It’s the end of an era – Microsoft is moving to retire Internet Explorer.
If you have purchased a Windows computer in the past 20 years, chances are that you have used Microsoft Internet Explorer, which is the browser that ships with Windows and is pre-installed. Some users will install an alternative browser, but many don’t have a need to venture from the default.
If you are one of millions of Internet Explorer users for your browser based tasks – from browsing Facebook and paying your bills, to accessing cloud-based business applications – a recent Microsoft change should be brought to your attention.
On Jan. 12, Microsoft terminated support for several versions of Internet Explorer.
Unsupported versions will no longer receive technical support, compatibility fixes, or security updates, which means any business running those browser versions will be exposed to major security and compliance risks.
At this point, Microsoft is only supporting the most current version of Internet Explorer that is available for each supported operating system. There is a table posted on Microsoft’s website that thoroughly details the Lifecycle Support policy for each version of Internet Explorer, but what it comes down to is that if your operating system is Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, then your browser needs to be at least Internet Explorer 11.
To check which version of Internet Explorer you’re currently running, visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/which-version-am-i-using
If you are running a retired version of Internet Explorer, it’s imperative that you update your browser as soon as possible.
Not only does continuing to run an unsupported browser expose your organization to security threats, such as malware and other malicious attacks, but it also puts organizations regulated under HIPAA, PCI, SOX and many other standards out of compliance.
But before you hit that “Update” button, make some time to strategize. Be aware that some applications and Web pages may not be compatible with the most recent version of Internet Explorer, so updating might cause your system to stop working as expected. Your IT team, whether they’re in house or outsourced, should thoroughly test your system for compatibility before rolling it out.
Microsoft has also announced the end of an era. After 20 years of Internet Explorer, version 11 will be the last of its kind.
Why is Microsoft retiring Internet Explorer completely?
Internet Explorer has served us well and has gotten better over the years, but the way we interact with the Web has changed significantly since its release. Just think about how differently you used the Internet in 1996. Microsoft decided it was time for a clean slate, and developed a new browser called Microsoft Edge. Edge is more than just a browser and includes additional features, such as an integrated assistant (Cortana), the ability to save Web pages and take notes on them, reading lists, and a Reading Mode to clear the clutter when you’re viewing articles, to name a few. Edge is currently available for devices running the Windows 10 operating system.
If you need help checking your browser version for compatibility, updating to a supported browser, or checking to make sure your organization’s data are as secure as possible, reach out to your trusted IT support team for guidance.
As seen in the January 17th issue of The Press-Enterprise
