Bidding internet explorer fare-thee-well.

Microsoft announced, it's about time we bid adieu to internet explorer after 27 long years’ service. Did you get surprised to see people reacting towards this announcement?  From nostalgic posts to memes to jokes, the news took over the entire Internet by storm. Let's dive in a little bit deeper to explore this news.

First things first, why did Microsoft decide to shut down Internet Explorer in the first place? The main reason to discontinue this browser is due to its “declining users”. Yes, you read that right, Internet explorer, a browser which has been once loved by an entire generation was officially retired.

Some users even compared this loss as that of a non-materialistic being. Strong feelings of nostalgia stirred up. The oldest browser of Microsoft - Internet Explorer (IE) was shut down on June 15 2022, Wednesday. Microsoft discontinued it after having made an announcement in March earlier this year. 27 years being a part of our family, providing us with several pieces of information, is a great loss for everyone in this world. From childhood bedrooms to college dorms to office spaces, the little blue icon "e" found its space almost everywhere.

Did you know that it was released in 1995 as an add-on package for Windows 95? Since then the browser had a peak reach of 95% usage in 2003. But with gradual advancement of years and technology, there was a tragedy awaiting. There was a drastic decline in the users after, which was one of the primary reasons too to shut the browser. 

What were other reasons you might wonder? Was it the growing competition? Well, competition in business is a blessing which tends to bring in a positive impact over business. But over time, tough competition tends to drive the underperforming ones out of the race. Internet Explorer faced a similar situation. There was a huge competition with other browsers which had better user interfaces, network speed and smooth working experience for the users. Now in case you are wondering, where did the user base actually go? Well, remember the days when Google Chrome, Firefox and the operating system which did not even support the browser in Android and iPhone were launched, that was enough of a nightmare for the IE browser.

But we need not worry as it's not like Internet Explorer has been killed off completely and we have nothing to look forward to. Internet Explorer can be explored again through Microsoft Edge, which is a quicker, more secure browser than IE. There is an IE mode in Edge but it is a great task to identify it. In case you wish to be more secure, the page asks to switch to the Edge itself. So it is not that practical.

Now to know the extent to which netizens reacted, well, there were a few who were deeply touched and burst with nostalgia. They associated the loss of the browser a little too much. Thus some built a real tombstone of Internet Explorer in Korea. Some posted funny memes saying “the internet has changed”. A few wrote microblogs and shared their feelings towards the browser usage. With that said, it’s time to say goodbye, which is the most painful way of solving a problem.

But we need not worry since Microsoft has launched the new web browser, Microsoft Edge which is believed to overcome all the potential shortcomings of IE. Let's bid IE a respectful adieu and welcome Edge with great warmth.