You Need To Update Your Browser

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Level 4

1,428 points

You Need To Update Your Browser

Not at every website, but at some, when the site first opens, I get a message/popup saying, "You need to update your browser. Your browser is out of date and some features of this web site may not display correctly. You can update your Chrome, Safari, Explorer, Firefox browser..." Each one is a clickable link. Usually, I can click on an "X" or just somewhere else in the web site to continue browsing.

I'm running Safari 5.1.10. Isn't that the most up to date version for OS 10.6.8? Are they saying I need to update my OS; isn't that the only way to update Safari?

Early 2009 Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.6.8), G4 Sawtooth; 10.4.11; several upgrades

Posted on Dec 19, 2014 5:35 AM

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Answer 1

David Cun Author

Level 4

1,428 points

Dec 19, 2014 8:32 AM in response to CellarDwellr

I'm fairly certain it's not an ad nor malware. There's no "click here to clean up your Mac" or anything like that.

Here's an example I just encountered:

Your browser is out of date and Zillow may not function correctly. Please upgrade to the latest version of one of these free browsers:Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Chrome.

Mende1...I was afraid that is the case. I guess Yosemite is my only recourse. Will that automactically also update iTunes? I've been reluctant about both.

Any of you who have gone from SL to Yosemite...and enjoyed the experience? Thanks!

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

685,311 points

Dec 19, 2014 8:33 AM in response to David Cun

Use Firefox if you want to stay with 10.6. It is still being updated.

Firefox

Will that automactically also update iTunes?

Yes, iTunes will appear as an update.

Check that your computer is compatible with Mountain Lion/Mavericks/Yosemite.

To check the model number hold down the option/alt key, go to the Apple menu and select System Information.

Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) model number 3,1 or higher

Your Mac needs:

OS X v10.6.8 or OS X Lion already installed
2 GB or more of memory (More is better - 4 GB minimum seems to be the consensus)
8 GB or more of available space

Check to make sure your applications are compatible. PowerPC applications are no longer supported after 10.6.

Application Compatibility

Applications Compatibility (2)

Do a backup before installing.

If you can/do upgrade, I recommend you make a copy of the installer and move it out of your Applications folder. The installer self-destructs. The copy will keep you from having to download the installer again. You can make a bootable USB stick to install using this free program.

Bootable USB Flash Drive – Diskmaker X

One option is to create a new partition (~30- 50 GB), install the new OS, and ‘test drive’ it. If you like/don’t like it it, you can then remove the partition. Do a backup before you do anything. By doing this, if you don’t like it you won't have to go though the revert process.

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Answer 3

mende1

Level 10

93,624 points

Dec 19, 2014 5:38 AM in response to David Cun

As it gives you different Internet browsers names, I think it could be a "cookie", so I recommend you to delete all the data from Safari. To do this, open Safari and go to Safari menu (in the menu bar) -> Preferences -> Privacy, and press "Delete All Website Data". The message should not appear anymore.

The latest Safari version is 8.0.2, but Safari 5.1.10 is the most recent version for Snow Leopard. If you want a newer Safari version, you have to upgrade to a newer OS X version

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Answer 4

Dec 19, 2014 5:39 AM in response to David Cun

If you want to protect yourself against these attacks on your internet experience, install a free plugin like AdBlock: https://getadblock.com/

Inform yourself about AdBlock if you want to: https://www.internetsafetyproject.org/wiki/adblock-plus

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Answer 5

David Cun Author

Level 4

1,428 points

Dec 19, 2014 2:29 PM in response to Eric Root

I know I need to "get with the program" and maybe go to Yosemite, etc. I'm a slow adopter for upgrades. Naturally, I don't mind updates. I like 10.6.8, iTunes 10, Safari 5, etc. I guess I read too much into the negative comments and problems that I read here in Discussions from people upgrading the OS and apps. The fact that there is still a forum here for SL tells me something. The seeming fact that not many people are getting the messages about needing to update their browser...makes me wonder. Again, I'm almost certain they're legitimate messages; having to do with Flash or whatever. I do have the latest Flash update; but it's also just for Safari 5 I reckon.

One thing I got from checking apps in "About This Mac": I didn't think I had many, or any, PPC/classic apps. Seems I have a few more than I thought; a couple in semi-plain view and some "hidden". I'm going to clean those up. Thanks again for the replies!

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Answer 6

David Cun Author

Level 4

1,428 points

Dec 19, 2014 2:53 PM in response to David Cun

Another piddling example; and telling about what I do online sometimes. At www.change.org, I've signed petitions before. Now, with Safari the web site looks very bare-bones (text only; no graphics) and I'm unable to sign any petitions. No pops ups or messages when I click "Sign"; just doesn't work. I just tried with Firefox and got the usual full-featured web site. I think it might be related, as far as my question goes. BTW I've had AdBlock for quite some time.

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