exploring the web with Windows IE (Microsoft Internet Explorer 8)

Member Name: ajbluestar

Product:	Microsoft Internet Explorer 8
Date:	31/10/09 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: established and well known web browser

Disadvantages: hasn't changed alot past few versions, more competitors now

Internet Explorer is still the internet browser of choice for many. It comes bundled with all Windows operating systems such as the new windows 7, Vista and Xp. Itis also available in formats for Macintosh computers and Unix systems as well as a mobile version.It is also an established brand and name in terms of how long it has been around and how many people actually use it.It has remained pretty dominant in terms of the market for web browsers. Recently there have been others to come on the market to try and rival Internet Explorer. These have included Mozilla Firefox and also more recently Google's own web browser Google Chrome.

The first version of Internet Explorer (IE) came out in 1995 with Windows 95. Since then there have been a number of different versions and the latest is Internet Explorer 8. During it's peak around 2002-03 Interent explorer had around 95% of all computers using the software to browse the internet. That is pretty much what you would call a monopoly.

Is it actually any good though? The answer is it is still pretty good but there are some issues such as security wise and also to do with the design and layout of the browser. I have pretty much used Internet Explorer all the time up to maybe a year ago when I decided I would also try out firefox. I think Firefox is also quite good and I do alternate between the two at times. Firefox wasn't always compatible with alot of sites before but now it is a recognised name and compatibility is alot better and also the security is very good.

In comparison Internet Explorer has not really changed alot in my opinion over the years. It has had pretty much the same layout for the past few versions. The options are mostly the same and the way to organise favourites and others is a little clumsy. Browsers are used more than ever by people now and they are very important. It is good that Microsft is facing competition from other brands such as Firefox and Google because they maybe seemed to think they were the only ones around for a while. I will still probably use Internet Explorer mostly but Firefox has given me another option. I have also downloaded Google Chrome but have yet to really use it to see if it is a real worthy compititor. Overall IE is a well establised and recognised browser but I think Microsoft need to work on it a bit more to make it faster and also add extra features to make it different and better than its competitors who have seemed to catch up with them recently.

Summary: needs to get better

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