To upgrade just go to Help, About Firefox and click the Check for Update button. Firefox will download the update and you will be prompted to install the latest version.

If you don’t currently use Firefox and want to see what all the fanfare is about, you can read more (and download it) at the Mozilla Firefox website.

Some changes that I was not crazy about, were easily “fixed” once I knew where to look. Most noticeably missing was the status bar at the bottom of my webpages. This was easily remedied by right-clicking an empty space on my window frame and clicking Add-on Bar to enable the new Addon Bar.

Another thing I wasn’t crazy about was the placement of my “Home” icon. The icon was easily moved to a new location by right-clicking an empty spot at the top of the Firefox Window and choosing Customize. I was then able to freely drag the icon to place it where I wanted it. In addition to moving icons, you can also add to the icons already visible by dragging them from the Customize Toolbar window or delete them by dragging them from the toolbar to the Customize Toolbar window.

Don’t be afraid to upgrade or try it out. If you install it and have issues, there is Help available at the Firefox Support page.

If you don’t see your issue listed, just search for it via the search bar and you will get a listing of matching topics for you to choose from.

A few days ago Microsoft launched a new website aimed at helping PC users stay safe online and learn more about security. I love that website is easy to navigate and the reader is presented with a wealth of information. From Safety and Security Center, you can download free Anti-virus software (if you don't already have one), read about the latest scams and how to avoid them, learn how to protect your privacy, how to keep your children protected on the net, check your password strength, learn how create a new secure password, and much more.

Microsoft Safety and Security Center is a great resource that I recommend you take the time to visit and be sure to bookmark.

The sale begins in the U.S. today and will begin on the 22nd of this month for other countries.

If you live in the U.S. don't wait too long, the Family Pack is available only for a limited time. If you live outside the U.S., mark your calendar and don't miss out on this great deal when it becomes available in your area.

The website has a wealth of information just waiting to be discovered:

• At the top of the page there is a navigation bar with specialized sections on Fraud Prevention, Data Protection and links to various Resources. As you can see in the screen-shot below, when you hover over any of the sections on the navigation bar (1), an additional navigation bar (2) will present a list of topics to choose from (3):

• In the center of the page you will find information, as well as links for How To's and Tools.
• At the very bottom of the main page, there are educational videos relating to security and remaining vigilant online.
• The website has comic section which is both informative and entertaining.
• If you have questions about what certain terms mean, there is also a section with common security terms to help you out.

Be sure to bookmark Microsoft Online Safety and share the link with friends and family who'd like to learn more about staying safe online.

Take a closer look at Firefox's features and you'll see many improvements and welcome new additions in this newest version.

The updated version can be easily installed by checking for updates via the Help menu:

If you currently don't use Firefox, download the latest version from Mozilla's Firefox Web page.

Pre-Order information can be found on the Windows 7 Pre-Order page, as well as basic system requirements.

For those looking to purchase a new PC, most manufactures are offering FREE upgrades to Windows 7 once it begins shipping. Here are a few that already have the free upgrade offers on their websites:

• Dell
• HP
• Velocity Micro

If you're specifically looking for a notebook, there is a page with all the notebooks eligible for free upgrades: Featured PCs at Microsoft.

To refresh your memory about Windows 7, you can take a look another look at what's new in Windows 7.

Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate) is scheduled for May 5 and the final version of Widows 7 is expected to ship during late summer/early fall.

Users currently using Windows Vista will be able to purchase an upgrade version of Windows 7 and upgrade easily to the latest Operating System. Those of us using Windows XP will also be able to purchase upgrade versions of Windows 7 but will have to perform a clean installation (which removes all software and settings prior to installation). There are rumors that a settings transfer program will be provided to help backup settings and programs before performing the upgrade and if they prove to be true, it will make the upgrade process a bit less daunting.

Mozilla News:

Mozilla has recently updated Firefox to 3.0.10. As always, there are various bugs fixed and a security update included with the new version (get it while it's hot).

The next version of Firefox, dubbed Firefox 3.5 is expected to be released sometime during the summer and will have additional speed and security enhancements.

If you currently use Firefox, you'll want to update to version 3.0.8 (just released by Mozilla). This latest version fixes two critical security issues.

Mozilla continues to impress by issuing updates quickly whenever it becomes aware of vulnerabilities in it's browser.

