cross Browser Support

How to Access Gmail Without Internet

Recently, Google has introduced an exciting feature for Gmail service, which enables the Gmail users the great flexibility to access their Gmail account without Internet. Google Gears allows us to use Gmail without using internet, but enabling the powerful web apps and adding exciting features to our browser.

With this, the Gmail will use the Google Gears app to download the local cache of your mail. So, by using the this exciting app we can access Gmail without Internet.

Google is having many exciting applications like Google Apps, Google Gadgets, Google Docs, Services and many exciting stuff.

Have you ever thought of using the websites without Internet?

I'm aware that there are certain applications that which allows us to use the websites without internet. But those applications cannot show us regular updates of the websites, since they will hold the cache of the site and display them accordingly. So, we will get the older data easily as I consider that as one of the most useful feature.

Keeping those pros in mind, Google have launched their new powered app and named it as Google Gears which allows us to use the Gmail service without Internet. These will hold download the local cache which is synchronised with Gmail servers as long as your internet connection stays and if your internet connection disconnected, then this app will automatically switches to offline mode and uses that cache stored on your PC's HD.

By Following the Steps explained below, you can access Gmail without Internet.
If you are using Mozilla Firefox or Internet explorer or any other browsers you need to install Google Gears except for Google Chrome Browser. For Chrome, no need to install this app.
Login to your Gmail account and Switch to Labs Option as shown in the figure below.
If you haven't upgraded your profile, then Click on Settings Option and from there you need to click on Labs Option.
In the Labs Option, switch to Offline option and then click on Enable option -> Save Changes.
If you haven't upgraded your Gmail account, after switching to Settings Option, click on Offline Option and there you can select the Enable Offline Mail for this computer and save the changes.
After saving the changes, then you should be able to see the offline link at the top right of your Gmail account page. Some times you may have to refresh the page manually.
If you are using the Browsers other than Chrome, then you need to install Google Gears app.
Then you will be redirected to Gmail's Google Gears page and you need to click on Install Google Gears button.
Finally, you have to allow it to access your Gmail account on your system, by selecting the Allow Option.
After allowing, then you can also create the shortcut of Gmail on your Desktop by selecting all the check-boxes that were displayed in another pop-up window and click on OK button.
Finally, you Gmail account will be synchronized and this will help you to access your older mail without Internet access.

Original Source: rel=nofollow [http://www.gadgetcage.com/how-to-access-gmail-without-internet/11629/]Gmail Accessing without Internet

Siddartha Thota

Siddartha is a part-time blogger, freelancer who blogs at GadgetCage. His interests are Blogging, [http://www.gadgetcage.com/category/seo/]SEO, Social Media, Reading, Coding and Freelancer

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Access-Gmail-Without-Internet&id=5635443] How to Access Gmail Without Internet

Things to Consider Before Getting Data Entry Jobs

Despite its being not a complicated job, there are many things you should consider and prepare before applying for data entry jobs. It is a reality that you do not need any special talent, skills, or sophisticated requirements to be hired for this kind of job. Before anything else, you should prepare a working environment inside your respective homes. The first thing that you should ensure is your commitment to doing this kind of job. You should set your mind about doing this because this kind of job requires deadlines. When you are done with it then proceed to the next preparation. It is really required for you to have a good computer and a reliable, fast Internet connection.

These two requirements are very essential for the success of your data entry job. These are your main tools to carry out the job well. Since your job is data encoding, you should purchase a computer that is competitive enough to handle the processing. You will also need a fast, reliable, and stable Internet connection because your communication with your client is through the Internet and it will be a problem if you have a poor internet connection. This is some investment but it is worth the purchase because in time you will be able to recover the money spent. Your income will be able to recover the expenses made.

It is also important that your client or employer is legal and a legitimate business entity. You should be very careful because there are many scams offering this kind of jobs. You do not need to spend money for you to be hired. Legal companies are the ones who need you and you will be hired accordingly without asking for any fees. There are many who were scammed and money was involved. Check out the legality of the business entity if it is legal and genuine. Always be alert for scammers online so that you will not be deceived.

