Upgrading your Internet Tools

Nick Exner and James P. Dildine

 

Upgrading your browser allows you to see the newest and most full featured web pages and sites, like some of the modules at http://www.mste.uiuc.edu/tcd/curriculum

The internet has come a long way and the features that have been added and used by the most current browsers are making the web even more exciting and useful. Features that are used in current browsers that were not available in previous versions are Java, Fonts and other formatting and new multimedia technology.

This procedure requires you to know a few things about your machine first.

    1. What Operating system are you running? Restart your computer and see if it shows a Windows Screen and what version (3.1, 95, 98, NT). Or a Mac OS Screen. If it shows a Mac OS screen check the Apple menu and go down to about my Computer and see what operating system (OS) you have.
    2. How much memory do you have? Same procedure. While the machine is starting up in Windows you will see it do a memory check. 1,000 K is 1 Meg. So 32,000 K is 32 Megs. On a MAC go to the About My Computer under the Apple menu and check the available memory. 32,000 K = 32 Megs. That is your RAM memory.
    3. Are you connected to the internet? Make sure you are before moving to the next step.

There are sites that offer FREE Legitmate downloads of Browser software.

http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/

http://www.netscape.com/computing/download/

Look for the most current browser that can be installed on your system. You'll see requirements for Operating Systems (Win 95, NT, Mac) and RAM. Make your choice and download it. This will store an installer in a directory on your computer. It may take some time depending on your internet connection. Run the installer program and follow the directions that are displayed as you install the new browser.