Computers continue to get faster and more efficient and as broadband connections increase data transfer rates web applications continue to improve. However I have noticed that many PC users still are using old, outdated versions of Internet Explorer. In fact, a recent survey shows that roughly 20% of internet users are still using Internet Explorer Version 6 which was released in 2001. As a web design service, we are constantly designing sites and testing them across the entire spectrum of web browsers to ensure constant deliverability, navigation and presentation to all visitors, regardless of what internet browser they might be using.

My biggest qualm rises from the use of Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7. Neither browser is entirely compliant with open web standards. Internet Explorer is continually troublesome to design sites for. The browser is slow, cumbersome and filled with display errors. Despite this, design professionals continue to tolerate the browsers’ limitations and spend their time modifying site elements and creating workarounds to ensure consistent presentations on this format. Ultimately, these older browser versions limit the future of web design.

Here at Zella Design, standards based design is a primary focus and we will continue to provide consistent content across all browser platforms. But with so many great free web browsers on the internet, it’s probably time for you to get a worthwhile upgrade. Let’s all ditch the tired browsers of old and move towards web browsers that actually perform their intended task with a clean sophisticated look.

Here are our picks for the best 5 web browsers available for free on the windows platform:

Firefox 3.5 | Best all around

Firefox is a great choice for all around performance and flexibility. This browser has a very similar layout to Internet Explore making for a easy transition to a new browser. Firefox is a relativity stable and secure platform that has fast rendering and javascript support to enhance view-ability on modern web sites.  The great thing about this browser is that it has tons of add-ons that allow users to customize the browser to their preferences. Overall this is our top recommendation for a solid web browser that is easy on your system resources and easy on the eyes.
download Firefox

Google Chrome | Top pick for surfing

Once again, Google has provided a great user focused web application and with it a good looking interface. Google Chrome might take a bit of getting used to for many Internet Explorer users but the transition would be well worth it. This browser has a sleek, stripped down playful look that is very similar to Apple’s Safari browser. This browser has super fast rendering and is perfectly equipped to display modern javascript heavy web sites. The best features are the tab and visual features coupled with private browsing and a great crash recover system. After a crash Chrome will restore all of your open windows and tabs. This browser is a bit of a draw on your system resources so if you have a slower CPU consider alternative options.
download google chrome

Flock 2 (beta) | Top pick for social media

This web browser is based on the Mozilla Firefox browser so it has similar usability and looks. This browser has a smooth feel that is perfect for the internet junkie. This browser is designed as the perfect compliment to your heavy social media use. I have just started using Flock to manage many of our social media applications. Flock has built in support for Facebook, Twitter and Flicker. It also include RSS feeds, a blog editor and customizable side bars that are well suited for multitasking. This is not the best site to view web pages on but if you are social media crazy you just might have found match.
download Flock

Opera v10 | Best for older computers

Often dubbed the best browser that no one is using, Opera is a bit of a hidden gem. Despite this browsers lack of popularity it is a really great browser that is heavy on internet standards and compliance which makes it a great web site display browser. Opera is a very lean system that does not tax your computers resources so if you are running a older system this is your best bet for a browser that won’t bog down your CPU or crash your system.
download Opera

Internet Explorer 8 | Best Familiarity

If you don’t like change and have been using Internet Explorer for a decade now, upgrading to Internet Explorer 8 is a great idea. The new improved Internet Explorer is more compliance based than older IE versions and it has a sleeker interface to go along with it. The system has good privacy options and security but it lags behind other browsers in features, flexibility and dependability.
download Internet Explorer

Tags: Firefox, Flock, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera.