UPDATED
It’s official, as of today Internet Explorer (IE) users will need to start looking for a new browser as support for the remaining IE 8,9 and 10 has been discontinued by Microsoft. Without scheduled security updates and technical support, IE users are extremely susceptible to viruses, spyware and malicious software.
Microsoft’s decision to remove support from the older IE browsers is an attempt to move users to IE 11 and their newest browser Edge. Edge was released in July of last year, along with the launch of Windows 10. At this time, over 19% of users on the internet are still using IE 8,9 & 10, that represents around 340 million users worldwide. If you are one of them, today is the day to find a new browser.
Official Statement from Microsoft
“Beginning January 12, 2016, only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical supports and security updates. Without critical browser security updates, your PC may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware and other malicious software which can steal or damage your business data and information.”
What other browsers can you use?
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows 10. Edge has been praised for it’s rapid load times, it’s innovative note taking system and its security features.
Google Chrome (Hughes & Co. favourite)
This minimalist browser is fast, secure, smooth and comes from the most visited website on the web, Google. Chrome is supported by thousands of extensions and syncing capabilities that increase your efficiencies on the internet.
Firefox
Firefox is the choice browser by many PC leaders. This browser is known for its customization capabilities, security features, performance and in private browsing.
You must upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 or Edge
PC users who already use Chrome or Firefox should check which version of IE is installed on their computer. You'll want to ensure that your version of IE is upgraded to 11 or Edge. Microsoft developers issued a warning earlier this week, noting that PC's with IE 8,9, 10 are also vulnerable because of IE's strong integration within the Windows system.
Brief History of Internet Explorer
- Developed in 1995
- 11 versions between 1995-2013
- IE strongest years were between 2002-2005
- Internet Explorer held 94.43 % market share in 2003
- First released free of charge in August 1996
- Rebranded to Windows Internet Explore with version 7
- Project Spartan announced in September 2014, marked as the beginning of the death of IE
- Microsoft Edge released in July 2015
- January 12, 2016, support for Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10 officially discontinued
Now that Internet Explorer is dead, what browser will you choose?
