September 20, 1996
NCNS has discovered numerous flaws in Microsoft's Internet Explorer since it was first released in Beta form. The most recent flaw found is that the tag <noframe> will block content from being displayed on Explorer 3.0 when inserted in the body of a web page. This flaw, and others like it make it possible for Webmasters to force users to use another browser to view their site. Though it isn't known how many sites currently include this tag it is possible that up to 80% of all sites could suddenly become unavailable to Explorer users.
Other flaws we've encountered include:
- Explorer 3.0 does not return the users PC to pre-installation conditions when it is uninstalled;
- Explorer 3.0 wipes out Explorer 2.0 which has useful features deliberately left out of 3.0;
- Explorer 3.0 displays Java Class titles while loading applets;
- Netmeeting does not work properly if the user opens a non-Explorer browser;
- Cursor and mouse freeze-ups during use;
- Users must re-register their names on every page of a site that requires registration, instead of just once per site;
- Occasional inability to display Web page items that change upon every visit to the page;
- Flickering screens on some Web pages;
- Older versions of the Explorer 3.0 may wipe out a users other browsers when it is un-installed.