Internet explorer- is really in the race of being no.1?

  INTERNET EXPLORER

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Feature Set    

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Internet Explorer has several features for better browsing. The browser uses tabs and when you open a new one, it suggests links based on your previous browsing history. We like this feature but it’s one that a few competitors have had for awhile. The browser also has a single box for both searching and website addresses and full integration with Windows 7. For instance, you can create what the browser calls a jump list, or a list of your most frequently visited websites pinned to your taskbar. Similarly, you can select an individual tab and pin it to your toolbar. For ultimate privacy, Internet Explorer provides private browsing. You can surf the web without the browser retaining a history, cookies or temporary internet files.

Internet Explorer also provides a variety of add-ons for a fully customized browsing experience. There are four different categories of add-ons: security, time savers, browsers and entertainment. In each category you’ll find a number of downloads, each with a description. Most are free, but some you’ll have to purchase.

We were surprised to find the internet browser does not have spell check or an integrated download manager; downloads still appear in a pop-up window. And unlike some of the other internet browsers we reviewed, Internet Explorer is not open-source. Open source software is built and maintained by a network of users. The coding is made available to everyone, and volunteer programmers and testers are encouraged to improve it. Security fixes and updates are more frequent and often more reliable on open source browsers, mainly because the coding is public domain.

Security    

One thing Internet Explorer boasts that many competing browsers lack is parental controls. You can control the content your kids can access online and use integrated reporting tools 

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to monitor their activity.

The internet browser also does a good job of defending your computer against spyware, viruses and phishing schemes. A cross site scripting filter is used to prevent attacks from fraudulent websites attempting to steal personal and financial information. Internet Explorer also utilizes sandboxing, a security technique in which all the browser tabs function as independent processes. This prevents a crashed tab from taking down the entire browser.

Despite these efforts, Internet Explorer has been marred by security vulnerabilities. Since it is the most common internet browser, hackers and malicious websites target Internet Explorer more than other browsers and often take advantage of its security loopholes.

Speed & Compatibility    

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Internet Explorer’s speed is highly competitive. It isn’t quite the fastest internet browser we reviewed, but launching the application and navigating between pages took under five seconds. We also did not experience any compatibility issues, as the browser supports all current and emerging web standards.

Ease of Use    

Similar to our other top-notch internet browsers, this one is clean and easy to use. Basic web navigation is intuitive, and the browser’s navigation controls are simplified and 

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seamless. One thing we liked about Internet Explorer was its Notification Bar. Instead of dialog boxes opening in separate windows, all notification messages are consolidated in the Notification Bar, placed at the very bottom of the window. You don’t have to act on the notifications immediately; they remain in the bar until you choose to take action.

Help & Support    

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Internet Explorer has by far the best help and support we came across while reviewing internet browsers. On its website you’ll find in-depth documentation, tutorials and FAQs. You can conveniently search the online resources by keyword. Internet Explorer is also one of the only internet browsers we tested that is supplemented with direct technical support; Microsoft provides personal assistance via email and telephone.

Summary

There’s no denying that Internet Explorer has been plagued with more security vulnerabilities than most of its competitors; its large percentage of usage share makes it a lucrative target for hackers and cyber thieves. However, the latest version of the internet browser includes effective updates designed to tighten security loopholes, and its utilization of sandboxing and other methods greatly reduces security threats. Additionally,Internet Explorer is fast and highly usable, providing rich, pragmatic features and a user-friendly interface. The world’s most popular internet browser may not change the way we interact online but it sure makes it more convenient.

Pros 
Internet Explorer is the only browser that offers every help option we looked for, including direct support via email and telephone.

Cons 
Its vast popularity makes it a target for cyberthieves and hackers.

The Verdict

With competitive speed and functionality, Internet Explorer proves to be a viable competitor.