Microsoft’s IE 9 faster and better web browser will be released March 2011. Broken websites are starting to show problems already

Some websites have problems with text in IE 9 if they are not compatible with HTML 5 and CS3

The Release Candidate of Microsoft’s anticipated update of Internet Explorer 9 is available today. It shows many websites using old technology need a refresh.

I downloaded the RC and whoops, lots of websites didn’t look like they conformed to HTML 5 or some new standard.

Overall, I’d say Internet Explorer 9 is a big hit. It makes my computer seem faster and promises better web browsing.

One site we visited, showed the menu bar and other text in mirrored fashion. It looked Russian at first glance. 

Other sites are slow to load or appear jerky when scrolling.

NJN Network has the text in the right column centered not left justified.

Clicking on “Compatibility View” in the address bar should fix the problem temporarily. However, it’s best to have sites compatible from the get-go and not expect visitors to clean up the view.

Why IE 9

Microsoft calls IE 9 a more beautiful web experience. They are right.

Some people are going to upgrade to IE 9 because it’s free and comes from Microsoft. What’s not to like about something new, shiny and free?

Microsoft has more than 50% of the internet browser market and IE 9 should help it to retain its base and grow with a faster and slicker browser.

IE 9 uses the graphic processor on video cards to make things happen faster on the screen. IE 9 takes advantage of Windows 7 Glass or Vista Aero, which is something I’d turned off until now. It looks much better with IE 9.

The whole browser experience has been enhanced. For example, you can pin a favorite website to your task bar by pulling it down to the bottom of the screen.

It pays to watch the videos on Microsoft’s IE 9 site to see how easy IE 9 works.

It promises better HD movie presentation. The browser is cleaner and faster. There are improvements under the hood like integrated java and CS3.

Unless you’re a techie none of this makes any difference. Faster, cleaner and easier to use are the reasons people will move to IE 9.

Is IE right for you?

Sorry XP users: IE 9 needs Windows Vista or 7 to run. The installation process under Windows 7 is actually an embedded operating system feature that requires a re-boot.

I know there are IE 6 users out there, like my friend at the CBC. Get with the program boys and upgrade.

The official release will be March 14th or 15th but the Release Candidate is available now.

I will work with IE 9 exclusively for a few days and see if it makes my life better or not.  Up to now I’ve been a confirmed Firefox user.