Microsoft is set to kill off Internet Explorer browser

MICROSOFT is set to retire its signature browser, triggering widespread celebrations on social media and speculation about its replacement.

MICROSOFT is reportedly set to ditch Internet Explorer with the next version of Windows — and people could not be happier.

The Verge has reported Windows 10 will include a new browser, codenamed Project Spartan, to replace Internet Explorer which was widely derided as the browser you used only to download another browser.

Microsoft is yet to finalise the name for the new browser and has been doing market research which suggests the word “Microsoft” will be part of the name. Apparently, people see the brand name as a good thing — which is a good thing for Microsoft.

When Microsoft launched Internet Explorer back in the 1990s, it was a small fish taking on the popularity of Netscape.

The integration with Windows gave it the edge to become the winner of the browser war for a time but the evolution of quicker and slicker browsers like Firefox and Chrome has seen Internet Explorer drop in marketshare and rise in popularity as a punchline.

For a piece of software that most people used at least some of the time, the news that IE might soon go the way of the DOS prompt was met online with enthusiastic applause.

1998 called, they want their browser back. #InternetExplorer #RIP #Finally

— Marissa Catherine (@____Mo_____) March 17, 2015

RIP #InternetExplorer, you're going to a better place now full of hour glasses and spinning wheels. Shhhhhh.

— Lauren Mabbett (@LaurenMabbett) March 17, 2015

#InternetExplorer is being killed!!!! @Microsoft how am I supposed to describe slow things to kids #firstworldproblems #technology

— Calvin Laurenson (@CalvinLaurenson) March 17, 2015

#InternetExplorer pic.twitter.com/acmAvSLmQp

— SVIAT APANASIONAK (@S_Apanasionak) March 17, 2015

R.I.P. Internet Explorer... You steaming pile of crap. #InternetExplorer

— Johnny Marks (@DJJohnnyMarks) March 17, 2015

"RIP #InternetExplorer, you will be truly missed." Said no one ever.

— Alina (@MissRadko) March 17, 2015

#Microsoft is killing off the #InternetExplorer brand http://t.co/tQwiZzAfnB Didn't know it was still around

— Randy Roberson (@randyroberson) March 17, 2015