Dvorak on Microsoft: IE Is Worst Mistake Ever
I’ll admit that it took me a long time to use a browser other than Internet Explorer, largely because I was accustomed to how it worked. Nevermind that it was buggy, crashed often, and generally seemed to fight me at every click. I was sticking with it because I’d always stuck with it. Of course, I chastise people repeatedly for this (see any Apple blog I’ve ever written), and yet for years, I found myself in the same exact position as other technophiles – clinging to a piece of technology that is inferior simply out of habit.
I am, I admit, no better than the very people that frustrate me so much. I am part of the technology problem. The only fact that I can cling to is this: Microsoft also fell in love with its browser, quite to its detriment. Dvorak has a compelling piece about this over at PC Magazine.
A snippet:
If the problem is not weird legal cases against the company, then it’s the incredible losses in productivity at the company from the never-ending battle against spyware, viruses, and other security problems. All the work that has to go into keeping the browser afloat is time that could have been better spent on making Vista work as first advertised.
As a post script, I’m happy to say that with the help of a now-departed TR developer, I kicked the IE habit. He introduced me to Mozilla Firefox, and I fell in love with its functionalities and look to the point that I had my Web development team design the first iteration of our new site (the design you see now) in that particular browser. So while Microsoft may not be learning from its mistakes, I’m happy to say that I am learning from mine.
Keep Reading
Most Popular

The big new idea for making self-driving cars that can go anywhere
The mainstream approach to driverless cars is slow and difficult. These startups think going all-in on AI will get there faster.

Inside Charm Industrial’s big bet on corn stalks for carbon removal
The startup used plant matter and bio-oil to sequester thousands of tons of carbon. The question now is how reliable, scalable, and economical this approach will prove.

The dark secret behind those cute AI-generated animal images
Google Brain has revealed its own image-making AI, called Imagen. But don't expect to see anything that isn't wholesome.

The hype around DeepMind’s new AI model misses what’s actually cool about it
Some worry that the chatter about these tools is doing the whole field a disservice.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.