Handling numerous versions of the same products is a real difficulty for software producers. This is why Microsoft wants to end the support for most of the Internet Explorer versions and focus only on the current version. Microsoft already established a date when that will happen. Since January 12, 2016, the company will only provide support for the current Internet Explorer version. Until then Microsoft offers the latest Internet Explorer bug fixes.

The move will be beneficial for three parties. Consumers will benefit from a unified experience and maximum security levels. Microsoft will be able to focus all its efforts on enhancing the internet browser. Developers will finally be able to concentrate their efforts as well, thus speeding up the process of launching websites and applications.

The 17 months long campaign is quite lengthy. However, Microsoft has plenty of experiences with conservative users. Even after repeated warnings that Windows XP will not receive support starting with April, the OS was still used by a large share of desktop users. Moving to the latest Internet Explorer version will probably be an easier step to take by most users, as the benefits are much more rewarding. To have your IE updated automatically, Microsoft recommends using Windows update.

Microsoft’s browser was exposed to hacking attacks similar to Heartbleed, but the company worked to provide the latest fixes earlier this year.

Internet Explorer bug fixes close a dangerous hacking passage

Older Windows versions will not be able to run the latest browser, so Microsoft will provide support for the latest browser version accepted by each OS. So as of 2016, Windows Vista SP2 will receive support for IE9; Windows 7 SP1 for IE11 and Windows 8.1 for IE11 as well. The Windows Server versions will support only IE11.

The main advantage gained after upgrading will the in the security sector. Capriotti, the Director of Internet Explorer, says research shows that protection against malware in 2009 was at 69 percent for IE8, whereas for IE11 it was as high as 99 percent.

On Tuesday, Microsoft released 26 bug fixes for IE. Among the Internet Explorer bug fixes there is one combating the bug through which hackers were able to gain administrative rights if users accessed an infected webpage, Tomsguide reports.

Microsoft released updates for other programs too, including OneNote 2007, SQL Server 2008 and above, SharePoint Server 2013 and Windows Media Center TV Pack.