Internet Explorer
Introduction
Internet Explorer (IE) is a series of graphical user interface web browsers developed by Microsoft. It was one of the most widely used web browsers, attaining a peak of about 95% usage share during 2002 and 2003. However, its usage share has since declined with the launch of Firefox in 2004 and Google Chrome in 2008.
History
The development of Internet Explorer began in the early 1990s as a part of Microsoft's larger initiative to develop a line of software products for the emerging World Wide Web. The first version of Internet Explorer, Internet Explorer 1.0, was released in August 1995. The browser quickly gained popularity due to its integration with the Windows operating system, which came pre-installed on most new computers.
Features
Internet Explorer introduced several features that have since become standard in many other browsers. These include the ability to open multiple web pages in separate tabs within the same window, a feature known as tabbed browsing. Another key feature is the ability to save web pages for offline viewing, a feature known as the ability to "make available offline".
Criticism and Controversies
Despite its popularity, Internet Explorer has been the subject of numerous criticisms and controversies. These include concerns about its security vulnerabilities, lack of adherence to web standards, and its use of proprietary technologies.
Legacy
Despite its decline in usage, Internet Explorer has had a significant impact on the development of the World Wide Web. Its integration with the Windows operating system helped popularize the internet among the general public, and its features such as tabbed browsing have since become standard in many other web browsers.