Get Rid of IE6 (Google already did)

Filed in archive News on January 25, 2010

© gurneyh


If you're still using IE6 (Internet Explorer version 6), be prepared for the web to pretty much stop working for you. I've written before that most any browser is better than IE, but if you aren't even updating your browser you might be in for some surprises.

Occasionally my web design company gets calls from people saying they cannot read a website. Usually after a few questions we realize that they have accessed the site through an outdated browser. In other words using outdated software will affect how you view most any website.

Not only that, but IE6 has numerous security issues. Enough that Google will stop offering support for a number of its programs to IE6 browsers. Google will phase out support after numerous security attacks (particularly those supposedly originating from China). The programs that will no longer offer support for will start with Google Docs and Google sites.

The BBC wrote down some pretty scary numbers in a recent article about Google's changing support. It says IE6 is nine years old, and twenty percent of internet users still have it as their main browser. They also point out that a number of UK government departments use IE6.

France and Germany made statements to their citizens suggesting they switch to other browsers. Unfortunately hackers have targeted Microsoft's browser and if you want you data safe, its probably a good time to switch.

What are your thoughts about Google phasing out support for IE6?