1. Managing two Internet Explorer experiences
Perhaps the biggest change in this newest version of Internet Explorer is that Internet
Explorer 10, although a single product in Windows 8, actually operates
in two variations, depending on the location from which you launch the
web browser. One variation—Internet Explorer—is tailored for the
Windows 8 touch-optimized interface (UI), whereas the other—Internet
Explorer for the desktop—is an updated version of the familiar desktop
application. Even though the two interfaces appear and feel very
different from each other, they are the same application. In Figure 1, you see the Windows 8 touch-optimized variation of Internet Explorer 10, and in Figure 2, you see Internet Explorer 10 for the desktop.
Important
INTERNET EXPLORER VS. INTERNET EXPLORER FOR THE DESKTOP
Although Internet Explorer is a single application in Windows 8, its
two operating modes and the differences between them can create
confusion. Both versions have the same name, but they have different
capabilities.
Note that each operating variation renders the same baseline
content. However, if that content requires add-ons, which are not
supported by the touch-optimized version, major differences between the
two interfaces begin to appear. In Figure 1,
you can see Internet Explorer using the new Windows 8 touch-optimized
UI, in which content is rendered above the address bar displayed along
the bottom of the screen. In this mode, Internet Explorer is optimized
for touch use, with larger, finger-friendly buttons.
In the traditional view, the address bar remains at the top of the
window, and the screen maintains the controls you’re used to. In this
mode, Internet Explorer is more mouse-friendly or touchpad-friendly.
To run the touch-optimized variation of Internet Explorer 10, tap or click Internet Explorer on the Start screen (Figure 3). To run the desktop variation of Internet Explorer, tap or click the Internet Explorer icon in the taskbar on the desktop (Figure 4).
