Are you still using Internet Explorer for your digital business strategy? Have you heard that it is being replaced?! No need to panic! This article explains the timing of its replacement and advises what you need to do between now and then.
In a recent blog we wrote about Microsoft Edge, the replacement browser for Internet Explorer. You can read about all the new features of Edge here. Edge is now the default browser for Windows 10 and offers great potential both for general users and for those of us in the creative digital marketing world.
Microsoft do, however, plan to continue to offer support to those using Internet Explorer. BUT as from January 12, 2016, only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system will receive technical support and security updates.
This means that you will need to upgrade to the most current version of Internet Explorer for your operating system in order to continue receiving support.
If you do not do this you will no longer receive:
- security updates
- non-security updates
- free or paid assisted support options
- online technical content updates.
The lifecycle table below shows the required version of Internet Explorer that you need to be running in order to receive this support. The table is taken from Microsoft’s support site.
As yet no word has been given on the final demise of Internet Explorer. So, as we said earlier, there is no need to panic. Microsoft are making it clear that it will be a gradual phasing out rather than an abrupt end.
Their approach is, however, somewhat “iron fist in kid glove” given the comparatively short notice of the withdrawal of support for all but their recommended versions; so we wait with interest to see how things develop!
In the meantime do make sure that you schedule in the necessary updates by January so that you continue to receive the full updates and support to which you are entitled.
We would also love to feature your best Internet Explorer anecdotes on this page! Despite common frustrations with its perceived slowness, bugs, and other somewhat clunky features, we need to remember that for most of us it was Internet Explorer that two decades ago opened our eyes to the raw potential of the Internet.
It really was a legendary groundbreaking development, and that should not be overlooked amongst the pace of technological change that has taken place since then.
So do please send us your favourite memories of Internet Explorer and we will include them in a future Xcite blog!
