There are several different web browsers available, so choosing which is best might prove difficult. Probably the three most widely used browsers are Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera. All three of them have recently released their latest versions, so perhaps a comparison of what they have to offer would be timely.

IE, the default for Windows

Internet Explorer the most widely used browser, largely because it comes as part of the different versions of Windows. If you are going to continue with Internet Explorer, ensure that you are running version 7 to get all the new features and browsing speeds. In version 7 they have adopted tabbed browsing that both Firefox and Opera have had for some time. One significant enhancement over previous versions of Internet Explorer is that a web page will be automatically reduced in size to ensure it will fit onto a page when it is printed. Another improvement is that you can now select your favorite search engine for searching from IE, instead of having to stick with MSN Search. The main drawback is that it is only available for Windows XP and Vista. Internet Explorer makes up for what it lacks with near-universal compatibility and enormous development base. Every site out there just runs with IE, you should never have a problem with a bank, merchant or any other location – this is the defacto standard.

Foxy and fast

Firefox 2 has the advantage over IE 7 in that it is available for several different platforms including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. It is my personal browser of choice not because I am anti-microsoft but I really dig the extensions and plug-ins the enhance your online experience (more in just my favorites) The drawback is that some people say that some web pages do not display as they intended because of the strict compliance with Web Standards, this is something that I can live with. I have found it to be 100% compatible with banking, secure sites and everything else that I need to use. It is also the most secure option, remember the Internet is a hostile place at times, Firefox is not as susceptible to ActiveX or other web attacks. Extensions are small add-ons that add new functionality to Firefox, from a simple toolbar button to a completely new feature.

My favorite are BugMeNot a tool to login to sites like NY Times online without a current username, and ImageZoomer that lets you zoom in on images on the web – or just take a look at 50 Best Firefox extensions for power surfing. In Firefox the extensions really make the program better. The other feature that I find to be a real time saver is the integrated search, the search bar comes preloaded with Google, Yahoo!, Amazon etc.

The fat lady sings…

Although Opera has the smallest number of users than the other two browsers mentioned here, it is far and away the browser that can be used on the greatest number of operating systems. Opera 9 can run on Windows, Linux, Solaris, BSD and Mac OS X, as well as some mobile phones and PDA’s and its security features do not depend on Windows XP SP2. The latest version includes support for BitTorrent which is a popular file distribution method.

Reviewers have said that it has the least number of problems displaying web pages properly than the other 2 browsers. There is no cost for the software and it is a huge improvement over IE7 for speed and accuracy of rendering pages. I am not really a big fan because I have some some compatibility issues with my bank – but if you want to try the “better” browser, give Opera a try.

My Impression

As with so many other software packages, different users will have their own opinions on which browser is the best. For its support base, IE 7 may be best; although Firefox may be best because of the wider number of operating systems it can run on and because of the extensions available to increase its functionality. Since all 3 are free, it is probably sensible to download all 3 and try them out to see which one suits you best.

More and companies have their own websites and most businesses are connected to the Internet, and use the World Wide Web as a major source of information. A potential customer will use the Internet to carry out research not only on what products are available, but also how much they will cost from different suppliers.

Don’t loose your Advantage.
Even if someone is simply trying to find out a contact address for a company, the chances are that they will use one of the many search engines that are available. Seriously when was the last time you actually used the Yellow Pages to find anything?

The type of business you have will dictate the style of website you choose to create. If you are a smaller independent trader, then the business website may be as simple as one or two pages informing visitors about what the company has to offer. If you are a little larger you may want to have a more interactive site that allows your customers to purchase or interact with you to get more information.

If you are not quite sure of the type of site you want to have, just go to Google and type in your business keywords and check to see what your competitors are doing. This is the best measure of what is expected in your industry.

Communicate with your customers
Many businesses use the Internet and their website as the sole means of selling or communicating publicly with their customers. No matter what style of site you create, make sure that you have a way to register, leave you feedback, fill in a form or submit their email to your new Weekly Newsletter. Just think of how powerful your new email list will be to stay in contact with your customers!

