I have a Macintosh and have switch to Apple's Safari browser. Safari requires Mac OS 10.2 or higher to operate. This browser is a huge improvement over anything that has been previously available for the Mac. I also have a very fast cable connection that helps everything work smoothly.
Microsoft has announced that they will no longer develop internet browsers for the Macintosh, so IE 5.2 will be the last version available from them. Good riddance in my opinion as Safari 1.0 is in another league compared to IE 5.2.
If your computer will allow (or if you can possibly afford it), I highly recommend switching to OS 10.2. This is a MAJOR upgrade from even OS 10.1. Everything moves faster and it is VERY stable (no overall system crashes). Also, I like the new address book and mail applications that are available only for 10.2 users. OS 10.3 is due out by the end of 2003 and will have still more improvements. Since your newest computer is running only 9.04, I would suggest a computer upgrade. You would not need the newest Macs to run OS 10.2, but perhaps one newer than you current computer. A business lease on a new Mac G5, or a soon-to-be-replaced Mac G4 may be an attractive option.
If you decide to upgrade your computer be sure to budget for updates for all your essential application software. Make a back-up of all of your files since you should be able to use an edit all of them on the new system. If you upgrade, resist the temptation to use Mac Classic, the version of OS 9 that runs under OS X. I have found that all of my applications now have updates that run much faster and better in OS X and I do not even have Classic (OS 9) installed. Also, If you choose to go with a cable modem, you will be able to set up an ethernet network so that all of your Mac computers will be able to use the same cable modem.
The current generation of Mac OS software can be set to search for updates automatically. This generally works best with a cable or DSL modem since the updates sometimes run in the tens of megabytes. I think this update system started on OS 9.1 or 9.2. This keeps your computer up to date, and perhaps more importantly, more secure. When a defect in the security or operation of an Apple program is found, the system will notify you that an update is available. The updates are free and you always have the option to download or not. These are minor system updates so, for instance, this online system would not update from OS 10.2 to OS 10.3. That will require a purchase that you would have to make separately. Programs free from Apple can be updated automatically using this system. For example when a Safari 1.0 update is available, I will be able to download it free of charge using the system update feature since Apple does not charge for this program. Some third party programs also use a version of this update system, although they will sometimes charge for their updates. All of these can be set to check for updates periodically: every month, week, day, etc.
OS 10.2 also has a (free) program called iChat that will allow instant messaging. It should work with all of your instant messaging friends that are still trying to use AOL. Apple also has a beta version of iChat called iChat AV that will allow the use of video an audio. You can read about it here: http://www.apple.com/ichat/
