Internet Explorer
From HowToGeek
Internet Explorer is Microsoft's web browser application used to access pages on the Internet. It has been integrated into all versions of Windows Operating Systems beginning with Windows 95.
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Overview
Internet Explorer (IE) is the most widely used browser in the world, with more than 70% marketshare.[1] About 50% of the readers of How-To Geek use IE, and 50% use Mozilla Firefox.
Features
Phishing Filter
Internet Explorer 7 and above have a built-in Phishing Filter, which attempts to detect fraudulent websites pretending to be another site in order to steal information.
Pop-up Blocking
Internet Explorer 7 and above introduced a Pop-Up blocker, which blocks the obnoxious and often dangerous pop-ups used by many disreputable websites.
RSS Reader
IE7 has a built-in RSS Reader to allow you to read updates from your favorite sites all in one place.
Add-ons
Since Internet Explorer version 7, IE can make use of Add-ons to extend the functionality of the browser. These add-ons can be managed from the Tools \ Manage Add-ons menu, where you can find new add-ons or manage previously installed add-ons.
History
In July 1995 Microsoft included Internet Explorer 1.0 with its release of Windows 95. Internet Explorer 2.0 was released in November of 1995. Version 2.0 actually included support for Apple Macintosh as well. Later in August of 1996 Microsoft released Internet Explorer 3.0 which integrated with Windows Media Player allowing the browser to display GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) files. Version 3.0 also allowed for MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) audio and Streaming Audio to be played from the browser. Internet Explorer 4.0 was released in 1997 for Windows 95, 98, and NT. This version included DHTML( Dynamic Hyper Text Markup Language) which allowed web developers to create more interactive websites. Internet Explorer 5.0 Was released in September of 1998. Internet Explorer 6.0 was finally released almost 3 years later in 2001 when Windows XP was launched. This version focused more on security than past versions. Security of IE6 was enhanced even with updates and Service Packs released by Microsoft. Internet Explorer 7 was released in late 2006 for Vista, XP SP2, and Server 2003. This version has several enhancements such as Tabbed Browsing, Streamlined User Interface, Instant Search Box, RSS Feeds, and more security including a Phishing Filter. Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 was released in March of 2008.
Controversy
Include the Netscape - Browser Wars Controversy here.
Alternate Browsers
Internet Explorer may be the most widely used browser, but it is by no means the only browser on the market. Other browsers have been gaining marketshare, including Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Safari.
Using Internet Explorer
There are several ways to use Internet Explorer for more than just surfing the Web.
Related How-To Geek Articles
Make CTRL+TAB Use Recent Order
References
See Also
