The end is near for IE

Written By: - Date published: 2:56 pm, April 16th, 2015 - 25 comments
Categories: admin, boycott, internet, notices, The Standard - Tags:

I was having a look at the browser statistics for the site, and thinking that Internet Explorer was dying really fast. You can see what I mean by looking at the stats from the past about what was used on the site. This is the browsers back in July – September 2010 by session.

1. Firefox 36.58%
2. Internet Explorer 34.01%
3. Safari 15.98%
4. Chrome 10.41%
5. Opera 1.96%
6. Opera Mini 0.29%
7. Mozilla 0.25%
8. Mozilla Compatible Agent 0.15%
9. BlackBerry9700 0.08%
10. safari 0.05%

And here is the last 30 days.

browsers 30 days 16th April 2015

A teeny difference. Speaking as someone who has had to develop web pages for many years for various purposes, all I can say is “good riddance”. Since 2005 I have mainly had to develop in firefox as the standard which did almost all other browsers as well. Then I’d develop the Internet Explorer variants. Which would generally take double the time. 

But you can see why Microsoft is going to use a new browser engine and framing. From wikipedia..

The last release is Internet Explorer 11, with an interface allowing for use as both a desktop application, and as a Windows 8 application.

Starting January 12, 2016, only the most recent version of Internet Explorer on each operating system will be supported, depending on operating system it will be IE 11 or could be down to IE 9 for older desktop/server Windows versions[11]or down to IE 7 for older embedded Windows versions.[12]

On March 17, 2015, Microsoft announced that Spartan will replace Internet Explorer as the default browser on its Windows 10 devices. Internet Explorer will, however, remain on some versions of Windows 10 primarily for enterprise purposes.[13]

Spartan (or whatever its marketing name will be) follows the requirements for modern web browsers.

“Spartan” uses a new “Edge” layout engine forked from Trident[9] that is “designed for interoperability with the modern web”. The new “Edge” engine will be used by default across Windows 10, and pages can be rendered in the legacy MSHTML engine for backwards compatibility with enterprise-specific websites and software.[1][10]

“Spartan” does not support legacy technologies such as ActiveX and Browser Helper Objects, and will instead use an extension system.[1][10][11]

And performance wise…

Early benchmarks of the EdgeHTML engine used by “Spartan” demonstrated drastically improved JavaScript performance in comparison to Trident 7 in Internet Explorer 11, and that Microsoft’s new browser has similar performance to Google Chrome 41 and Mozilla Firefox 37. In the Sunspider benchmark, Spartan is significantly faster than other browsers,[12] while in all other benchmarks it is slower than Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera, in some cases significantly.[13]

Anyway, the reason that I was looking was to see what I needed to test. I’ve decided that I’m going to stop testing *any* Internet Explorer variants for any future fixes or development on this site. I can’t justify spending  my valuable development and testing time on such a crap and time wasting browser. This doesn’t mean that the site will stop working on it. It just means that it is unlikely to keep working well.

I’ll add a warning message for the remaining victims suggesting that they download and install a useful browser. 

25 comments on “The end is near for IE ”

  1. Hateatea 1

    I haven’t used IE for about 8 years and prefer Firefox but some things that I do work better with Chrome. Without your technical knowhow I couldn’t say what makes the difference between Chrome and Firefox but , in my opinion, IE has been crap for a long time. May it soon Rest in Peace.

  2. Draco T Bastard 2

    It’s good that MS are finally starting to use accepted standards rather than trying to force people to use their rather pathetic and overly complex standards.

    • tc 2.1

      Yup and there’s an the old joke that sums up MS attitude.

      How many microsoft engineers does it take to change a lightbulb ?

      None, define darkness as a new standard.

    • infused 2.2

      They’ve been doing it for years. Just playing catch up.

  3. Ron 3

    It’s not just browser that Microsoft is changing they are also developing their office suites for Android/Linux. Expect to see MSPUB on Android/Linux. One of their spokesman stated recently that MS would not be trash talking Linux any more. Would not surprise me at all to see Windows eventually running on top of Linux. They have been moving closer to Linux with each iteration of Windows but would make more sense to use Linux as a base and rewrite windows to run on top. It would improve the performance and security immensely

    • tc 3.1

      It’s what apple did with OSX years ago and placed their UI skin over it.

      The world has moved on past their unfriendly, badly executed and costly attempts to be the next big thing…remember windows vista.

      If they’re smart they’ll bin windows and adopt linux with a UI over it, wars over in the OS battle and they lost sometime ago it’s just taking awhile to work its way through.

      • Capn Insano 3.1.1

        Vista?! /runs from the room screaming.

