Microsoft has launched the finished version of its Internet Explorer 9 web browser, and at the same time started a campagn to rid the world of the dreaded IE6. The site called The Internet Explorer 6 Countdown, appears to be set on moving the world off Internet Explorer 6 – and about time too!
However, the joy at the launch of IE9 may not be ubiquitous; While Windows Vista or Windows 7 users can now download the full release version of IE9, XP users and Mac OS X or Linux users are not so fortunate. There are plenty of other browsers of course, including Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, and many others to chose from, so there are plenty of alternatives to IE6.
Meanwhile on another front, a Downing Street petition is calling for the UK government to drop IE6 and move to a more modern browser. The petition highlights IE6 security flaws and uses outdated technology, creating a burden for developers. The petition comes as the Department of Health advised the NHS to move away from the old browser. How long will it be before other government departments catch on and realize that it is time to ditch the bad egg, which is well past it’s use by date.
If you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7, you can click here to download IE9
For a more critical view of the new browser from the Microsoft stable, read Five Reasons not to “Upgrade” to Windows’ Internet Explorer 9