Internet Explorer has never exactly been a beloved browser, but it enjoys an advantage as the default browser on PCs. Millions of people log in every day using a version of IE. But as of next week, they’re officially out in the cold as far as Microsoft is concerned.
Tuesday marks the last round of bug fixes for Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10. Even 11 is considered a “legacy” product, which means that Microsoft is only keeping it around because so many people use it. They’re taking the unusual step of announcing an “End of Life” for the last few iterations of IE as well, which will no doubt lead to more than a little confusion on Facebook.
You can still use the browser after next Tuesday, of course, but you’ll be doing so at your own risk. Microsoft won’t be providing any security updates or bug fixes, and as time goes on, that will mean your browser is more vulnerable to attacks. Microsoft, of course, would prefer that you start using Windows 10 and Microsoft Edge, or perhaps at the very least upgrade to Internet Explorer 11.
This has been a long, long time coming. Internet Explorer is still technically the dominant browser, but nearly half of its users are using Internet Explorer 8. Internet Explorer is so universally disliked, a website bought its customers new computers rather than deal with old versions of it. And now it can ride off into the sunset, as Edge steps forward to be the new browser you use to check sports scores at work.
(Via The Verge)