        I haven’t used Internet Exploiter personally since Netscape was around. The times I did was when the IT Nazis at my first job decreed it. Then it was Firefox and now mostly Chrome at work [still FF at home out of habit], Chrome works well with our web job management etc software, might be another side that complains that we should use IE but I ignore it.

    • infused 3.2

      lol. no.

      Nothing wrong with the security of Windows. The base has been re-written on top of NT a number of times.

      Microsoft have also used Linux for years now.

      • Ron 3.2.1

        Actually I think you can still find LanMan deeply buried in current versions of Windows

  4. infused 4

    IE11 is fine. Better than firefox’s bloated pos that it is today. The rest, not so much.

  5. jeremy 5

    well. there goes my access to this site from my workplace.
    I might be forced to do some actual work.

    • lprent 5.1

      It will keep on working just as it does now.

      The problem will be when I do a fix for something and it breaks something in older versions of IE.

      At present I check and test in firefox, chrome, and usually 3 variants of IE. The reason why is there are major differences between IE versions especially in CSS and javascript compared to other browsers and between themselves.

      The current percentages are…

      IE11 71.79%
      IE9 13.70%
      IE10 7.30%
      IE8 6.48%
      IE7 0.73%
      IE6 0.01%

      The problem is that each of these versions tends to have quirks that are not removed by upgrades. That isn’t that much of an issue now that IE6 is dead at last. But it is enough that you can’t be sure that everything will work on each variant. It was a real problem when IE was 30% of the browsers used here because it was always something like a third each for 3 variants.

      Compare that to Chrome where >95% are 41.0.2272.x and virtually all of the rest are less than 4 months old.

      Or Safari where 98% are variants of versions 6,7, or 8 released in 2015 and are essentially identical at the programming level for CSS, javascript and HTML. I don’t even test them because they share the webkit engine with chrome and act almost identically.

      Or Firefox where 92% were released within the last 7 months >version 30. And 6.54% are 3.6.8 from 2010 (which I think is the final Camino 2.x releases on the Mac).

      Basically I can test current Chrome and current Firefox and get greater than a 80% of browser coverage. If I add IE11, then it is well less than 90%. Not worth the effort.

  6. Lanthanide 6

    “that they download and install a useful browser. ”

    I believe the accepted terminology is “modern browser”.

  7. Neil 7

    I’m running Windows 10 Technical Preview on my laptop & having been testing out Spartan browser & have found it to be faster than any other browser I have used in the past. Although Spartan is not finished, it is showing great promise with lots of cool features, that will be included is the finished product. Although Windows 10 is still in development I’m finding it will be a great operating system once it goes RTM.
    Everybody who has Windows 7 or 8.1 will be entitled to a free upgrade to Windows 10, if they switch to Windows 10 within the first year after it goes RTM.

    • felix 7.1

      Are you using Windows 10 on a touchscreen laptop?

    • lprent 7.2

      Unlike the Linux or Android that I use where the upgrades are just free?

      Or the Safari and iOS that my partner Lyn uses, which are now just free?

      If work wants to pay for an windows downgrade then they can. But personally I’d prefer to just stay on windows 7 until I get forced into a new laptop. Besides I do most of my actual work in a kubuntu VM anyway.

      I have windows for outlook and lynx.

      • Capn Insano 7.2.1

        Hell we have a few XP boxes here still, laptop is Win 7 [32bit unfortunately] but at home I use a Win7 64bit PC and a Macbook. I pulled down ubuntu onto another PC at one stage because I was sick of M$s activation bollocks.
        And I’m sticking with 7 for now because I don’t get the changes made with Win 8, I get annoyed when I do something on a mate’s laptop and accidentally swipe onto that stupid tiles shit away from the desktop [no touchscreen].

    • David H 7.3

      I’m running win 10 as well but with opera. Works great. The other machines are all running various versions of win 7, and all with Opera. And the new upgrades are great on the Tablet and phone both Android and both running Opera mini, way better speed. I gave up on Internet Exploder years ago

    • Jones 7.4

      Spartan… lol… I dig the codename… is the project lead Master Chief? 🙂 But I’m looking forward to checking it out. I use Chrome at the moment but I read somewhere that it was the most insecure browser around…?

  8. good riddance to Internet Exploder, a wise decision

  9. ropata 9

    Hello from IE11. Haven’t used IE for yonks… no pop-up insults seen yet. 🙂

  10. philj 10

    Thanks iprent for your work in keeping this site going. Sterling effort to keep the b####s honest.

  11. MrV 11

    Yeah IE is bad, but at least it’s not sending everything back to Google.HQ to work out how to milk you for advertising dollars.

    Chrome users = sheeple.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-05T22:43:30+00:00