제 11 호 What is Happening to Microsoft?
Kicker: SCIENCE (COMPUTER)
What is Happening to Microsoft?
With the Advent of Windows 11 & End of IE
By Dong- wook Kim, Editor/Nam-Ho Yun, Reporter
smartpodo@kakao.com /tree32847@gmail.com
Discussions On 24th June, Microsoft has released the preview version of the new operation system Windows 11, the follow-up work of Windows 10. At the same time, the company has announced the end of service for IE as their unconventional moves continue. The full version of Windows 11 will be released at the end of October this year. Through beta service, Microsoft’s new operation system is getting a lot of attention because of their unique changes in User interface, icons and support of android apps. What is going on in Microsoft? What are some new functions that students should keep an eye on?
Father of the Internet Browser, Internet Explorer Comes to an End
Microsoft treated IE 11 as one of the components of its Windows operating system. Although it has not released a new version, it has been supporting only security updates. IE-based web environments have long been built around the Windows ecosystem and companies still operate web services optimized for this environment today. However, Microsoft will terminate the technical support for Internet Explorer after June 15, 2022. In addition, major web applications such as MS office will not be available in IE starting from August 2021. As a result, organizations and companies that build web environments and business systems based on IE plugins such as ActiveX, should be accessed through Edge browser or a chrome browser. Furthermore, the users can risk a security issue since Microsoft no longer supports security updates to IE 11 after the end of support. Especially students and workers should change their working environments to not get attacked.
Termination of Internet Explorer 11
Adieu IE, Hello Edge!
There are three main reasons why Microsoft terminated IE at the same time recommending Edge browser. First of all, compatibility of the Edge browser, has been strengthened so that it can support the web environment without IE anymore. Edge is a web browser based on a chromium engine, but it also has as engine that supports older websites known as IE mode. The IE mode allows users to use IE-based websites without IE. In addition, the Chromium engine is used in today’s most popular browsers such as Chrome, Samsung Internet and Naver Whale and supports the latest web environment such as HTML5, CSS and without any problems.
HTML5 accessibilities on Internet browsers
The second reason is to enhance productivity through simplicity. It is quite inconvenient for users to use different web browsers for each task. For instance, if you want to use the latest browser, such as Edge or Chrome but some website’s features only work with IE, such as plugins and extensions, eventually users have to use both browsers at the same time. As mentioned earlier, Edge browser supports on both engines that can display old and modern web environments without the need for multiple browsers.
The last reason is security. According to the report made by Microsoft, approximately 579 accounts hijacking attacks are attempted every second, which requires a strong web browser. They needed to make a web browser which admits authorizations to the right user and provide integrity to the appropriate data. Edge provides phishing and malware protection through the MS Defender SmartScreen. The password monitor function detects whether the same information as the account information recorded in the browser has been leaked to the dark web. If so, it notifies users. In particular, IE improves vulnerabilities with regular security updates while Edge provides frequent updates to urgent vulnerabilities.
Edge Browser’s Password Monitor
What Should Users Do?
What would be different from the user’s point of view? First of all, existing IE users no longer have to insist on this browser. Edge already has an additional engine to run IE-optimized websites, so users only need to choose what browsers they would use. Of course, IE will not appear from the desktop after June 15, 2022. This is because the Edge browser uses the IE engine installed on the PC. However, even if the user subsequently executes IE, the Edge browser is executed. As mentioned before, the users can choose from Edge, Chrome and Whale.
Microsoft Infiltrates the Android Ecosystem
At the same time Microsoft terminated IE, they released a new operating system Windows 11. It is the first new product in six years since July 2015 when the last version of Windows 10 was released. The big change of user interface which can be associated with Mac OS, collaboration with Amazon is happening on Microsoft’s new OS. Here are some notable features that you might find interesting.
Taskbar right in the middle
The first thing you will notice will be the taskbar being put at the middle of the bottom of your screen. If you do not like this adjustment, you can simply drag and move it to the edge like it used to be in Windows 10. It will take some time for you to adjust to this change, but you will get used to it quite fast since it is easier to notice where things are at one glance.
Rounded Corners, Friendly Interface
The second thing you will notice is that the interface has changed a bit. Whatever you click or use, the corners of the page will be rounded. It is a part of Microsoft’s effort to make the interface softer and friendlier. Some say the interface is becoming more like MacOS, while others enjoy this small but unique change.
Return of Windows Widgets
That is right. Windows Widgets are back again. You can create your own Windows Widgets section by adding the weather, News curated by the AI, calendar, and other 3rd party apps you like. You can open it up by clicking the widget icon on the taskbar. You will not use this feature as often as others, but it is interesting to see Microsoft enabling users to customize and personalize their PC.
New Windows, New Start Menu
The new start menu is divided into 3 parts: Search bar, Pinned, and Recommended. You can change the pinned icons by clicking the “all apps” button anytime you want. Recommended apps or files will be changed as you use your windows since it tracks the frequency of which programs or files you use. The search bar uses Microsoft Edge, and you can use it anytime to search for something online.
Windows with Apps
There were some rumors about Microsoft enabling android apps in their new Windows release. And now it seems to be true. Now you can enjoy the apps you like not only on your smartphone but also on your PC or tablet. You can search for any app you would like to install. However, be aware that not all applications are available on Windows 11 yet.
TikTok on Windows 11
Where There is Light Mode, There is Dark Mode
Dark Mode has been in the previous version. However, now it is closer to perfection. You can go to Settings > Personalization > Colors to turn it on. Plus, you can customize which mode you want to use for default app and default Windows. With rounded corners and changes in the interface, it is much more comfortable to use your Pc at night.
Comparison between Dark Mode and Light Mode
It has been several years since Microsoft released Windows 10. Some things have changed and improved. While they are trying to focus on the future, they are packing their bags they have left in the past. With the era of Internet Explore coming to an end, college students should prepare for what is to come and explore new features.
Microsoft has announced this year that Microsoft Office, which includes Excel and PowerPoint, will be redesigned as the Windows continue to upgrade. Almost every job requires some degree of skills in MS Word, Excel or PowerPoint. Adapting to these new features at a fast pace is not an option if you want to be efficient at using these programs. Still, you have to remember that Windows 11 has not been officially released yet. In other words, it is still in the development process.
Sources:
https://www.howtogeek.com/737031/windows-11-whats-new-in-microsofts-new-os/
https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11-home-and-pro
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-11-new-start-menu-everything-you-need-to-know
https://thewincentral.com/windows-11-sun-valley-update-all-changes-new-features-release-date/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/windows-11-vs-macos/
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/enable-dark-mode-on-windows-11/
