Internet Explorer… seriously?
If you're still using Internet Explorer, especially older versions, then this article is for you. So read on, we're here to help and do our part to make the web a better place to spend an inordinate amount of your free time.
We readily admit that Internet Explorer has gotten better over the years. Better, however, does not necessarily mean better/ Regardless of its staggeringly slow sprint into the modern era, it's still by far the worst of all the browsers available. There's really no comparison to more modern browsers such as Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome. It's buggy to say the least. It still hasn't complied with modern web standards. It requires hacks galore to make websites look and work similar to the more modern and compliant browsers.
What's truly surprising is the prevelance of much older versions of Internet Explorer, especially version 6. It continues to occupy a large market share of the web viewing public. Not only is this version of IE nearly 10 years old (ancient in terms of technology growth) but in terms of end-user experience it pales in comparison to other readily available browsers. Not only does it pose a potential security risk but it renders text shabbily and loads web pages slower than Microsoft updates its products.
So why not switch?
If you happen to be one of the numerous users still using Internet Explorer 7 or below, we encourage you to switch. Or at least upgrade to IE8. If you're unable to make the change due to computer operating system restrictions we completely understand. If on the other hand you're hanging on because you hate change, shame on you. Firefox is free. Opera is free. Google Chrome is free. It takes about five minutes or less to download and install (unless you're still on dial up… uggh!). And in the end your web viewing experience will vastly improve. You'll see sites the way they're meant to be seen. Heck, maybe even your own.
Tips at a Glance…
Why you should switch…
- Internet Explorer could pose a security risk to your computer
- Internet Explorer renders more slowly than other more modern browsers
- Internet Explorer renders text poorly
- Other browsers aren't hindered by proprietary licensing. They're Open Source, which translates to free. Updates and improvements happen quickly due to the large number of talented individuals working behind-the-scenes.
- Switching is easy, fast, and free.
Update: 9/3/11
Okay, so the rant still stands for older versions of Internet Explorer. Folks still use them even when they they shouldn't. Internet Explorer 9 is slowly gaining in popularity. It fixes a good portion of what its predecessors couldn't get right. It still isn't perfect but then what is. But in terms of security, text and page rendering, and overall experience we'd give it a B+. So if you're a die-hard Internet Explorer advocate and can't see yourself switching, at least upgrade to the latest and greatest version. You won't regret the 5 minutes it'll take to do so.
Browsers we recommend as replacements
