Internet Explorer, the gateway to the internet, or so it was back in the day is anything but now. Currently, there are several decent browsers that can get you to the same place faster, safer and easier. With an unbiased approach, I will look into the reasons why IE has and is beginning to fail. From CSS interpretations to memory usage IE has gone downhill.

Over the years Microsoft has prided itself in bringing technology and service to use who aren’t as fortunate to have the resources to do it ourselves. However, over the years, it seems that Microsoft has strayed from this path and has gone down a more adventitious avenue seeking more fame than actual usability and safety.

CSS Interpretations

CSS is a programming language that is basically a theming language. Instead of using HTML to define layouts and colors, you can go one step further and use CSS to do that for you. IE is basically in a league of its own. When attempting to design websites using CSS, web designers must take extra caution to not only check major browsers like Opera, Firefox, Safari and now Chrome but Internet Explorer.

IE, unlike all the others which read the code fairly the same way, interprets code differently. You could have Firefox read a code one way and show it that way and have Internet Explorer ignore it or use it in a different way. This not only costs businesses time and money but it causes frustration and long nights on the part of the designer. In some cases, designers are required to make two totally different websites (redirecting based on browser) to accommodate Internet Explorer and the other browsers.

Memory Usage

Memory usage has been a big problem lately with a lot of browsers. From Firefox having memory leaks to Internet Explorer not being able to keep it away can be a problem. When running multiple instances of IE, it can be costly to your computer. I am not talking about hurting it really, but just using resources that could be used elsewhere for other things you are doing opposite of surfing the net. Next time you are running a couple IE windows, check out the usage, it might surprise you.

Customizing

Although there are various addons to IE, it is nothing like Firefox. Firefox has a massive database of user-made and staff-made addons which improve your surfing. IE, needs to wake up and smell the fresh air because it is still breathing in that old musty stench from last year when nothing was “For the user, by the user”. The people want to be able to find what they want for their common problems. By giving the reins to small time developers, we are able to find solutions quickly to common problems rather than wait for some guy to make it for us in an office building. Frankly speaking, by giving the ropes to common people and giving them the opportunity to make something great (Firefox) then you create a community that loves to advance itself to new levels (for free).

Customer Service?

I don’t even think they have it. To be quite honest, with all the things going on now from the SQL Server problems to the hole in their security, I don’t think they have what it takes to plug all the holes in their program. I will leave this open ended because there is too much to be said here and too many stories that can be told and it would just take too much time.

Hacking

Coupled with general security, this begs the question, “Has Internet Explorer ever been safe?”. Folks, to answer your question, No, it has not. In light of the recent incident where IE has had a security breech, they have released statements confirming the fact that this breech is current in all the browsers dating back all the way to ‘95. Internet Explorer, in my own opinion, cannot be trusted anymore with my personal finances at risk. Once is enough for me to hit the road and never come back. I believe, everyone should switch to a faster, safer and more compatible browser with fewer risks than Internet Explorer.

Through fact and experiences I have realized that Internet Explorer is not in any means the best browser anymore. From security to customization this browser is lacking in all areas of necessity. If Microsoft doesn’t clean up their act right now and fix these problems and concerns then they won’t have an audience to use their browser anymore. However, I do suggest, after reading this article, you form your own opinion through your own experiences and take this advice for what you wish. My advice is to switch now before something does happen and stay safer. In my next article, I will go into the benefits of various other browsers against that of the issues I have listed here.

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