In addition to the two security vulnerabilities, there were also a few bug fixed.

Installing:

1. The easiest way to update Firefox to the latest version is to check for updates via the Help menu:



2. You can download the newest version from the Mozilla Firefox website.

With either method listed above, Firefox will automatically be updated if already installed on your system (no need to uninstall the older version).

Yesterday, Microsoft released the final version of Internet Explorer 8. I previously described some notable IE 8 features in the beta version and want to urge those currently using older versions of Internet Explorer to take the plunge and upgrade to Internet Explorer 8.

Security and performance improvements in this latest version are vast when compared to older versions and the upgrade is simple as can be. Just download Internet Explorer 8 and run set-up. Your settings, favorites and cookies are easily transferred and the improvements are well worth the time it takes to download and install.

What to expect:

Installation begins by asking if you'd like to participate in the Customer Experience Improvement Program (I chose not to participate).

Choosing Next will bring to to the user license screen. Once you click Accept, you will be presented with a window asking if you'd like to install updates. The updates will automatically download while installing Internet Explorer 8 (I recommend you leave it check-marked) and click Next.

Your previous version of Internet Explorer will be removed (don't worry your settings, favorites and cookies are saved).

After finalizing installation, you will need to reboot.

Once you click re-start now and your PC re-starts, IE will download updates and check for malicious software. Then it will continue with installation and once finished, it will automatically re-boot your system.

The first time you open Internet Explorer after installation, you will be greeted with a welcome screen that will walk you through personalizing your settings.

In the following screen you will be asked if you'd like to turn on Suggested Sites (I chose No).

Next, you will choose if you'd like to use Express Setting or would like to customize your settings (I chose Custom Settings).

Note: If you choose Express Settings, the screens that follow will not be presented to you.

Choose if you'd like to continue using your default search provider or if you'd like to choose from a list of search providers (after set-up is complete).

You can also have your search provider updated (your search provider is not changed, only updated to use the latest technology).

You can then choose to use the current Accelerators provided with IE 8, add new ones or turn them off altogether.

Additionally, you can activate the Smart Screen Filter (recommended).

I chose not to keep IE 8 as my default browser because I use Firefox as my primary browser. If you want to have IE automatically open when clicking on a link (not another browser), you'll have to choose Yes. If you prefer to use a different browser, choose No.

Finally, you'll have to decide whether to allow the automatic updating of Compatibility View websites (I chose No because I prefer to keep my own compatibility view website list).

After performing the above steps, you'll be ready to surf the Internet using the new and much improved, Internet Explorer 8.

Visit the Internet Explorer Home Page to download or read more about it's latest features and improvements. Don't be afraid to try it. If you install it and later decide not to keep it, it can easily be uninstalled via Windows Add and Remove Programs (your previous version of Internet Explorer will be restored).

Current Windows XP Users:

Windows XP users will be able to purchase a discounted upgrade license for Windows 7, but the pricing structure for Windows 7 has not yet been released. The upgrade will need to be installed as a clean installation which means you will need to back-up your settings, documents and important files yourself before performing the upgrade. The installation will wipe the drive in order to avoid conflicts and will install the full version of Windows 7 on your hard drive without saving any previous programs or settings. Rumors are circulating that Microsoft will provide tools to help with the backup and restore process for those upgrading from Windows XP (we'll have to wait and see).

Current Windows Vista Users:

Those already running Windows Vista will have the choice of performing an in place upgrade (that will save and transfer their settings and installed programs) or to perform a clean install (in which case they should manually back-up their settings and files prior to installing Windows 7).

Buying a new PC this year?

There are unconfirmed reports that PCs purchased after July 1st running Widows Vista will receive free upgrades to Windows 7 once the new Operating System is released.

Microsoft is currently beta testing Windows 7 and has a spiffy new website to showcase it's latest Operating System.

New features being touted:

• A new larger task bar with larger thumbnails and the ability to show full-screen previews.
• The ability quickly open recent files by using Jump Lists which are available when right-clicking program icons in the task bar.
• Faster performance and numerous security improvements.
• New theme packages to keep your eyes happy while working.

If you're curious to see Windows 7, Microsoft has a few Windows 7 preview videos for your viewing pleasure.

Windows 7 is looking very promising and I for one am keeping a close eye on it's development. As always, I will share updated developments as I come across them.