If you use the Web much, you may will notice an annoying uptick in messages nagging you to get a new browser — purportedly so you can enjoy all the latest enhancements available through The Internets.

So, should you upgrade to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) Web browser if you’re a Windows user?

Does it matter? (Hey, I know this stuff keeps you up at night.)

But before you answer or click away to see what’s on TMZ.com, here’s a one-word hint: security. As in, “online ne’er-do-wells breaking into your PC via your browser through malicious Web sites,” security. Not to mention those pesky marketers who track your online surfing without you even knowing it (yup, people do that, and sell the data to companies for big bucks).

Yes, I know IE9 has been available to the general public since March. But given the sluggishness with which most people are compelled to switch software (I sit typing this with one hand while raising the other in sheepish confession), now seemed a good opportunity to address this critical computing issue.

Critical? Yes, pretty much. There’s the security matter, which we just went over.

Then there’s also the fact that many programs, including ones you might use, piggyback off of Internet Explorer to “render” content from the Web. That’s exactly what it sounds like — other programs use a part of IE to render, or bring to you, images, text, or entire pages, without you having to leave those programs. Older versions of IE might not have the ability to cooperate like this with newer software you install.

This post won’t get mired in debating whether IE9 is the most competent Web browser out there (fans of Google Chrome, Safari and Firefox might all argue the superiority of those Web viewers … scratch that, they will argue the superiority of those browsers, perhaps even to the death — so be careful what you say and to whom).

This post will, however, advise you that if you already use some earlier version of Internet Explorer — IE8, 7, or heaven forbid, IE6 (seriously, clutch the pearls if that last one is the case) — go ahead and download IE9, resources permitting. The bad news is that it’s a space hog — you’ll need a minimum of 1GB RAM (working memory) and 16GB of available hard disk space; and it’s a pain in the asterisk waiting for it to download and install. In all fairness, it is a quicker install this time around than with past versions.

Microsoft says super-fast loading times and smooth rendering of graphics and video are two major pluses of Internet Explorer 9.

Some folks have complained too that it’s hard to find familiar functions, since the toolbar at the top defaults to an uncluttered, minimalist design. I actually like the less-is-more design, as it provides more real estate for Web page content; that means less screen and scroll fatigue for you, dear Tech Camp reader.

One more important factoid: IE9, as of the time of this writing, was only available for the Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems (and Windows Server 2008 for you enterprise folks). If you have Windows XP, the most commonly used Microsoft operating system, you’re out of luck (or perhaps in luck, if you’re among the people who consider IE9 a software turkey).

From what I can tell, the world divides into two camps concerning IE9: those comp sci wizards for whom nanoseconds of load-time difference and other computer esoterica matters; and everyone else — normal folks with ordinary set-ups, who just need a decent browser compatible with as many online sites as possible.

On balance, I’m going to say the benefits of installing IE9 outweigh the drawbacks. If you’ve been using a previous version of IE, consider this: you’ll have to upgrade sooner or later anyway. You may know firsthand what I mean if you’re unfortunate enough to still be running IE6 (some Web sites refuse to render for IE6 users, with condescending messages such as, “oh dear, it appears you’re using an outdated, unsupported browser … please upgrade to …”).

But just in case you need a little additional incentive, here’s a quick list of ways in which IE9 spanks its predecessors:

• much, much faster — Microsoft claims, and I will mostly agree, that with multimedia sites it’s like running programs as if they were on your machine locally
• improved privacy — you can better prevent nosy Web sites from tracking your moves online
• unobtrusive “Notification Bar” at the bottom of the screen replaces rude pop-up alerts
• auto-complete of Web addresses, and the URL area doubles as a search bar — no need to flit over to your favorite search engine in a separate Web page
• optimized for HTML5, which is the new “It” programming standard for the Web; this is actually a pretty big deal and will become more so as time passes
• it’s FREE

Convinced already? Download IE9 here.

Not convinced? Or have you had issues with IE9? For instance, does installing it crash your system, slow you down or otherwise interfere with your ability to be a productive citizen? Sound off in the comments section, below!

Akweli Parker is founder of Digital Delta Media, a communications consultancy near Philadelphia. He lives, breathes and writes to help people apply technology in ways that improve their lives and communities. You can reach him at aparker (at symbol) digitaldeltamedia.com

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