Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 6 browser, now ten years old, has been the bane of many web developers over the past years and has hung around far beyond its shelf life and expiry date.
Microsoft is now making a final push to eradicate the aged browser from the web and PC systems worldwide, asking “Friends don’t let friends use Internet Explorer 6.” They have even set up a website, IE6 Countdown, to help eradicate the browser.
The Legacy of Internet Explorer 6
Internet Explorer 6 was released in August 2001, and at the time, it was a significant step forward in web browsing technology. It introduced several new features, such as improved support for CSS, better security features, and enhanced user interface elements. However, as the web evolved, IE6 quickly became outdated. Its lack of support for modern web standards made it a headache for developers who had to create workarounds to ensure their websites functioned correctly on the browser.
Despite its shortcomings, IE6 remained in use for many years, primarily because it was bundled with Windows XP, one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems. Many businesses and organizations standardized on IE6, making it difficult to transition to newer browsers without significant effort and cost.
Microsoft’s Efforts to Phase Out IE6
Microsoft’s new website has been created to track the fall in installed IE6 browsers worldwide and went live on the 4th of March. The site also has lots of tools and links that website owners can add to their sites to help kill off the final IE6 installs by notifying the owners and users to upgrade to the latest IE version.
The IE6 Countdown website provides a wealth of resources for both users and developers. For users, it offers clear instructions on how to upgrade to a more modern browser, whether it’s a newer version of Internet Explorer or an alternative like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. For developers, the site provides banners and scripts that can be added to websites to alert visitors still using IE6 that it’s time to upgrade.
However, if users are still using Microsoft XP OS, which is very common, they are stuck with IE6 and will not be able to update to IE9 but only IE8. This limitation is due to the fact that IE9 and later versions are not compatible with Windows XP. As a result, users on this older operating system are encouraged to consider upgrading their entire OS to benefit from the latest browser technologies and security features.
The push to eliminate IE6 is not just about improving the web experience for users; it’s also about enhancing security. IE6 is known for its numerous security vulnerabilities, which have been exploited by malicious actors over the years. By moving users to more modern browsers, Microsoft aims to reduce the risk of security breaches and protect users’ data.
In addition to the IE6 Countdown website, Microsoft has been working with large organizations and governments to facilitate the transition away from IE6. These efforts include providing technical support and resources to help these entities upgrade their systems and ensure compatibility with newer browsers.
The campaign to retire IE6 has seen significant success in recent years. According to the IE6 Countdown website, the global usage of IE6 has dropped dramatically, with many countries reporting usage rates below 1%. This decline is a testament to the combined efforts of Microsoft, developers, and users to move towards a more modern and secure web.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the days of IE6 are numbered. The web continues to evolve, and with it, the tools and technologies we use to access it. By saying goodbye to IE6, we can embrace a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly web experience for everyone.
Via IE6 Countdown
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