The browser is the window on the Web, the program that downloads data from the internet and that sends and receives information to and from websites. Since the sites are many and different from each other, the browser can load and download all types of data on the computer, tablet or smartphone, becoming an easy target for those who want to spread malware, viruses, exploits and all kinds of advertising.
The first internet security rule is to always update the browser used to the latest version, so that it is protected from all the vulnerabilities discovered to date.
Speaking of the most used browsers worldwide, namely Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Opera, let's see how to keep them updated and how to check that the latest version is always installed on the PC .
1) Update Google Chrome
Chrome updates automatically on Windows PCs thanks to the Google Update process which should be automatically running.
To force the Chrome update, you can click on the three-line button at the top left, go to Help and then on Chrome Information .
Check for updates must write that Google Chrome is up to date or must immediately begin downloading the latest version available.
In case there are errors, the fastest way to update Chrome is to uninstall and reinstall it from scratch.
On this Google page there are all the links to download Chrome while for Windows PC there are also links to download Chrome with direct offline installation.
2) Firefox updates
Firefox, like Chrome, also updates automatically as soon as another version is available.
To check, press on the three lines at the top right, then on the question mark at the bottom and finally on About Firefox .
In case of problems, you can download Firefox for Windows, Linux and Mac, from the official website in order to reinstall it.
3) Internet Explorer updates
Internet Explorer is updated by Microsoft via Windows Update which must be active and functional on the computer.
Then start Windows Update to check if there are updates for Internet Explorer.
In another article, the guide to Windows Update and solutions to problems with updates.
Keep in mind that Microsoft has ended support for Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10 so those who have Windows 7 must make sure that they are using Internet Explorer 11 otherwise you are having serious security risks on your computer.
4) Microsoft Edge on Windows 10
Edge, Microsoft's new browser for Windows 10, always updates via Windows Update and new builds of Windows 10.
5) Update Safari
The Safari browser on Windows has not been supported for years so if it is still installed, remove it and stop using it.
Safari on Mac instead updates automatically from the Mac App Store.
If the Mac App Store does not show available updates, check in the System Preferences, in the App Store section, that automatic verification of updates and automatic download of OS X apps and updates are active.
6) Update Opera
Opera automatically updates to the latest version when available.
To check and update the browser manually, click the menu on the top left, go to Info about Opera and let there be control and possible download of the new version.
In case of problems Opera can be downloaded from the official website.
If you want to do a quick check that you are using the latest version of the browser in use, you can open the site Browser-Update.org which will immediately show a message if the browser is not updated.
On Android smartphones and tablets, updates for Chrome, Firefox or other browsers are received via the Google Play Store (see here how to update Android apps).
On iPhone and iPad Safari is updated by Apple with new versions of the iOS system while the other browsers are updated from the iTunes App Store.