Then after making a deal with a legitimate business program, you should also familiarize yourself with the existing operating system such as Macintosh, MS Windows, and others. It is also an advantage if you are proficient with basic computer skills and software. Since your job is data encoding, it will be an advantage on your part if you type fast. Being knowledgeable about the internet browser and programs - Yahoo, AOL, MSN, Gmail, Internet explorer, Mozilla Firefox etc., will also be needed since your job will revolve around the internet.

Another important thing to consider is that you should fully understand the job that you are doing and you must be proficient enough to understand and follow instructions from clients and employers carefully. You should also be well versed in English because this is very important. You should be able to comprehend fast and be accurate because when you fail to understand and follow the instructions then it will cause problems, especially when you are just starting and needing to build a good reputation. One way to do this is to produce very good output and submit work on time. You will be able to achieve and earn more when your output is according to what the client is asking you to accomplish. Moreover, it will be much better if you will exceed their expectations. When you have done these things, then expect a raise or bonus.

Remember that you will start low and never expect a high salary or pay. As a beginner you should be patient enough to do the job first well before asking a big pay. As mentioned earlier, you need to build a good image by producing good results. Be patient enough to understand fully what you are doing by learning during the course of your job. It is a learning process and in time, you will gain experience. You can hardly notice that you are improving if you just focus on your job. It is worth the time and effort and these are the things you need to consider before landing on a data entry job.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Things-to-Consider-Before-Getting-Data-Entry-Jobs&i...] Things to Consider Before Getting Data Entry Jobs

Do Different Web Browsers Show the Same Website Differently?

It came as a surprise to us that different browsers display websites differently. We wanted to find out why this happens not just for us but for our readers as well.

The way a website displays in a browser is dependent on a number of complicated issues that tax even the best website designers.� Some of the factors include but are not limited to the operating system you use, the display resolution settings and how each browser interprets the data of the page.

There are far more browsers available for use than you may know. Most of us are familiar with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Chrome, but there are well over fifty available browsers. And, let's not forget Mac users. How will your site look on a Mac? So, depending on what new browser your website visitors use, your website may appear differently.

At the end of the day, how your site appears in the more obscure browsers may not be important to you, but if your website display is less than appealing in one of the more popular browsers, you may want to make some changes yourself if you know how to do it or discuss the issues with your website designer.

There is nothing much worse than launching a website to only have your first visitors tell you there is something wrong with your site. It makes sense to test it out first and avoid the embarrassment of having your visitors point out these problems to you.

How can you tell if your website looks less than its best on different browsers?

There is a very cool website that will take a snapshot of your website on any browser you want in a matter of minutes so you can see for yourself. This saves a lot of time on your part.

The site is rel=nofollow [http://browsershots.org/]http://browsershots.org. All you need to do is insert your websites URL and select the browsers you want to view your website in and let this program do the work for you.

If you are creating a number of sites you may be in need of a program to help you in greater depth. For this a good resource is rel=nofollow [http://crossbrowsertesting.com/]http://crossbrowsertesting.com/.

There are a lot of challenges when creating and designing websites. Understanding that different browsers will display your site differently is another. The good news is that there are tools available to help you identify errors so you can correct them if necessary.

Deb Marsden is an experienced Internet training customer support manager.

Deb and her good friend and equally experienced customer support gal,Lee Ann, have joined forces and offer their services to computer newbies and not so newbies, solve issues they may have in learning how to use their computer.

Also, for those Internet entrepreneurs who want help with their personal branding...this team has lots to offer.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-Different-Web-Browsers-Show-the-Same-Website-Dif...?&id=5367186] Do Different Web Browsers Show the Same Website Differently?

I Just Got a Pop Up - Is My Computer Infected?

A pop-up window is a small browser window which in most cases is merely a form of advertising. Not all advertising is malicious nor do they always contain viruses or malware. The fact that you receive a pop-up doesn't always mean your computer will be infected.

These windows are designed to get your attention, such as in the form of advertising. There are also windows known as pop-unders which appear under your browser window. Both are designed to get you to buy or opt-in for something.� While most are safe, others may contain viruses or links to malicious websites.

If you are seeing more and more of these and you are tired of dealing with them each time you are on the Internet; you may wish to enable your browser to block them. This is easily done from your browser menu.

