What is Web Explorer Browser?
The Web Explorer Browser, commonly known as Internet Explorer, is a web browser developed by Microsoft. It was first released in 1995 and quickly became one of the most popular web browsers in the world. Over the years, Internet Explorer has undergone several updates and improvements, but it has faced intense competition from other browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. Despite its decline in market share, Internet Explorer still holds a significant position in the web browsing landscape, especially in corporate environments.
History and Evolution
The history of Internet Explorer dates back to 1995 when it was introduced as part of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Initially, it was called Internet Explorer 1 and was only available for Windows 95. Over the years, Microsoft has released numerous versions of Internet Explorer, each bringing new features and improvements. Some of the notable versions include Internet Explorer 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Internet Explorer 3, released in 1996, was the first version to support ActiveX controls, which allowed for more interactive web pages. Internet Explorer 4, released in 1997, introduced features like the Favorites bar, tabbed browsing, and the Internet Explorer Channel bar. Internet Explorer 5, released in 1999, brought innovations like the integrated search box and support for CSS.
However, the browser faced criticism for its slow performance, security vulnerabilities, and lack of standards compliance. In response, Microsoft released Internet Explorer 7 in 2006, which introduced features like a phishing filter, improved security, and better standards compliance. Despite these improvements, the browser continued to lose market share to competitors.
Features and Capabilities
Internet Explorer offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a versatile web browser. Some of the key features include:
1. Tabbed Browsing: Users can open multiple web pages in separate tabs within a single browser window, allowing for easy navigation and organization.
2. Address Bar: The address bar provides a quick way to enter URLs or search for information using search engines.
3. Favorites: Users can save and organize their favorite websites for easy access.
4. Privacy and Security: Internet Explorer includes features like a privacy filter, phishing filter, and secure browsing to protect users from malicious websites and online threats.
5. Compatibility View: This feature allows users to view websites designed for older versions of Internet Explorer, ensuring a seamless browsing experience.
6. Add-ons: Users can extend the functionality of Internet Explorer by installing various add-ons, such as ad blockers, password managers, and language translation tools.
Market Share and Future
As of now, Internet Explorer’s market share has significantly declined compared to its peak in the early 2000s. According to StatCounter, Internet Explorer’s global market share was around 2.4% as of April 2021. This decline can be attributed to the rise of other browsers like Google Chrome, which has become the most popular web browser worldwide.
Despite its declining market share, Internet Explorer still maintains a presence in corporate environments, where it is often used due to compatibility with legacy systems and enterprise applications. Microsoft has also continued to support Internet Explorer, releasing updates and security patches to ensure its stability and security.
Looking ahead, Microsoft has announced that Internet Explorer will be phased out in favor of Microsoft Edge, a new web browser that offers improved performance, security, and compatibility. Microsoft Edge is based on the Chromium engine, which powers Google Chrome and other popular browsers. As a result, Internet Explorer users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Edge for a better web browsing experience.
In conclusion, the Web Explorer Browser, or Internet Explorer, has played a significant role in the history of web browsing. While it has faced intense competition and a decline in market share, it still holds a place in the web browsing landscape, particularly in corporate environments. With the introduction of Microsoft Edge, users can expect a more modern and secure web browsing experience in the future.
