According to our website usage reports, some of you are still using old web browsers, and I figured that today is the perfect day to encourage you to upgrade your browsing experience.

Both Microsoft and Mozilla have recently come out with new browsers that promise better security and advanced features. These next-generation browsers make safe internet browsing a lot easier, with safeguards designed to help prevent you from accidentally infecting your computer with spyware or viruses, and to help you surf the web more efficiently.

I use Mozilla FireFox both at work and at home, because it adheres to web standards better than Internet Explorer, is much more customizable, is less vulnerable to common internet insecurities, and seems to work a little bit faster than IE (at least in my experience). I highly recommend that you download it and give it a try!



If you don't feel like trying something new, you should seriously consider upgrading your version of Internet Explorer. Microsoft has just released version 7.0, which they claim is "a major step forward in ease of use and security," and initial reviews seem to support this statement. You can download the new version here, but be warned that you need to have Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 to install it. (FireFox has no such requirement)

-Andy

Wow, it's been a long time since I've blogged, so I'll try to catch you up on what's happening. We've been tightening down our coupon code features at Step2.com, which means we've been creating a few new specials here and there. Want to find out about them? Most of them get advertised through our twice-a-month email newsletter, so that's a good place to start. Others may show up in our ads in various magazines, including Parenting, Parents, and WonderTime.

But saving you money isn't all we've been up to. We've also started shipping some popular new products such as the Grand Walk-In Kitchen and the Choo Choo Wagon. We've brought back a few old items for short runs (the Snow Runner and Bobsled Racer), and we're continuing development on next year's new toys. Honestly, I can't tell you more, but I do know that one in particular is going to be wildly popular. In fact, I find myself wishing that I had one as a kid! You'll get more details as we get closer to production.

Things are starting to pick up for the Christmas season, and as always we recommend that you place your orders as early as possible. As hard as we try to get those last-minute orders out in time, every year there's a few people who just wait too long. Don't be one of them! Plus, this year we have limited quantities on some of our new and re-released items (including every product I've listed above), so don't wait until they're gone.

That's all for now, but check back soon for more news!

-Andy