Is Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer the same thing?
The question of whether Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer are the same thing is a common one among users who are transitioning from one browser to the other. While both are developed by Microsoft, they are fundamentally different in terms of their design, features, and purpose. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two browsers to help you understand why they are not the same thing.
Design and User Interface
One of the most noticeable differences between Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer is their design and user interface. Internet Explorer, which was first released in 1995, has a traditional interface that has remained relatively unchanged over the years. It features a menu bar, toolbars, and a status bar, which can be overwhelming for users who are accustomed to more modern and minimalist designs.
On the other hand, Microsoft Edge, which was launched in 2015, has a sleek and modern design that emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. It features a clean interface with a minimal amount of clutter, making it easier for users to focus on their browsing experience. Additionally, Edge includes features like a reading mode and a built-in note-taking tool, which are not available in Internet Explorer.
Performance and Security
Another significant difference between Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer is their performance and security. Internet Explorer has long been criticized for its slow performance and security vulnerabilities, which have made it a target for hackers and malware. Over the years, Microsoft has worked to improve the performance and security of Internet Explorer, but it still lags behind Microsoft Edge in these areas.
Microsoft Edge, on the other hand, is built on a new rendering engine called EdgeHTML, which is designed to be faster and more efficient than the older Trident engine used in Internet Explorer. This results in a smoother browsing experience and better performance, especially on older hardware. Additionally, Edge includes a range of security features, such as built-in anti-phishing and anti-malware protection, which help to keep users safe from online threats.
Compatibility and Standards Support
One of the reasons why Internet Explorer has been so popular over the years is its compatibility with older websites and web standards. However, this compatibility comes at the cost of performance and security, as mentioned earlier. Microsoft Edge, on the other hand, is designed to be more compatible with modern web standards, which means it can render modern websites and web applications more accurately and efficiently.
While Edge does offer some compatibility features, such as the ability to run Internet Explorer 11 in a compatibility mode, it is still not as compatible with older websites as Internet Explorer. This is because Edge is designed to prioritize modern web standards, which can sometimes result in issues with older websites that are not fully compatible with the latest technologies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer are not the same thing. While both are developed by Microsoft, they are fundamentally different in terms of their design, features, performance, security, and compatibility. If you are looking for a faster, more secure, and modern browsing experience, Microsoft Edge is the way to go. However, if you need to access older websites or web applications that are not compatible with modern browsers, Internet Explorer may still be a viable option.
