Web browser that offers enhanced privacy and security options as well as better performance
Web browser that offers enhanced privacy and security options as well as better performance
Popular programs in Web browsers
What is Internet Explorer 9
As Microsoft’s answer to viewing the World Wide Web, Internet Explorer 9 launched in March 2011. This was a watershed moment, as Microsoft finally started to fix many of the problems inherent in the previous versions. Since the browser came on to the scene in the mid 90s, the browser had been at the forefront of pushing the Internet experience. That had lagged with previous versions, but Microsoft finally started to get it right with this entry.
A new Era
One of the best features of the browser is the fact it uses Hardware acceleration to keep it stable. The previous versions of IE were slow and cumbersome, with the speed of Google’s Chrome browser surpassing it on every level. The added hardware acceleration makes sure IE 9 uses the resources of the computer to remain zippy in all areas.
Interfaced User
The user interface finally gets a huge overhaul in IE 9. This UI reflects the leaps and bounds that other browsers have experienced in recent years. There is a way to minimize the chrome, or unused portions, of the browser until it is almost unnoticeable. It is easy to get the browser to look like a modern program without much issue. Tabs also play a major part in making this possible, since the implementation is no longer cumbersome.
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Unfortunately, not all is good with this version of IE. With all the positive changes, it seems that Microsoft is content to hang on to the past. The browser is faster, but lacks some of the features many users have come to expect. There is also an issue with security. Although many of the security vulnerabilities of the past versions of Internet Explorer have been fixed, there are still many holes that pop up on a daily basis.
With a world that is so mobile, bookmark syncing is a high priority on the lists of many. Syncing between the phone, a laptop, a desktop and a tablet is something that is needed in the modern marketplace. The lack of this feature for Internet Explorer 9 is a big miss. IE 9 also lacks theme support. This isn’t as big of a fault, but modern users like to customize their own experience. There is much customization to be had here, but none that changes the look of the product.
Pros
- Internet Explorer 9 is a big step forward from the previous versions.
- The security holes so prevalent in other versions of IE are gone.
- The browser is blazingly fast. It uses hardware acceleration to help make this possible.
- The user interface is a step up from any other version of IE.
Cons
- It is missing modern features that are common in other browsers
- Bookmark syncing and theme management are a no show.
- HTML 5 is supported but not in all areas
- Many security issues are fixed, but new ones are popping up.
- Limited to Vista and Windows 7 computers and earlier.