It’s been on the cards for some time now but it seems Youtube’s decision to drop IE6 from its supported browsers has seen a significant shift in popularity for the aging browser. Statistics compiled by w3schools show IE6’s popularity dropping month by month since the start of the year; although this has been the case for a couple of years now it has never been as substantial as the current decline. This is a relief as this aging piece of software technology seems to have finally seen its day. When users considers the security risks and the amount of high profile sites that have disregarded any form of support for the browser; it now seems user sensible to upgrade or change browser.

Firefox now clearly dominates the race and seems to continue to attract new users offering a wealth of additional add-ons and plug-ins to complement nearly any conceivable internet experience. The Internet Explorer (IE) team (headed by Amy Barzdukas) have not been completely oblivious to these changes, introducing add-ons similar to Firefox; allowing the browser to be extended beyond the normal functionality expected from an internet browser.

Unfortunately for Microsoft this may be a case of too little too late, what should have been a hard fought war between the two internet browser manufactures has become a bit of a one horse race. If the decline in users continues we may one day see Microsoft pulling the plug altogether on browser development; although that may be some time away.

Chrome from Google continues to attract new users as one of the newer arrivals; this may yet become more popular depending on how Google’s Operating System of the same name performs. One other browser to watch for is Opera. Opera has been around since 1996 to the public and has grown from a trialware browser to a free piece of software. The only drawback for Opera is that it is entirely funded by Google who have a contracted agreement requiring Opera to use Google’s search facility by default.

Screen shot of Apples Safari History panel

Finally if none of the above mentioned browsers take you fancy then Safari may have the feel you’ve craved for. To a Window’s users the interface looks as you would expect from an Apple product, like a Mac piece of software. There is however one addition to the browsers arsenal that appeals to myself, and that’s its history panel. Although dangerous to state for fear of being inundated with facts, the others browsers just don’t seem to a approach this area with the same style and elegance.

The increase in support for Firefox does elevate the pressure slightly on companies insisting on IE6 support. It’s won’t be until the browser is completely eradicated that complete ignorance can be given to the age old piece of software. I’m sure however the problems and stories attached to this incarnation of the Internet Explorer will become stuff of legends amongst web designers and internet historians.

Well after much deliberation as to what the source of income for the popular Twitter would be, it has been announced today that Twitter will allow advertising on its website. Discussed in an earlier post it seems that the followers of this technology will have to now consider the consequences of advertising.

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WordPress Blogs may wish to take the warning in their Dashboard to upgrade to 2.8.4 a little more seriously than previous updates.

The main reason for updating to WordPress 2.8.4 is due to a major security flaw found by the WordPress community. This update prevents a worm that is currently doing the rounds from attacking and compromising WordPress blogs prior to version 2.8.4.

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