IE8 Sure Ain't Great

I must be watching too many NCAA tournament games, because the title of this post has the rhythm of a basketball cheer.

After my last post, urging Microsoft to make IE8 the last release of Internet Explorer, the Softies announced that in Windows 7, you will be able to remove Internet Explorer and replace it with another browser. This is significant because they have long maintained that removing IE from Windows was impossible, even in the face of the wrath of the EU. This capability means that it would be pretty easy for Microsoft to take the next step I suggested, and make Firefox the successor to IE8.

I had suggested putting IE out to pasture for strategic reasons. But after using IE8 for a couple of months, I am now adding practical reasons. Internet Explorer 8 is a dog. It is painfully slow to load, and then it seems sluggish performing most browsing functions.

I admit to being spoiled by Google's Chrome, which has earned itself the role as my default browser because of its crisp performance and intelligent use of screen space. Chrome gives the real estate to the web page, not to itself. Since it is the new kid on the block, I do occasionally run into websites that don't work with Chrome. Then I switch to Firefox or Internet Explorer.

I could expound on my disappointments with IE8 in detail, but to what point? It is my least favorite browser. Besides, I only want one. I'd be happy with Firefox or Chrome.

Steve Ballmer, are you listening? Cut your loses, free your resources for more profitable use, and announce the retirement of Internet Explorer. Put it in the Microsoft hall of fame, right next to Encarta.