Internet Explorer: Popular Web Browser from Microsoft

August 25, 2024 3 min read Information Technology Science and Technology Web Browser Microsoft Internet Software Technology

Internet Explorer is a widely-used web browser developed by Microsoft, available for free download. It has played a significant role in the evolution and widespread adoption of internet technology.

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Internet Explorer (IE) is a notable web browser developed by Microsoft, available for free download from http://www.microsoft.com. It has been influential in the development of web technology and the internet as a whole.

Overview

Internet Explorer, often abbreviated as IE, has been a staple in the web browsing market since its inception. Initially released in 1995, it became a default browser for Microsoft Windows operating systems and gained significant usage share.

Historical Context

Initial Release: 1995, included with the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95.
Expansion: Quickly gained market share, becoming the dominant browser in the early 2000s.
Decline: Faced competition from other browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, leading to a gradual decline in users.
End of Life: Officially discontinued in favor of Microsoft Edge on June 15, 2022.

Development and Features

Initial Development

IE was initially developed based on the code from Spyglass Mosaic, licensed from Spyglass, Inc. The early versions were integrated into the Windows operating system, making it widely accessible.

Key Features

Tabbed Browsing: Introduced in IE 7, allowing users to open multiple webpages in a single window.
Security Enhancements: Various security features such as SmartScreen Filter to detect phishing sites and malware.
Developer Tools: Built-in tools for web developers to inspect and debug web pages.

Technical Specifications

Rendering Engine: Trident (MSHTML), used for rendering web pages.
Browser Versions: Several versions released, with IE 11 being the last official version.

Usage Impact

IE played a crucial role in making the internet accessible to a broader audience. Its integration with Windows OS was key in its widespread adoption, firmly embedding web browsing into everyday computing.

Comparisons with Other Browsers

Mozilla Firefox: Known for its speed and flexibility, gained popularity due to its open-source nature.
Google Chrome: Introduced in 2008, is favored for its speed, simplicity, and robust performance, contributing to IE’s decline.

Web Browser: A software application for accessing information on the World Wide Web.
Microsoft Edge: The successor to IE, built on the Chromium engine, offering improved speed, security, and compatibility.
Trident: The layout engine used by IE for rendering web pages.

FAQs

Can Internet Explorer still be used?

Although officially discontinued, Internet Explorer can still be used on some systems but is no longer supported with security updates.

How do I switch from IE to another browser?

You can download and install other browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox from their respective websites.

What are the main differences between IE and Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge offers better performance, enhanced security features, and is built on the Chromium engine, making it more compatible with modern web standards.

References

Microsoft. “Internet Explorer End of Life.” Microsoft Support. Accessed June 15, 2022. Microsoft IE Support
“History of Internet Explorer.” Wikipedia. Accessed August 24, 2024. Wikipedia Article

Summary

Internet Explorer (IE) is a significant web browser in the history of the internet. Developed by Microsoft and released in 1995, it was a dominant force in web browsing. Although officially discontinued, its legacy continues with its successor, Microsoft Edge. IE played a vital role in popularizing web technology, contributing to the digital era we live in today.