If you run into a problem using a web site, one of the first questions you'll be asked is "What version of Internet Explorer are you running?" At first, you may be stumped because your program will just say "Internet Explorer", but finding the version is easy:
1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Press ALT+H and then click "About Internet Explorer".
You'll be able to see the version and cipher strength (SSL Encryption) you're using.
By the way, if you're running Firefox instead, using ALT+H will also give you the version number.
Updates to Internet Explorer are provided free of charge from Microsoft through Windows Updates. Keep in mind that staying up to date with the current version is highly recommended for full functionality and enhanced security. However, if you rely on web-based applications for running your business, always check with your vendor before making a major update to make sure they support the latest browser version.
The latest version is Internet Explorer 9.0, and you can download it and read about it on the Microsoft Web Site. The site has information about whats new in the latest version, and feature comparisons to other browsers.