First of all I’ll start this blog right, as all blogs should. With a cat video!
Wasn’t that cute?!
Could you see the video? If you could I will call you one of the enlightened few. You have the capability to run HTML5 in your browser! How cool is that?
If you couldn’t, well… you are unfortunately holding up progress by being a stick in the mud. I know it’s not your fault, you just don’t know any better. Please allow me to educate you. In this post I will let you know what is wrong with your browser and finally how to fix it.
The first thing you need to know is technology advances fast. Very fast. Internet Explorer 8 came out in 2006, that’s 6 years ago! To further paint a picture of how long ago that is and how far technology has come since then please consider the following:
Now have you heard the expression “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” Well that applies here. As a web developer I have to take into account everyday that even today, over 60% of users who use Internet Explorer are using IE8 or lower. This accounts for about over 9% of all internet users in North America. This is an issue because since it’s so old now it is unable to perform to modern web technologies like HTML5 and CSS3 and thusly limiting the amount of awesome stuff I can use in a web site.
First of all you are missing out on security fixes, IE8 and lower have been around for over 7 years and that’s a long time to find exploits in something. On top of that it’s a security risk because you will need to install and run many plug-ins as “patches” to keep your browser even a little bit alive in the modern web. These plug-ins such as flash, java, silverlight, etc. are, as with any program, not without its security risks.
Now you know the security part, let me tell you what you’re missing out on other than the cat video in the beginning of this post.
I don’t mean to sound mad, I’m passionate. Also I want to add it’s not entirely your fault, I’m still unsure why Microsoft is so insistent on releasing such an inferior browser and seem determined to prevent you from advancing on your platform. If you are running Windows XP you can’t go past Internet Explorer 8, If you’re running Windows 7 you could only recently go up to IE10.
In terms of newer versions of IE, they are aware that they screwed up and with IE10 they do make SIGNIFICANT strides to be competitive with other browsers. Their whole ad campaign is browseryoulovedtohate.com:
They have even ended off one of their commercials for IE10 with “IE sucks…less”
Even they are trying to slowly right the wrongs they have made, but in my opinion it’s too little too late. They have already done the damage to most of you good folk. But it’s not too late! Let me share with you how YOU can take up arms against this internet injustice and prevale! EXPERIENCE THE INTERNET LIKE IT’S 2013!
You have 2 options, your first one is to get a new browser. Google Chrome is your best bet, but Firefox should do you nicely as well.
Your second option, if you are unable to install a new browser on your computer. Is to take a look at Google’s Chrome Frame. This is a patch for IE6, 7, and 8 to run Chrome inside it.
So consider this the kick in the pants you were looking for to help you advance to enhancing your internet using experience and make the world a better place for everyone!
I was going to call this blog post a “Call to Arms!” so take what I’ve taught you out into the world and make it a better place.
*Cat video may not work in FireFox
