Paul, I have just written a post on why IE6update is wrong and would really appreciate it if you could take the time to read and hopefully comment: http://tr.im/jksO
@TheDJBook: I have worked in the IT industry since 1999, the first 7 years of which spent in the IT areas of large corporates. I do not see this as any sort of particular excuse. In fact, even these corporates will likely be upgrading to at least IE7 in the next 12 months or so (or gearing up for it anyway), as the support is gradually dropped by Microsoft (Windows XP is now in "extended support", meaning high security patches only).
Also "It’s not our place to force this upon them or put them in a situation were they have no choice.": The script does not in any way remove the user's choice. In fact, it is simply providing an opportunity to make a choice. It is actually the very corporate environments you speak of that have removed the choice.
I totally agree with you Paul. Corporate networks and I.T teams normally prevent IE updates and minor Windows updates for a reason.
Having worked in IT since 1995, and worked along side and built allot of corporate I.T solutions, people need to understand that allot of them won't upgrade due partly to large scale networks, security risks, software compatibility and customisation that most corporate I.T infrastructures have. For example I was still building and supplying Windows 95 and DOS/Windows 3.11 systems to Siemens in 1999/2000.
With the projects I work on I don’t have a problem testing them on a standard IE6 system, plus IE7, FireFox and Mac. And yes when I build or repair I.T systems for clients I always recommend they regularly maintain Windows updates and anti-virus software as a stand, but at the same time I can’t then be lazy when developing web projects and assume users are running the latest browsers.
I’m not a fan of IE6, but as with any software it will gradually be fazed out as users either replace there systems, or upgrade naturally. It’s not our place to force this upon them or put them in a situation were they have no choice.
While I thoroughly respect you and look up to you in many ways, I have to say I disagree with you on this one. I think this is the best script of it's kind, and the only one I would support, as it is done in a very sensible manner.
Notifying users that their browser isn't up to date, and that there is a newer version available. Not all users will have auto-update switched on in their operating system, and those who are on corporate networks need to encourage their IT folks to update.
Microsoft have released newer version of IE since IE6 as high security updates. I think this script is the community supporting Microsoft in keeping their software up to date.
http://blog.xero.com/2009/04/ie6-is-no-longer-supported/
Also "It’s not our place to force this upon them or put them in a situation were they have no choice.": The script does not in any way remove the user's choice. In fact, it is simply providing an opportunity to make a choice. It is actually the very corporate environments you speak of that have removed the choice.
Having worked in IT since 1995, and worked along side and built allot of corporate I.T solutions, people need to understand that allot of them won't upgrade due partly to large scale networks, security risks, software compatibility and customisation that most corporate I.T infrastructures have. For example I was still building and supplying Windows 95 and DOS/Windows 3.11 systems to Siemens in 1999/2000.
With the projects I work on I don’t have a problem testing them on a standard IE6 system, plus IE7, FireFox and Mac. And yes when I build or repair I.T systems for clients I always recommend they regularly maintain Windows updates and anti-virus software as a stand, but at the same time I can’t then be lazy when developing web projects and assume users are running the latest browsers.
I’m not a fan of IE6, but as with any software it will gradually be fazed out as users either replace there systems, or upgrade naturally. It’s not our place to force this upon them or put them in a situation were they have no choice.
Response To Paul Boag's Rant On IE6Update
While I thoroughly respect you and look up to you in many ways, I have to say I disagree with you on this one. I think this is the best script of it's kind, and the only one I would support, as it is done in a very sensible manner.
Notifying users that their browser isn't up to date, and that there is a newer version available. Not all users will have auto-update switched on in their operating system, and those who are on corporate networks need to encourage their IT folks to update.
Microsoft have released newer version of IE since IE6 as high security updates. I think this script is the community supporting Microsoft in keeping their software up to date.