So I was trolling around the internet for the latest news on universal web compliance with web browsers, and fell upon a very good article on CNET that went into deep detail about the recent and quiet death of IE6. Look I’m all for everyone having their browser of preference, but IE 6 was one of the worst browsers to come along in a long time. It needed to go.
In my 14 years of web development, the only other browser that gave me chills down my spine was the NETSCAPE 3.0 browser. This browser if my memory serves me correctly was derived from the AOL browser of that time. Yes, that one, the one that gave us the classic unforgettable “YOU’VE GOT MAIL!”. Rumors were abound that the IE6 browser, was also born from that build and to be honest, is quite a resistant browser.
How resistant?
Well, IE 6 is currently the most commonly used browser in CHINA. so you say, so… Big deal. Last time I checked China had the most internet users on the planet and Microsoft updates in CHINA are as rare as human rights. With that being said it was nice to hear that Microsoft has decided to begin forcing, yes you heard me, FORCING users to update to the latest version of IE which is currently IE9. I am the last person to get on board with making people get out of their comfort zone, but in this case, I will make and exception.
I applaud Microsoft for taking the initiative to try and bring the world wide web into a closer “look and feel”. Too many times you have to worry about the main three browser platforms (IE, FireFox and Chrome) and all the “back versions”, let alone worry about Bobbies Best Browser, Jack and Jill’s or the just awful SAFARI browser (don’t get me started lol.) Life as a developer is a little easier knowing that can program with confidence and trust that the CSS you build will be compliant across the board and the world.
So, I recommend that you take a look at the article link to CNET that is provided. It makes for good reading.
http://download.cnet.com/8301-2007_4-57343270-12/microsoft-to-ie6-dead-browser-walking/
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