Following on from my previous article about web browsers, Google would appear to be dropping support for more of the older browsers as of June 1st 2010. This article explains in more detail, but essentially, web standards development is moving faster now than in the past, and supporting older browsers is no longer a viable option for developers. So the advice is - if you want to continue enjoying a full web experience, keep your browser up to date.

On March 1st 2010, Google will no longer support Microsofts Internet Explorer version 6 (IE6). So, how does this affect you? It won't in the immediate future, but over time, web developers will gradually stop testing for functionality in this old browser. (IE6 was introduced in August 2001) That means that if you are still using IE6 in say a years time, things just might not work so well anymore.

Do you know what web browser you are using? Do you know what version it is? On a Windows PC, while using your web browser, click on Help > About, and it will tell you what it is. If it is Internet Explorer version 6, it might be time for you to update your browser. There are several out there and they are all free.

Internet Explorer is currently up to version 8 with version 9 in the pipeline. If you want to stick with Internet Explorer, upgrade it to version 8. Be aware however, that things look different in Internet Explorer, and not as nice as in something like Safari.

At the moment, the really big alternative is Firefox. A new version has just been released (3.6). Firefox is generally regarded as being superior to Internet Explorer, especially with all the add on's you can have. It is allegedly faster and supports the latest web standards.

Safari (now on version 4) is Apple's web browser, but is also made for Windows PC's. Again, it is regarded as being superior to Inernet Explorer and supports the latest web standards. I personally think it makes websites look their best.

Opera has been around for a while now, but I confess that I know nothing of it, other than version 10 was released recently. You should do your own research in order to determine if this is the one for you.

Google Chrome (now version 4) is the new kid on the block. It has very quickly gained a good reputation, and is gaining market share rapidly. Again, I have not used this so you will need to look it up for yourselves.

Which one should you upgrade to? That's a matter of personal choice. However, although I use Safari and will continue to do so, Firefox is probably the one I would recommend at the moment. It is immensely versatile with it's add on's, reliable and supports the latest web standards. Of course, given that they are all free of charge, you could download and install them all and then take your time to see which one you are most comfortable using

Why should you update your browser? Your browser is your way onto the internet, and you know the internet has some dodgy characters on it who wish to do harm. Browsers are updated periodically in order to a) bring new functionality to you and b) to improve security. While no browser can gaurantee your complete safety on the internet, using an older browser leaves you more open to attack. So do check which browser you are using, and make sure it is an up to date version.

There is a new page in the tutorial section of the website which gives a brief explanation of many of the acronyms we come across in the photographic world. Go here to find out more.

The PSA Inter Club Competition leads have contributed to an article explaining what it's all about. Go here to find out more.

Kate has written an article called "Photojournalism, what is it?" See it here

The HDR tutorial which Bas wrote for us a few weeks ago is now available online.

New for 2010 is the Tutorials feature. As time goes by, it is hoped that the list of tutorials will grow to be a worthwhile reference library which is readily available to all. From very basic stuff to complex and in depth articles, there will be something for everyone.

If anyone has anything they would like to see here or if you would like to write a tutorial, please let me know.