Certain websites need to use them. Access and functionality of the website can be decreased if they are blocked and there are instances where you may need to use them.� A good example of when you would need to unblock them could be with your banking institution. Many times when you want to print your bank statement, such a window appears on the screen� which allows you to print that statement from the� screen.

From an internet marketing perspective, there are obvious advantages to using these� windows. They may get the viewer to make a purchase or at the very least give contact details for further communications.

How to Prevent Pop-ups on Your Computer

Your best protection from malicious links, spyware, and malware is having a good anti-virus program installed. Be sure that you schedule daily scans of your computer, and enable the firewall protection that comes as part of the antivirus software.

Never have two different antivirus programs enabled at the same time on your computer as this can create problems and cause the software not to work properly.

Internet Explorer and Firefox are two browsers that have the ability to block these windows. Keep in mind; however, that it's virtually impossible to block them all.

Firefox 3.6.11: Pop-up blocking is set as a default but you can always change these settings.��� When you visit a website and your pop-up blocker is turned on, when a such a window is available, a message will appear above the webpage asking if you would like to allow it.� If you want to see it, you can click the message to allow it.

From the menu bar located at the top of your browser, click on TOOLS --> OPTIONS and then click on the CONTENT icon.
You will see a check marked box in front of BLOCK POP UP WINDOWS. If you want to disable this function, simply un-check it.
Click on the EXCEPTIONS button to see a list of sites already having permission to display pop-ups on your computer. You can remove any or all of these from your list of exceptions.
If you know of a site that uses these that you want to give permission to, simply copy the URL address for this site and paste it into the address field provided and click on ALLOW. This site will now be able to have their windows displayed.

Internet Explorer 8: Internet Explorer also enables pop-up blocking as a default setting.

If the blocker is on by default and you are on a website that uses pop-ups, the information bar will appear notifying you that pop-ups are blocked but gives you the option to allow them. The message will say "To see this pop-up or additional options click here".

Should you wish to change the settings follow these instructions:

Click on your START button ->Internet Explorer
On your menu bar locate TOOLS, click on this and see the drop down menu
Now you have the choice to either Turn off pop-up blocking or if you already have it turned off, to go to Pop-up Blocking settings turn it back on
As with Firefox, you can also add websites that you allow to display them by adding their URL address to the displayed field
You can remove any and all websites by clicking on the website and then clicking on remove.

In Summary, getting a pop-up screen or window on your computer does not mean it is infected.

Enable your pop-up blocker, get a good antivirus software program installed, have your computer scanned daily, and don't click on any links within the pop-up windows unless you are sure that these pop-ups come from a website you trust.

Deb Marsden is an experienced Internet training customer support manager.

Deb and her good friend and equally experienced customer support gal, Lee Ann, have joined forces and offer their services to computer newbies and not so newbies, solve issues they may have in learning how to use their computer.

For more articles on anti-virus and spyware [http://1-800-showmehow.com/category/anti-virus-spyware]click here.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?I-Just-Got-a-Pop-Up---Is-My-Computer-Infected?&id=5275760] I Just Got a Pop Up - Is My Computer Infected?

9 Things to Look Forward to in Internet Explorer 9

HTML5 + CSS3 Support.
This has been one of the most troubling headaches with IE7 and IE8. HTML5 and CSS3 introduce web designers to a slew of amazing new features. Firefox and Chrome, as of today, are roughly 90% compatible with all HTML5/CSS3 features which has pretty much given designers the go-ahead to start learning and incorporating them. The problem? Internet Explorer. IE8 and IE7 are standing at roughly 25% and 11% compatible, respectively. It's still unsure just how compatible IE9 will be and how soon we can expect it to be on par with the other browsers. This lack of support has put designers in a permanent crossroad. Do you go ahead and incorporate advanced features knowing they won't show up in IE, or do you avoid them all together and wait until there is across the board compatibility? While most feel it is best to wait, others think that by incorporating HTML5/CSS3 features you create an incentive for the user to upgrade to a different browser (Firebox or Chrome, mainly). This thinking makes sense but looses ground when you take other factors into consideration. Can they switch browsers (public or corporate computers)? Do they even know what switching browsers means? It's a hard fought battle and a lot of hassle just to give Microsoft the finger.

