There are a few reasons why websites don't always look the same when viewed from different computers, but the main reason is differences in browsers. Whether you're interested in seeing what other people see when they look at your site or simply finding a better browser for your personal use, check out these resources to find out more about the different browsers available out there.

Browsers | Feature Comparisons | Rendering Services | Plugins & Add-ons

Popular Browsers

• Mozilla Firefox - An internet browser application from Mozilla currently used by roughly 20% of internet users. Personally, it is my favorite browser because of it's intuitive controls, early support of tabbed browsing, wide array of available customizations and high degree of personalization capabilities. The latest release, version 4.0 gave it support for HTML 5 as well as a drastic speed boost and a few other refinements.
• Microsoft Internet Explorer - This link is on this website mainly to help those of you still using Internet Explorer 6 or 7 to upgrade to a newer version. Internet Explorer is currently used by roughly 40% of internet users & is the only browser that comes pre-installed on most PCs. Unfortunately, the only version of this browser that supports HTML 5 is Internet Explorer 9, which is only available if you're using the Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system. The most recent version available for Windows XP users is Internet Explorer 8.
• Apple Safari - A browser application from Apple. Although you probably already have this installed if you're on a Macintosh computer, you may be surprised to know this browser is also available for PC. Currently, Safari is used by roughly 9% of internet users.
• Google Chrome - Google's feature-packed entry into the browser arena. It is currently used by roughly 9% of internet users but is quickly gaining marketshare.
• Opera - A lesser-known browser with an impressive set of features and functionality currently used by roughly 1% of internet users.

Browser Feature Comparisons

• Comparison of Web Browsers - a fairly comprehensive (although technical & data-oriented) compilation of all the browsers and what features/technologies they support.
• StatOwl.com - A comprehensive resource for finding different browser and plugin usage statistics.
• HTML 5 Browser Support - An easy-to-read overview of which browsers support which HTML 5 features.

Rendering Services

• Adobe Browser Lab - Have you ever wondered what your site shows up like on someone else's computer? Enter Adobe Browser Lab. This service will show you how your site renders in all of the major browsers for Windows and Mac. Additionally, the screenshots that are rendered can be viewed side-by-side or layered over each other so that you can easily detect discrepancies. While differences that arise from the use of individual browser plugins, toolbars, or settings will not be accounted for, this is still an extremely useful service for the testing and debugging part of the web development process.
• NetRenderer - If you find yourself wondering how to see what a site looks like in an older version of Internet explorer, but don't have a subscription to Adobe Browserlab, this site is a great way to do just that.

Browser Plugins & Add-ons

• Adobe Acrobat Reader - Again, one of those applications that you probably already have installed, but very useful for browsing documents online, so I'm listing it here anyways.
• Adobe Flash Player - A VERY popular browser plugin, but not quite as universal as the "Adobe Acrobat Reader" plugin, this browser plugin allows you to view animations and interactive website applications on many sites.
• Firefox Add-Ons - These free enhancements give you the ability to customize Firefox to suit your individual needs. Whether you're a web developer looking for tools that will help you design sites or a parent looking to control the content that your child sees online, you're sure to find add-ons that will make Firefox a more enjoyable browser experience.
• Firebug Add-on for Firefox - While most of the newer browsers have some form of tool built in for website developers to test and debug their code, the Firebug add-on for Mozilla Firefox remains one of the most fully-featured. With Firebug, you can debug and edit the HTML, CSS and Javascript of any page and see how your changes affect the page as you're making them. A priceless tool for developers.
• Easy YouTube Video Downloader Add-on for Firefox - The easiest way to download YouTube videos to your computer.
• FlashGot Add-on for Firefox - Instantly download all of the links/movies/audio clips contained within a page's flash content with a single click.
• Firefox Personas - Add a touch of your own style and personality to your Firefox browser with over 35,000 different available personas.