A while back we explained why the time is right to move to Internet Explorer 8. If you didn't follow our suggestion to adopt the browser, here's some added incentive: For every IE8 download between now and August 8, Microsoft will donate money to local food banks.

This promotion is part of Microsoft's Browser for the Better campaign, which, in partnership with Feeding America, helps out schoolchildren who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year but not over the summer.

Here's a bit more info from the Windows Experience Blog:

For every completed download of Internet Explorer 8 through the Browser for the Better Web site, [Microsoft] will donate the financial equivalent of 8 meals to Feeding America's network of 206 local food banks. These food banks supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year!

So if you've put off your IE8 test-drive, now's the time to get started. While you're at it, download the browser on your home PC(s) as well. Just make sure you get it via the Browser for the Better site so the donation gets made.

You can gripe about Microsoft all you want, but philanthropic efforts like this deserve thanks and support. Well done, Microsoft!

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