Extended web-font support.
One of the largest obstacles for web designers is the limited number of "web safe fonts" which are available when building a website. Web safe fonts are fonts which are almost guaranteed to work correctly on any user's computer (you know the usual players: Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman, etc). Designers have had to limit their designs to including these fonts or resort to other techniques to incorporate non-safe fonts. These techniques include things like using graphics of text rather than actual text or using a flash replacement plug-in. Now, however, modern browsers are able to ensure all users see non-safe fonts by using a simple styling process which uploads a font file to the server and automatically displays text in that font on the user's computer. Designers have come to know it as the @font-face technique, which is a part of CSS3. There are ways to include this to work on Internet Explorer browsers but with limited reliability. IE9 is expected to fully support this feature, which will make it simple to use virtually any font as part of your design.

Focus on browsing.
Google mastered this when they created Google Chrome. One of the original principles they focused on was maximizing the actual viewing area of the browser so that users could view more of the website they were visiting. This has been a serious fail point with IE in the past (and to a certain extent, Firefox). Sometimes designers see other people using IE on their computer and their first thought is, "Okay, well, they must not be all that tech savvy. You can't hold it against them, everyone is bad with some things." But then they see that their IE application is bogged down with unnecessary toolbars which clog up half of the application window and just want to gag. Firefox is also a culprit. Google Chrome got rid of the problem all together. Kudos to them and IE9. This will be the trend of the future. Figuring out how to eliminate as much of the application space as possible and maximize on the browsing space.

Slick and minimalistic application.
This goes along with the focus on browsing. It's nice to finally see an IE release that is up to par as far as beautification goes. Chrome is gorgeous. Firefox is okay after a few drinks. IE6, 7, and 8 look like grandpa's feet. But Microsoft finally put time into making a release that is pleasing to the eye and can compete with minimalistic designs of the other guys. The design of IE9 is good for a few different reasons: the translucent application bar, the new age buttons, and the use of shadowing and glowing really help to create an application to be proud of.

Improved developer tools.
Firefox and Chrome have add-ons specifically built for web developers. These allow debugging and development to flow much smoother by making document changes live in a browser window. IE 8 has a built in developer tool which is sub-par compared to the other browsers. There are also a few 3rd party tools which you can install -- but how inconvenient is that?

Javascript engine improvement.
With all the earlier talk about HTML5 and CSS3, you don't want to forget about the next most important browser language, javascript. In the past, IE has encountered numerous problems with its javascript engine. It is a nightmare trying to run some functions on IE6 or IE7 without getting either a number of javascript error boxes or faulty functions. Even running simple animations in IE8 can be a choppy nightmare. SunSpider is a popular and widely used javascript engine tester which measures a browsers engine primarily on the amount of time it takes to complete functions. A September 2010 test on every popular browser shows IE9's beta release to have an even faster engine than Safari and Firefox, but still behind Chrome and Opera. The good news is that IE9's engine is roughly 11 times faster than IE8's.

Application acceleration.
Speed, speed, speed. The fastest always wins the race, and the slowest always gets booed. IE9 taps into your computers graphics processor as a way to speed up performance when it comes to streaming audio and video, and some suggest that IE9 is even faster than anything else out there.

Windows 7 integration.
Now this is interesting. It seems Microsoft wants to market IE9 as the "Windows 7 browser." It makes perfect sense that they are finally figuring out that they own the browser AND the operating system it runs on. Why not incorporate features that Firefox and Chrome just can't do? A perfect low jab to those mean big brothers. For starters, you can pin websites in IE9 right on your windows task bar - so Facebook and Gmail are nothing but a single click away. It has been heard through the grapevine that the IE9 downloads manager will have some sort of sophisticated integration with your folders, but there has been no official word on that. It's definitely a smart move for Microsoft. They are realizing they are behind in the polls and need to use whatever weapons they can to stay ahead. If that means integration between browser and OS then by all means go for it.

SVG support.
This one is last for a reason. SVG is one of the most versatile, exciting, and incredible features of web design. For those unfamiliar, SVG is essentially a technique used to create two-dimensional shapes and figures on a website -- without the actual use of images but rather with a few lines of code. To this point, SVG has been incomplete and unsupported with prior releases of Internet Explorer. All of that is about to change as soon as IE9 launches.

