What is MS Internet Explorer?
MS Internet Explorer, commonly known as Internet Explorer, is a web browser developed by Microsoft. It was first released in 1995 and quickly became one of the most popular web browsers in the world. Over the years, Internet Explorer has undergone several updates and versions, each bringing new features and improvements to enhance the user experience.
Internet Explorer was designed to provide users with a fast and efficient way to access the internet. It allowed users to browse websites, view web pages, and interact with web-based applications. The browser supported various internet standards and protocols, making it compatible with a wide range of websites and online services.
History and Evolution of MS Internet Explorer
Since its inception, MS Internet Explorer has gone through several iterations, with each version introducing new features and improvements. Here is a brief overview of the key milestones in its history:
1. Internet Explorer 1.0 (1995): The first version of Internet Explorer was released in 1995 as a part of the Windows 95 operating system. It provided basic web browsing capabilities and was a significant competitor to the popular Netscape Navigator at the time.
2. Internet Explorer 2.0 (1995): This version introduced support for Java applets and improved security features. It also added support for ActiveX controls, allowing for more interactive web experiences.
3. Internet Explorer 3.0 (1996): The third version of Internet Explorer introduced the Internet Explorer shell, which provided a more integrated and consistent user interface across different applications. It also included support for HTML 3.2 and improved CSS support.
4. Internet Explorer 4.0 (1997): This version introduced the Internet Explorer Favorites feature, which allowed users to save and organize their favorite websites. It also included support for Active Desktop, which allowed users to customize their desktop with web content.
5. Internet Explorer 5.0 (1999): The fifth version of Internet Explorer introduced tabbed browsing, making it easier for users to switch between multiple websites. It also included improved support for web standards and enhanced security features.
6. Internet Explorer 6.0 (2001): This version was widely criticized for its lack of security and support for web standards. It became a target for numerous security vulnerabilities and was eventually phased out by Microsoft.
7. Internet Explorer 7.0 (2006): The seventh version of Internet Explorer introduced a new user interface and improved security features. It also included better support for web standards, making it more compatible with modern websites.
8. Internet Explorer 8.0 (2009): This version continued to improve on web standards support and introduced a number of new features, such as InPrivate browsing and SmartScreen Filter.
9. Internet Explorer 9.0 (2011): The ninth version of Internet Explorer focused on performance and hardware acceleration. It also introduced a more minimalist user interface and improved support for HTML5 and CSS3.
10. Internet Explorer 11 (2013): The final version of Internet Explorer, released in 2013, included improved touch support and continued to enhance web standards support. However, Microsoft announced that it would no longer develop new features for Internet Explorer and would focus on its new browser, Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Edge: The Future of Web Browsing
In 2015, Microsoft launched Microsoft Edge, a new web browser designed to replace Internet Explorer. Edge is built on a new rendering engine called EdgeHTML and offers improved performance, security, and compatibility with modern web standards. It also includes features like annotation tools, a reading mode, and a built-in PDF reader.
While Internet Explorer has been a significant part of the web browsing landscape for many years, Microsoft Edge represents the company’s commitment to providing users with a more secure and efficient browsing experience. As Microsoft continues to develop and improve Edge, it is likely that Internet Explorer will eventually be phased out entirely.
