Updating Internet Explorer

Whether you use Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or any other Internet browser, you should always use the latest browser version as well as utilize high security settings. Having a patched, high secure browser will enable you to combat spyware and will help prevent from becoming infected with drive-by downloads such as the Firefox Redirect Virus and the iLivid Virus. By following the succeeding steps, you will ensure that you have the most up-to-date web browser installed on your PC.

Updating Internet Explorer via Start Menu

If you’re running Windows on your PC and use Internet Explorer, updates for your browser are included when you install Windows Updates. To improve security for Internet Explorer, make sure you perform the following steps and install all available updates for your browser by accessing Windows Update on your PC:

1. From your taskbar, click the Start button, navigate to All Programs, and click on Windows Update.

1. Click on Check for updates located on the left pane.
2. If updates are available, click on View available updates.
3. Confirm you have selected the Internet Explorer updates you want to download, and click Install.

Internet Explorer 10 is the latest version for Internet Explorer and is supported on Windows 8 and Windows 7 (Service Pack 1) operating systems. Internet Explorer 9 is supported on Windows 7 and Windows Vista operating systems.

Another way you can update your Internet Explorer is by navigating to your browser’s menu bar. By performing the following steps, you will be able to access Windows Update through Internet Explorer:

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. By default, the menu bar is hidden in Internet Explorer. To access the menu bar, simply click on the Alt button on your keyboard.
3. Click on Tools from Internet Explorer’s menu bar and then click on Windows Update.

1. Click on Check for updates located on the left pane.
2. If updates are available, click on View available updates.
3. Confirm you have selected the Internet Explorer updates you want to download, and click Install.

Internet Explorer contains security features that allow you to safely browse the Internet. These features include:

• Cross Site Scripting (XSS) Filter -- Internet Explorer’s XSS filter helps prevent attacks from phishing and infected websites. XSS compromises legitimate websites with malware that can capture your keystrokes and steal your sensitive information. Internet Explorer 9 detects these types of attacks and blocks the XSS script.

• SmartScreen Filter -- Similar to the XSS Filter, the SmartScreen Filter phishing attacks and spoofed websites. When SmartScreen detects a suspicious website, it displays a message advising you to proceed with caution. SmartScreen Filter also inspects downloading processes and will block files that are detected as malware.
• Add-on Management -- Internet Explorer enables you to easily allow or disable browser add-ons.
• InPrivate Browsing -- There may be times when you don’t want to leave a trace of your browsing activity. This feature is especially helpful if you frequently use shared PCs and log on to websites that contain personal information, such as your bank website. InPrivate Browsing prevents your browsing history, temporary Internet files, form data, cookies, and username and passwords from being stored on the PC. You can enable InPrivate Browsing by launching Internet Explorer and simply pressing on Ctrl+Shift+P. InPrivate Browsing will be disabled once you close your browser.

In addition to upgrading your Internet Explorer browser to the latest version, you can also perform customized configurations settings that can harden your browser. Finally, you can install additional browser add-ons that will enhance your browser security. By performing these steps, you will optimize your Internet Explorer security.