IE9 is expected to be released in mid-2011.
Those who are interested in testing out the new browser can download the beta version of Internet Explorer 9 for free at rel=nofollow [http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fie.microsoft.com%2Ftestdrive%2F&sa=D...]ie.microsoft.com/testdrive/

Jim Filbert is a front-end developer for Biznet Internet Solutions. He specializes in creating visual front-ends of websites using XHTML, CSS, and Javascript while focusing on cross-browser compatibility and accessibility. Based in Wixom, Mich., Biznet Internet Solutions is a full-service Web solutions company, focusing on business and mobile Web sites, advertising agency support and Internet marketing, including search and social media marketing. For more information, visit [http://www.biznetis.net]http://www.biznetis.net.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?9-Things-to-Look-Forward-to-in-Internet-Explorer-9&...] 9 Things to Look Forward to in Internet Explorer 9

Safeguarding Your Children Online (Part 3)

Parental control available from other Internet browsers.
In the last article we looked at the parental controls available through the ever popular Internet Explorer browser and IE7 and IE8 in particular. In this article we are looking at the most popular competitors to Internet Explorer and what parental controls they possess.

Mozilla Firefox
Secure in the number two spot (and rising), the Firefox browser is the Open Source answer to IE and accounts for 20% of all browser use. It is very secure and there are lots of free add-ons to make your browser customisable. Go easy on the add-ons because Firefox can get a bit bloated and become slow to load.

Like IE7 and IE8, Firefox is a tabbed browser, which means that you can open several web pages at a time and click on the tabs to move from one to another.

Firefox has no parental control over content other than the usual blocking of fraudulent websites, phishing and malware defence, pop-up blockers and cookie acceptance control. However, it does have a very good system for Bookmarks (similar to IE's 'Favourites') and an excellent method whereby you can import all the favourites in IE into Firefox's bookmarks.

Safari
Safari is to Apple what IE is to Microsoft. Originally developed by Apple as a browser for their Mac operating system, Safari has been available in a Windows version for some years and now accounts for 10% of all browser use. In common with all Apple software, the security is excellent. The bookmarks are displayed in an area below the address bar all the time in a tabbed browser, which is a bit limiting on the number of Bookmarks you can keep. Safari has no parental control over content other than the usual blocking of fraudulent websites, pop-up blockers and cookie acceptance control.

Chrome
Fast competing with Safari for the number 3 spot, Google's own browser Chrome is at number 4 and accounts for 10% of the browser market. It is super fast to load and browse and earlier issues with its security have been addressed. Chrome has exactly the same problem as Safari; the bookmarks are displayed in an area below the address bar all the time, which is a bit limiting on the number of Bookmarks you can keep. Chrome has no parental control over content other than the usual blocking of fraudulent websites, phishing and malware defence, pop-up blockers and cookie acceptance control.

Opera
Five % of Internet users use this super fast and secure browser. Opera keeps its bookmarks (favourites) in a 'normal' list like IE or Firefox and is a tabbed browser. Like IE8 it shows thumbnails of your most visited websites when you open a new tab, in a feature called Speed dial. Opera has no parental control over content other than the usual blocking of potentially dangerous websites (virus-wise) and has no pop-up blocker or cookie acceptance control.

AOL
Both a browser and a search engine (powered by Google), America Online is a popular browser for those with an AOL e-mail account and AIM (AOL Instant Messaging). AOL comes with no parental control 'out of the box', but has the option of AOL Security suite (powered by McAfee) which covers both PC Virus control and Online protection. In addition you can subscribe to a separate Online Identity protection and secure transaction browser within a browser called 'SafeCentral' for an annual fee that covers up to three computers.

Hannah McCarthy works for Education City, a leading supplier of e-Learning software for schools and families in the UK. Education City offers comprehensive curriculum-based [http://www.educationcity.com/uk/content/resources-teachers]e-learning tools, [http://www.educationcity.com/uk/content/maths-and-numeracy]maths teaching resources and online maths games for kids to enjoy at home.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Safeguarding-Your-Children-Online-(Part-3)&id=5165598] Safeguarding Your Children Online (Part 3)