Internet Explorer (IE) was once the most widely used web browser across the globe, serving as the go-to choice for millions of users. While it has largely been replaced by Microsoft Edge in recent years, it still remains an essential tool for certain users, particularly those who need access to legacy applications or websites that are not compatible with modern browsers.
In this article, we will explore five essential features of Internet Explorer that you should know, which can help enhance your browsing experience and ensure you make the most out of this often-overlooked browser.
- Compatibility View for Older Websites
One of the standout features of Internet Explorer is its Compatibility View mode, designed to help users access older websites that may not display correctly on newer web browsers. This is particularly useful for businesses or users who rely on older web applications that were designed for previous versions of IE.
When Compatibility View is enabled, IE will render the webpage as if it were being viewed in an older version of the browser, ensuring compatibility with websites that use outdated coding standards or legacy elements that modern browsers may not support.
How to Enable Compatibility View:
- Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner of the browser.
- Select Compatibility View settings from the menu.
- Add the URL of the site you wish to view in Compatibility View, or check the box to automatically use Compatibility View for certain websites.
- ActiveX Support for Rich Web Content
Internet Explorer is well-known for supporting ActiveX controls, which are small programs used by websites to deliver rich, interactive content such as videos, games, or dynamic web applications. Many legacy sites and enterprise-level applications still rely on ActiveX for functionality.
While ActiveX poses security risks, it can be beneficial for users who need to access specific legacy tools or applications that require it. You can enable or disable ActiveX controls based on your security preferences, giving you control over how they interact with websites.
How to Enable ActiveX Controls:
- Open the Internet Options menu by clicking on the gear icon.
- Go to the Security tab and click on Custom Level.
- Scroll down to the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section, where you can choose to enable or disable various ActiveX features.
- Enhanced Security Features
Despite its age, Internet Explorer still offers a suite of security features designed to protect users from malicious websites and online threats. Key security tools include:
- Phishing Filter: Helps prevent you from visiting websites that may attempt to steal your personal information by disguising themselves as legitimate sites.
- SmartScreen Filter: Warns you about potentially unsafe websites and downloads, helping to protect your system from malware and viruses.
- Protected Mode: Helps isolate the browser from the rest of your computer, reducing the likelihood of malicious attacks affecting the system.
How to Enable Enhanced Security Features:
- Open Internet Options and go to the Security tab.
- Adjust the security settings for different zones (Internet, Local Intranet, Trusted Sites, and Restricted Sites).
- Enable SmartScreen and Phishing Filter options for an extra layer of protection.
- Integrated Developer Tools for Web Development
Internet Explorer includes built-in developer tools that allow developers to inspect and debug websites directly within the browser. These tools are crucial for troubleshooting issues, testing website elements, and ensuring compatibility across different web standards.
Some key developer tools in IE include:
- Element Inspector: View and modify the HTML and CSS of a webpage in real time.
- JavaScript Console: Test and debug JavaScript code directly in the browser.
- Network Monitoring: Track the performance of a webpage by monitoring its network requests and responses.
How to Access Developer Tools:
- Press F12 or click the gear icon and select F12 Developer Tools.
- You can then choose from various panels such as DOM Explorer, Console, Network, and Performance.
- Built-in Privacy and Tracking Protection
Privacy-conscious users will appreciate the privacy and tracking protection features built into Internet Explorer. The browser includes settings to block third-party cookies and prevent websites from tracking your online activity. These tools are especially useful for protecting your personal information while browsing.
Additionally, IE offers an InPrivate Browsing mode that doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies, or temporary files, offering a higher level of privacy when browsing the web.
These privacy and tracking protection tools are amazing for anyone who is concerned about their online browsing sessions. However one thing to keep in mind is that even with these features you still need to be careful about the sites you visit. It is the same as if someone uses Tor to access the dark web links, they still need to take other precautionary measure as well and also be careful with accessing shady links. The same way on the surface web, the privacy and anti-tracking tools work great but you still need to be careful with the websites you visit.
How to Use InPrivate Browsing:
- Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Safety and then choose InPrivate Browsing.
- Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+Shift+P to open an InPrivate window directly.
Conclusion
Although Internet Explorer has been largely replaced by Microsoft Edge, it still offers several useful features that cater to specific needs, such as Compatibility View for older websites, ActiveX support, enhanced security tools, developer options, and privacy settings. For users who rely on legacy applications or need a more controlled browsing experience, Internet Explorer remains a valuable option.
By understanding and utilizing these five essential features, you can make the most of your Internet Explorer experience, ensuring secure, efficient, and hassle-free browsing, especially when accessing older or enterprise-specific websites.
