An Ode to Internet Explorer in All Its Laggy, Joke-Inducing Glory

By Brinton Parker

Updated on 1/12/2016 at 1:45 PM

Tumblr user TechHumor

Tumblr user TechHumor

When Microsoft announced that it would no longer support certain versions Internet Explorer starting Jan. 12, the digital world had mixed feelings — some were happy that the antiquated browser wass dying at last, while others were upset about losing the butt of their jokes. You see, it has been the fodder of many a meme since Chrome, Firefox, and Safari came on the scene, and losing it is a bit like losing an old, slightly embarrassing friend. To commemorate the passing of IE, let's look back on the past decade.

When you first downloaded Internet Explorer . . . — Nick

When you first downloaded Internet Explorer . . .

It rocked your world. Nothing could stop you. — Nick

It rocked your world. Nothing could stop you.

But then more browsers began to pop up . . . — Giphy

But then more browsers began to pop up . . .

And you realized just how slow IE can be. — Tumblr user cosmeticscastle

And you realized just how slow IE can be.

Sometimes, it even froze altogether! — Imgur user jesuisladrogue

Sometimes, it even froze altogether!

And you got frustrated. Really frustrated. — Nick

And you got frustrated. Really frustrated.

So you banished it, and avoided it at all costs. — Imgur user duelos

So you banished it, and avoided it at all costs.

It became the pariah of your desktop . . . except when you accidentally opened it. — Disney

It became the pariah of your desktop . . . except when you accidentally opened it.

You only used it when there was no other option. — Imgur user SandR0ck2003

You only used it when there was no other option.

And when you did, it was THE WORST. — Channel 4

And when you did, it was THE WORST.

It was a relic — not to be used, but to be laughed at. — Comedy Central

It was a relic — not to be used, but to be laughed at.

But somehow it kept popping up. — Giphy

But somehow it kept popping up.

Like when you'd use your mom's computer and she had 40 toolbars on her IE homepage. — HBO

Like when you'd use your mom's computer and she had 40 toolbars on her IE homepage.

And you had to explain to her that it wasn't the best option. — Focus Features

And you had to explain to her that it wasn't the best option.

In fact, it was terrible. — Tumblr user donthatethegeek

In fact, it was terrible.

So you finally convinced her to ditch it. At last, Internet Explorer was gone from your life. — Giphy

So you finally convinced her to ditch it. At last, Internet Explorer was gone from your life.

Except, of course, to encourage you in tough times. — Tumblr user derp-patrol

Except, of course, to encourage you in tough times.

But now it's finally going away. RIP, Internet Explorer. — Logo TV

But now it's finally going away. RIP, Internet Explorer.