Explorer will remain a working web client, but wont be protected as new threats emerge.
Twenty-seven years is a long time in computing.
Many would say this move was long overdue.
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To its credit, Explorer introduced many Windows users to the joys of the internet for the first time.
It added different functionality and components with each release.
Despite this, it lost consumers trust due to Explorers legacy architecture which involved poordesign and slowness.
On the security front, Explorer exhibited itsfair share of weaknesses, which cyber criminals readily and successfully exploited.
Microsoft itself hasacknowledgedthis:
… [Explorer] is still based on technology thats 25 years old.
These concerns have resulted in the United StatesDepartment for Homeland Securityrepeatedly advising internet users againstusing Explorer.
Explorers failure to win over modern audiences is further evident through Microsofts ongoing attempts to push users towards Edge.
Edge was first introduced in 2015, and since then Explorer has only been used as a compatibility solution.
What has given Chrome such a leg-up in the surfing app market?
Individuals can even contribute to the source code, thereby enhancing the softwares productivity, reliability, and security.
This was never an option with Explorer.
Meanwhile, Explorer hasmainlybeenrestrictedto Windows, Xbox, and a few versions of MacOS.
We wont be surprised if Microsoft fails to nudge customers towards using Edge as their favorite web app.
The latest stats suggest Edge is still far behind Chrome in terms of market share.
Image: Screenshot
Whats next?
Web browsers play a vital role in establishing privacy and security for users.
Design and convenience are important factors for users when selecting a surfing app.
So ultimately, the web client that can most effectively balance security and ease of use will win users.
And its hard to say whether Chromes current popularity will be sustained over time.
Google will no doubt want it to continue, since web browsers are significantrevenue sources.
But Google as a corporation is becoming increasingly unpopular due to massivedata gatheringandintrusive advertisingpractices.
Chrome is a key component of Googles data-gathering machine, so its possible users may slowly turn away.
Even if youre not using Explorer, just having it installedcould presenta threat to your gadget.
No one wants to be the victim of a cyber attack via a dead net surf tool!