A Great First Impression
If your business is considering setting up a website, it is important to remember that the look of a website creates an impression in the visitors’ minds of the business itself. If the web site looks professional and neat and tidy, then the visitor will be inclined to think that the business is similarly professional.

The lesson here is, if you Look like a Pro and Act like a Pro perhaps your customers will Consider you to be a Pro.

Getting Started
A business website need not be an expensive undertaking. Anyone with a slight knowledge of HTML can create a web site in a matter of minutes using nothing more sophisticated than a simple text editor. There are also several free or inexpensive software packages available that make the task of building a good-looking site a relatively simple matter. My favorite editor is HtmlValidator, you can try it for free.

Using a Pro
For a more professional look, you may choose to use the services of a web design company. They will work with you to ensure that the look and feel of the web site reflects well on the type and nature of the business. You don’t have to worry about the technology, they will handle it all for you. Be prepared to spend anywhere from $3500 to $15,000 to have a complete custom site designed. I have a list of providers that I have worked if you want more information just ask me.

Learn to Compromise
If you are looking for the compromise between a cheap and cheerful web site and a professionally designed one, then you can do it in-house by using a commercial package such as Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver. Both of these packages will produce excellent results and can handle everything from page layout to uploading the finished results to a web server. The real issue that I have with these tools is that they do not create Search Engine Optimized text, but more on that in a later issue!

Use a Template
My personal favorite option if you choose not to have a fully customized site or don’t have the resources to write one in-house is to utilize a web template. For an excellent option take a look at TemplateMonster.com Templates range anywhere from fifty to a few hundred dollars and considering what you get it is money well spent.

Windows Vista has been in development for roughly five years and I have been actively involved as a beta tester for the last few months. If you are thinking about upgrading your existing PC running Windows XP to Windows Vista, it may not just be a matter of upgrading the software. Microsoft themselves say that the very minimum system requirements for Vista to run are as follows:

Although this is enough to run the core elements of Windows Vista. My personal recommendations are if your computer is “new” I would say less than a year or so you may be able to squeak by, you should also run the Microsoft Vista Upgrade Advisor:

What should I expect?
If the experience of Windows XP users is any guide, then it is entirely possible that even the recommended requirements may be insufficient for Vista to run smoothly. If you do wish to upgrade your software, then unless you already have computers in your business that are much more highly tuned than those above, then you would probably have to factor into the equation the cost of either upgrading or replacing all your computers.

Why should I upgrade?
Some of the security enhancements in Microsoft Vista may make the upgrade a tempting choice. Using the parental controls, for example, you will be able to restrict employee or child access to certain programs or websites. You can opt to do this based on certain times of day for example. You will also be able to manage all the security settings on your business network from a central point.

Vista promises to enable your workforce to work more productively through better file sharing and synchronization facilities. If you have to make a lot of presentations in the course of your business, then Vista is able to automatically communicate with a networked projector to improve your presentations. Vista can also store a number of different settings for presentations being displayed on your laptop, to compensate for different light levels.

Stay up to date

Windows Vista Business includes new technology and tools to ensure your PCs are always up-to-date, more secure, and running smoothly. Windows Vista Business is designed to help you easily and quickly connect with your organization, your customers, and your partners, whether you are in the office or on the road.

How much will this cost?

Based on current pricing from the Internet:

Windows Vista Business

Windows Vista Ultimate

For the best possible package with the greatest security and communication features for power users and businesses, Windows Vista Ultimate is the perfect solution for a mix of multimedia and productivity. One of the only reasons to suggest Ultimate and not Business is the inclusion of BitLocker a whole drive encryption system. It keeps your data safe even if your PC is lost or stolen.

Please understand that migrating to Vista should not be considered for your business without understanding all of the factors in switching to a new operating system and how these changes may affect your software or network.