Latest browser versions - Updated list with beta release information

Why should you use the latest browser version?

Though its generally suggested using the newest browser version, this might not be a good idea especially when you're working on an old computer (anything machine that's more than 3 years old). Please note that upgraded software would typically not be able to run properly - it would either be very slow or cause a whole lot of other problems with other installed programs on your computer.

For instance, when I installed the latest version of Internet Explore (8, at the time of writing) on a Windows XP laptop, things moved at a snails pace. I was better off with the older version, right?

But outdated browser versions present their own set of problems - security being the most important. So if you are using an old computer I recommend switching to another program - one which is light-weight and can run fast on your machine. Take a look at some altervatives in the big web browsers list... you don't need to use one of the popular web browsers.

For majority of users, here are some reasons to upgrade to the latest browser version:

Security: Typically, the newer version of the browser will have patches for security holes.
Faster rendering engines: Though downloading speed is dependent on the internet connection, the latest browser version will render web sites faster than its predecessor. The same can also be said for the JavaScript engine.
Better compliance to web standards
Better usability: For instance, all the latest versions of popular browsers now sport tabbed browsing.
New nifty features: Such as those that give more control to the user on how to manage their private data, cache and cookies.
Easier to use interface: Not always true, however.

	Browser Name & Developer	Platform
	Internet Explorer Stable Release: 9 Latest browser version: 10
	Firefox (also called Mozilla Firefox) Stable Release: 9.0.1 Latest browser version: 10.0 Beta 2
	Chrome Stable Release: 16.0.912.63 Latest browser version: 17.0.963.26 (Dev)
	Safari Stable Release: 5.1.2 Latest browser version: 5.1.2
	Opera Stable Release: 11.60 Latest browser version: 12.00 alpha
	Netscape Navigator Stable Release: 9 Latest browser version: 9
	Camino Stable Release: 2.1 Latest browser version: 2.1.1pre
	SeaMonkey Stable Release: 2.6.1 Latest browser version: 2.7 Beta 2
	K-Meleon Stable Release: 1.5.4 Latest browser version: 1.6.0 Beta 2
	Galeon Stable Release: 2.0.7 Latest browser version: 2.0.7
	Konqueror Stable Release: 4.7.4 Latest browser version: 4.8 Beta2
	Maxthon Browser Stable Release: 3.3.3.1000 Latest browser version: 3.3.3.600
	Flock (web browser) Stable Release: 3.5.0.4641 Latest browser version: 3.6.4