"Internet Explorer What" chronicles the fascinating journey of Microsoft's revolutionary web browser that fundamentally shaped internet history. This comprehensive exploration delves into how Internet Explorer evolved from a licensed Mosaic-based browser in 1995 to becoming the dominant force in web browsing, at one point capturing over 95% of the market share.
The book skillfully weaves together three central narratives: the browser's technical evolution, Microsoft's aggressive business strategies, and the lasting impact on web standards and development practices. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts from former Microsoft employees, web developers, and industry analysts, the book illuminates crucial moments in Internet Explorer's history.
Particularly compelling is the examination of the infamous "browser wars" with Netscape Navigator and the subsequent antitrust investigations triggered by Microsoft's strategic bundling of IE with Windows. The narrative traces how these events not only transformed the browser landscape but also established precedents for corporate competition in the tech sector.
The book progresses chronologically from Internet Explorer's inception through its peak dominance and eventual decline, culminating in its 2022 retirement in favor of Edge. Each chapter builds upon the previous, examining technical innovations, business decisions, and legal challenges that shaped not just a browser, but the entire web development ecosystem.
For technology professionals and historians alike, this account offers valuable insights into how a single software product influenced modern web standards, development practices, and the broader evolution of internet technology.
