|
Browsers aren't just for surfing anymore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Written by ASAP
|
|
Wednesday, 21 June 2006 |
|
|
|
|
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, the dominant Web browser, has seen its market share eroded in recent years by upstarts like Firefox and Opera. The next few months — during which several major browsers are getting significant upgrades — could determine whether that trend continues or is reversed.
Fifteen years ago, people mostly used browsers to find and display static Web pages. Nowadays, besides opening video and audio clips, people increasingly need the software to integrate e-mail and word processing. Factor in the need for better protection against malicious hackers and innovative upstarts in the browser market, and the browser arms race is on.
- • The new Explorer will feature tabs that allow users to view multiple pages without opening separate windows — a feature already found in its rivals. The upgrade will also feature enhanced security measures.
- • Firefox is adding a mechanism that lets users retrieve Web pages if their browser shuts down or their computer freezes, along with anti-fishing measures.
asap Internet writer Anick Jesdanun reviews browser changes:
Why are these changes happening now?
Jesdanun: For Internet Explorer especially, they say they’ve been working on it for a while. The skeptics say the schedule has been accelerated by the increased popularity of Firefox. But Internet Explorer had its last major update in 2001.
What are some of the most significant differences in the ways people use browsers now than they did 15 years ago?
Jesdanun: In the early days Web browsing was mostly about reading Web pages. Some text here; some images there; a sound byte; maybe a very short video clip — but it wasn’t really about performing entire applications online. These days you have big companies like Google, Yahoo, even Microsoft developing Web applications to make things like e-mail and maps almost as good online as you might get through a standalone application.
In the last two years, analysts at WebSideStory say Explorer’s market share has suffered while Firefox’s share has increased to 9 percent. Do analysts think Firefox can keep it up?
Jesdanun: The analysts at WebSideStory believe that it’s going to be tough for Firefox. Its growth has slowed down in recent months. Largely because it’s already gotten a lot of the tech-savvy, the Microsoft haters, those kind of users, and convincing the more mainstream people who might not know the first thing about downloading and installing browsers, convincing them is very difficult. ... It’s one thing if people feel dissatisfied with IE 6, they want something better and they go to an alternative browser. But if IE 7 provides them pretty much what they want -- unless they really hate Microsoft or if they’re in the market for an alternative just for the sake of it -- it’s a pretty tough sell. | Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. |
|
|  | "Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is Alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only truth." | |
|  | We're not that bright, even though in our own little world, we're geniuses. We like 80s hair bands and one-hit wonders, but among us we have respectable tastes, too. Metallica, Iron Maiden, U2. Pursuit of all things trivial is a lifestyle, not just a game. We like some sports, love other sports, and can find something to say about anything. We watch TV and movies and we've read a book or two, even a few classics (Yes, Classic Comics count!)
We call it insight, you call it what you will. | |
|  | Felix Wong is an outdoor enthusiast living in Fort Collins. A mechanical engineer by day, he is especially passionate about bicycling, running, and backpacking. | |
|  | Hola Amigos! I'm Sandra. I like to believe that people are 70 percent good and 30 percent dumb. I'm stickin to that story. Reading this blog might make you want to be good, but probably just dumb. | |
|  | Donovan Henderson is editor of NEXTnc. | |
|  | Here at Nextnc we have some characters. Get a sneak peak behind the curtain and find out what amusing antics our staffers get themselves into on a weekly basis. | |
|  | What is up FoCo?
I am a recent college graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead. After recieving my B.A. in English and Mass Communications this past August I moved down to Colorado.
I enjoy long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, and heavy metal. My hobbies include reading and writing, music, movies, and getting drunk. Some of my favorite contemporary authors include Bret Easton Ellis, Chuck Palahniuk, and Kurt Vonnegut. My top movies are anything directed by Kubrick. I enjoy listening to anything that rocks.
Right now I am just trying to get to know Colorado and FoCo better. Mostly in order to find the best drink specials on each day that ends in Y. So if you know where I can get a cheap drunk on, let me know!
--Drew | |
|  | Life's little morsels of inspiration, observation and encouragement seen through the eyes of the Nextnc reporter.
| |
|  | Ms. Giles currently lives in Colorado where she stars in her own private reality show. She writes aphoristic accounts of her life, taken completely out of context, and embellished with characters and situations disguised to resemble something close to interesting. | |
|  | over and out | |
| | My name is Michelle Turley and I'm 28 years old. I live in Severance with my hubbie, Brandon. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, and just being in the mountains. I like to cook, clean (go figure), flea market, and play poker. I have so much to say about poker... | |
|
|
