Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10 finally die in 2016
On the 12th January 2016, it marked the day of the death of Internet Explorer versions 8, 9, and 10. From now on, only the current version of Internet Explorer will be able to receive technical support and security updates. Microsoft has decided to no longer support their no-good offspring, so are cutting off their resources.
What does this mean for Internet Explorer users?
Well, if for some reason your browser of choice is an older version of Internet Explorer, then you’ll have to update. If you want to stick with Microsoft, then your choices are to update to version 11 of Internet Explorer, or its successor, Microsoft Edge. If you use IE, from 12 January you’ve probably been asked to follow the advice of the upgrade patch. This patch has now been encouraging (or some might say nagging) Internet Explorer users to upgrade to KB3123303 if you use Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2.
As mentioned, Internet Explorer 11 will continue to run. We suggest switching over to this browser if you are a loyal, Internet Explorer kind of person. Without the security upgrades and supporting patches from Microsoft for the earlier versions, your future browser security is severely compromised. Those who stick with the old IE browsers leave themselves vulnerable to all kinds of online skulduggery and hacking.
The other option is Microsoft Edge, which is built for those who use Windows 10 (you can find downloads for both via a search engine). Edge was designed to succeed Internet Explorer, and has a clean and intuitive browsing experience that many do not associate with Microsoft browsers. Edge has been getting great reviews all-round, but is it good enough to stop people from switching to a different browser altogether?
What does the death of the older versions of Internet Explorer mean for developers?
To put it simply, that their lives will be a little easier. Many modern programming languages like CSS are not compatible with Internet Explorer. This means that extra work was required to ensure software works on all spectrum of browsers. With Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10 dead and almost buried, it could be much easier for programmers to work in a space compatible with all browsers.
There are currently thought to be some several hundred million IE users who will be affected by this change. At iFactory, we can explain what Microsoft’s removal of support for some Internet Explorer browsers means for you, as well as what this means for your web design and development. Contact us to discuss any questions you have about how to succeed in today’s digital landscape. We have some of the best web design Brisbane has to offer.
