The Issue With Using Internet Explorer As Your Browser

Everyone searches online. When you do, you are using a web browser or application to access and view website files. Often, when you look on your phone or computer, it has a default browser. If you have current or updated equipment, chances are you're using Google Chrome. It's one of the latest, fastest, and most recommended way to view sites. Besides its ability to load and display pages quickly, it offers a variety of cool functions like the ability to easily drag tabs in and out of separate windows. Just like the name implies, it's a super shiny version of Google.

Check out the percentage of users per browser below. Of course, this was found using Google Chrome so it might be a bit biased. However, it's comparable to most of the stats out there:

Google Chrome (59.69%)

Safari (13.85%)

UC Browser (7.03%)

FireFox (5.03%)

Opera (3.35%)

Internet Explorer (3.01%)

You'll see that Safari is #2 on this list. That's because older iPhone models default to Safari, but Chrome is still an option.

Problems arise when what should be considered a two-letter swear word, Internet Explorer (IE) gets involved. Many are very familiar with IE and its logo because it was the default browser for many of our old computers and laptops. In addition, many old programs were built to open in IE, which causes many problems and accounts for the small percentage of people still using the outdated browser.

• Unlike newer browsers, IE doesn't update itself. You have to update it manually. Most of those who have old laptops and work equipment are browsing in old versions of IE that won't/don't work to display websites properly.
• Issues using the browser are deep and wide. Even the updates that became available only patched a long-time problem. It has never been ideal.
• In 2018, they issued an emergency update, as they found that IE had a remote vulnerability that could enable someone to gain the same privileges as the current logged-in user and have the ability to add and remove programs, view or change data, or create new user accounts with full administrator rights.
• This, coupled with a decade of dysfunction, led Microsoft to discontinue the browser as of IE11 and replace it with EDGE.

Microsoft says Internet Explorer is now merely "a compatibility solution" rather than a web browser. The company also warns IE users that they are not supporting new web standards for it, and they must move to modern browsers.

Bottom line, it's risky to use IE. Companies need to remove it from their equipment and educate their employees. Individuals need to download Chrome and delete IE off of their devices. It will not only distort your view of websites but could also pose a risk to your system's security. Want to learn more? Google it. Just please use Chrome this time.