Internet Explorer (Microsoft)

Function

Microsoft Internet Explorer is a Web browser that comes standard with the Windows operating system.   The current version, IE7, is standard with Windows Vista.  See Additional Considerations below for compatability issues.

Access

Internet Explorer is client software that must be installed on your personal computer.  You can download updates and new versions for free at Microsoft's download site.  If you do not have Internet Explorer installed (e.g., because you use a Mac), you can access a version of it at the Citrix Applications Portal.  Access to Citrix requires a Medical ID. You can download Internet Explorer from the Software Downloads page. 

Documentation

 Use the built-in help resources ("Help" on the task bar).

Support

 Contact the Information Technology Help Desk. Medical Information Technology supports IE 6 & 7, but not 8.

Additional considerations

Internet Explorer is not available for Mac platforms; use Safari (Apple's standard browser), Firefox or Opera instead.  Windows users may also want to consider Firefox or Opera. 

Note that some Web applications are designed exclusively for use with Internet Explorer, and will have reduced or no functionality with other browsers.  Some of these applications are not still not compatible with the current version, IE7.  They must be used with IE6 (version 6).  In some cases, a Microsoft work-around that allows IE7 to pretend that it is IE6 will work, but this cannot be guaranteed.