In a perfect world, Internet Explorer simply wouldn’t exist. But the browser that comes pre-installed on every copy of Windows doesn’t fall short of having some admirable features. Here are the top 10 reasons to love Internet Explorer:

1. <!–[if IE]>non-standard CSS goes here<![endif]–>

Who needs CSS standards when you have IE standards? At least someone was brilliant enough to think of this.

2. Pop-up Blocking

Internet Explorer has the awing ability to block some pop-ups while simultaneously creating a few of its own (shown below).

3. Patch Tuesday

Rest assured that any security issues found in IE will conveniently have an available fix on the second Tuesday of each month. Besides, without Patch Tuesday, we wouldn’t have exploit Wednesday.

4. Adaptability

See something you like in another browser? With IE’s ability to adapt to intuitive ideas (e.g., tabs, rss), you can be sure that you’ll see your favorite features in the browser’s next release.

5. Tediously attentive development cycles

Why rush a good thing? Every version of IE was released roughly 2 years after its previous; however, Internet Explorer 7 took a little over 5 years to complete. This ensures that the users receive a quality, well-designed browser, that will last into the following decade, as we wait for the next Microsoft OS to be released.

6. Time saving extension selection

If you’re as tired as I am of having to browse through Mozilla’s long list of extensions and plug-in’s, you’re going to love this one. Internet Explorer has tightened up its add-ons, offering only a select few (which can be sorted by price); this not only saves time for the user, but guarantees that your add-on will meet Microsoft’s exacting standards.

7. Gateway to Windows Update

What other browser can offer access to Windows Update? Surely not mine.

8. ActiveX and Active Scripting

ActiveX and Active Scripting allows web designers and hackers alike to create powerful applications for your browser in virtually any programming language. It’s the gateway to malware and spyware for the 21st century!

9. OS integration and compatibility

What would a browser be without its ability to closely interact and integrate itself with your operating system?

OS integration ensures that older systems will be forced  to upgrade their operating system if they want to upgrade their browser. In addition, no multiple versions of IE can be installed on the same machine (without a heavy workaround); this forces web developers to design for the latest version of IE while aiding the Internet in quickly adopting Web 1.9 standards.

10. Consistency and variety

If nothing else, you must love Internet Explorer for its consistent loss in market share and variety of alternatives.

Related:

Microsoft officially announces Internet Explorer 9

Firefox leads in browser vulnerabilities

Internet Explorer 8 beta 2 to be available August 20

Gap closing between Mozilla’s Firefox and Internet Explorer in SMB market

uTest finds Internet Explorer is worst browser

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Entry was posted on Monday, June 18th, 2007 at 7:54 am under Uncategorized.

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