Internet Explorer 9 for Windows

Internet Explorer 9 was released as part of Microsoft’s effort to modernize its web browser. It introduced changes intended to improve browsing speed, security, and support for newer web standards. The interface was simplified compared to earlier versions, providing a larger area for viewing content. 

It also utilized hardware acceleration to boost graphics performance. It supported HTML5 and CSS3, which allowed for more interactive and multimedia-rich websites. It played a role in the transition toward more advanced browsing standards but had limitations in speed and compatibility.  However, Microsoft has ended support for Internet Explorer 9 and now offers Microsoft Edge.

Modernizing the browser

Internet Explorer 9 introduced hardware acceleration to improve graphics rendering. This allowed the browser to use the computer’s graphics processing unit for displaying images and videos. The user interface was redesigned with a focus on simplicity, reducing toolbars to maximize content viewing. IE9 also added support for HTML5 and CSS3, enabling developers to create more dynamic web pages. However, it lacked full support for some advanced web technologies.

It featured the SmartScreen Filter to help prevent phishing attacks and block harmful downloads. It also introduced Tracking Protection, allowing you to control which websites could track your browsing activity. These features aim to provide a safer browsing environment. However, similar security measures were also present in browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. While its security updates were useful, they were not unique to the browser.

It was designed to work on newer operating systems, which limited its accessibility for users on older devices. While speed improvements were noticeable, it sometimes lagged behind competing browsers. Its support for emerging web technologies was not comprehensive. Though it lacked full support for some advanced web technologies, IE9 marked a crucial step in browser evolution and helped shape how we browse the web today.

Advancing web technology

Internet Explorer 9 played an important role in modernizing Microsoft’s web browsing platform. It introduced hardware acceleration, a simplified interface, and support for emerging web standards like HTML5 and CSS3. The focus on security through features like the SmartScreen Filter and Tracking Protection demonstrated a proactive approach to user safety. Although it faced challenges in compatibility and performance compared to other browsers, IE9 contributed to the advancement of web technology.

• Microsoft officially ended support for IE9 in 2016.