Microsoft is ‘killing’ this 28-year-old app on Windows, and users everywhere are wondering how they will be affected. The software giant has announced that it will be discontinuing its Internet Explorer (IE) web browser, which has been an integral part of the Windows operating system since its inception.
For many, the news of IE’s decline comes as no surprise. Over the years, the browser has faced fierce competition from more modern alternatives such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft’s own Edge browser. Due to its sluggish performance, numerous security vulnerabilities, and lack of support for modern web standards, IE has been gradually losing its user base.
Microsoft has been nudging users towards its Edge browser for a while now. With the release of Windows 10, the company even replaced IE with Edge as the default browser. However, IE remained available for users who needed to access legacy websites or applications that were built specifically for the outdated browser.
Now, Microsoft has announced that support for IE will end on June 15, 2022, effectively marking the end of an era. This decision has significant implications for individuals and businesses that heavily rely on the browser.
One of the key issues is compatibility. Many older websites and web-based applications were designed to work seamlessly on Internet Explorer. These applications may not function properly on modern browsers like Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, leading to potential disruptions for users who rely on them for their work or personal use.
To address this concern, Microsoft is introducing a new feature called ‘Internet Explorer mode’ in its Edge browser. This mode allows users to access legacy websites that require Internet Explorer to function correctly. It essentially acts as a compatibility layer, enabling users to continue using the older applications.
Despite this effort, some experts believe that transitioning away from Internet Explorer will still pose challenges for certain organizations. In some cases, companies may have to invest significant resources into updating or replacing their web-based systems to ensure compatibility with modern browsers. This transition could be expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive for businesses that rely on IE-dependent applications.
For individuals, the impact may be less pronounced. Most people have already migrated to alternative browsers, leaving IE behind due to its reputation for being slow and outdated. However, there will still be users who rely on IE for specific tasks, such as accessing certain government websites or using specialized web applications.
Microsoft’s decision to discontinue Internet Explorer reflects the company’s focus on modernizing its browser offerings and improving overall web experiences. By encouraging users to switch to Edge, Microsoft hopes to provide a more secure, faster, and user-friendly browsing experience.
While the demise of Internet Explorer may cause inconvenience for some users, especially organizations that have not yet transitioned away from the aging browser, it ultimately signals a step forward in the evolution of web browsers. It highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with technology and embracing more efficient and secure alternatives.
As Microsoft ‘kills’ this 28-year-old app, it’s important for users to embrace the change and adapt to newer, more advanced browsers. The transition may require some adjustments, but ultimately, it will result in a better web experience for everyone.
