Internet Explorer 10 Won't Run on Vista

Windows Vista users might have dodged a bullet when Microsoft decided to cut Internet Explorer 9 support from Windows XP. However, it's not the case with Internet Explorer 10.

"Windows Internet Explorer Platform Preview (for Internet Explorer 10) does not support any operating system earlier than Windows 7," is the warning message that appears for those who don't run Windows 7 and attempt to install Internet Explorer 10 preview, which was just recently released to the public.

Microsoft Imposes Forced Modernization

In a release note published earlier this week, a spokeswoman for Microsoft advised users to update their copy of Windows 7 before running Internet Explorer 10. The update is available to those who migrate to Windows 7 Service Pack 1, and as a separate download as a standalone hotfix.

The spokeswoman also tried to shed some light as to why Internet Explorer 10 won't run on Windows Vista.

"Windows Vista customers have a great browsing experience with Internet Explorer 9, but in building Internet Explorer 10 we are focused on continuing to drive the kind of innovation that only happens when you take advantage of the ongoing improvements in modern operating systems and modern hardware," she said. (Source: computerworld.com)

Aggressive Push Risks Losing Loyal Customers

Microsoft has gone on a widespread campaign to promote the idea that a browser is only as good as the operating system it runs on. The Redmond-based firm is hoping to present browsers that run on older operating systems as sub-standard, compared to newer and faster models. (Source: idg.no)

Still, many tech analysts question why Microsoft is willing to make such an aggressive push on their own customers. This is especially true considering how many other operating systems and browsers are currently available and able to run on older hardware.