When Microsoft finally retired Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022, they weren't killing the browser that launched in 1995. They were executing the zombie of a platform whose golden age began and ended with a single service pack—.
: Addressed numerous vulnerabilities discovered during the peak of early-2000s malware and "drive-by" downloads. microsoft internet explorer 5.0sp2
For more context on the era and technical specifications of early browsers: Version History Technical Museum System Requirements Browser Evolution Wikipedia's Internet Explorer 5 page When Microsoft finally retired Internet Explorer on June
The 5.0 series was a powerhouse during the "First Browser War," eventually capturing over 50% market share microsoft internet explorer 5.0sp2