You know how sometimes you desperately wait for a house guest to leave? Like you’d want nothing more from life but that. And when they do actually leave, it’s suddenly all bitter-sweet. You’re happy they’re gone, yes. But you’re also sad there’s no one to make faces at. Or crib about.
Well, the Internet Explorer was just that scapegoat in all of our lives.
In a recent statement, tech giant Microsoft announced plans to gradually phase out Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge Legacy from all its platforms. Beginning November 30 this year, users won’t be able to access Microsoft 365 apps and services on Internet Explorer (IE) 11. And even if you do, you’ll have to make do with a degraded experience, with few features going incognito. Similarly, March 9, 2021 onwards, the folks at Microsoft will also be terminating support for the Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop app. August 17, 2021 is when things finally come to a stop.
Sigh. Wanted this, wasn’t prepared for this eh?
The update also says that the investments made in IE 11, including apps, will continue to function. For those of us commoners who might find it difficult to make the switch, fret not. The IE 11 will be replaced by the Microsoft Edge.
Ugh. Wait, a replacement already? Brutal.
The Microsoft Edge comes, along with updated features for changing times, compatible with Microsoft Edge Legacy apps. The new browser is built on the Chromium open source engine.
But again, Microsoft has been considerate to those slow to change. Microsoft Edge will come along with an Internet Explorer mode. The Microsoft Edge browser will use the Trident MSHTML engine from Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) for legacy sites. While the IE mode will be able to support document modes, enterprise modes, f12 developer tools for IE, etc it won’t be as welcoming to hirtherto Internet Explorer toolbars and IE11 or Microsoft Edge F12 developer tools, amongst others.
Of the days gone by
Created by former Microsoft programmer and developer, Thomas Reardon, Internet Explorer first made an appearance in 1995. It was in 2002-03that the browser reached its peak in terms of global usage. In recent memory however, the browser made for tech conversations for not being able to catch up with the speed of newer browsers.
All in all, the tech update from Microsoft seems to be a welcome move. Especially with the speed, security, productivity, accuracy and compatibility promised by Microsoft Edge.
End of an era? Or the beginning of the meme game?
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