Today, Internet Explorer will take its last byte. Microsoft is officially retiring Internet Explorer after 27 years of trusty service – first introduced in 1995 as an add-on for the Windows 95 operating system, when browsers still needed to be installed via CD-ROM. The decision comes as web developers become less able to make their sites compatible with the much-loved (and sometimes meme-d) IE, and the future now lies in the hands of Microsoft Edge.
Let’s take it back to August 1995 – the Nokia 2190 mobile phone was a fashion accessory, listening to music on the go meant carrying a discman, PlayStation One had just been invented, Google was just a twinkle in Larry Page’s eye, and we were saying goodbye to VCR and hello to DVD.
When Microsoft first came to be, founder Bill Gates articulated their vision as “a microcomputer on every desk and in every home running Microsoft software.” At the time, the idea seemed other-worldly, but Internet Explorer quickly became the gateway to the online world, allowing people to browse the web, connect with people from afar and access information like never before. It was an era of MSN Messenger, dial-up internet, and search engines like AltaVista.
For many, Internet Explorer was the first web browser they ever used. It dominated the early internet landscape, battling with Netscape Navigator before ultimately securing its place as the world’s leading browser in the early 2000s. Its user-friendly interface and integration with Windows made it the default choice for millions. Businesses, schools, and households relied on IE for everyday browsing, emails, and research.
However, as technology evolved, Internet Explorer began struggling to keep up. Security vulnerabilities, slow performance, and compatibility issues led users to seek alternatives. The rise of competitors like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and later, Microsoft Edge, marked the gradual decline of IE’s dominance.
Microsoft’s decision to phase out Internet Explorer reflects the ever-changing digital landscape. While it holds a special place in the history of web browsing, modern users demand faster, more secure, and versatile browsing experiences. Internet Explorer’s retirement signals a shift towards enhanced online security, better performance, and more efficient web development standards.
Bill Gates once said, “The Internet is a tidal wave. It changes the rules. It is an incredible opportunity as well as an incredible challenge.” Over the last 27 years, we’ve witnessed groundbreaking advancements – from ‘The Cloud’ and NBN connectivity to the rise of social media and AI-driven search.
So, as we say our final farewell to Internet Explorer, the question remains – where will the next 27 years take us?
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Rhythm Digital acknowledges the Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on. We would like to pay respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in our region.
