Internet Explorer 4
Internet Explorer 4 was a pivotal release in the history of web browsers, marking significant advancements in web technology when it was launched in September 1997 by Microsoft. Here are some key points about this version:
Release and Platform Support
Features
- Dynamic HTML (DHTML): This version introduced DHTML, which allowed for more interactive and dynamic web pages through the combination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Active Desktop: A feature that integrated the web with the desktop, allowing users to add web content directly to their desktop environment.
- Channel Definition Format (CDF): An early attempt at push technology to deliver web content to users automatically.
- Web Folders: Allowed users to access and manage web-based files as if they were on their local file system.
- Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE): A new setup wizard that guided users through the initial setup of the operating system with Internet Explorer 4.
Web Standards and Compliance
- Internet Explorer 4 was the first browser to support the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) Level 1 specification, pushing forward the standards for web design.
- It also included support for XML, laying the groundwork for future XML-based technologies in web development.
Market Impact
Legacy and Criticism
- While it brought many innovations, Internet Explorer 4 was criticized for its performance and stability issues on older systems.
- Its deep integration with the operating system was both praised for user convenience and criticized for monopolistic practices.
Sources
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