IE Tab for Chrome: Run Internet Explorer in Chrome & Why You Might Need It

Have you ever stumbled upon a website that stubbornly refuses to cooperate with your modern browser? Perhaps it’s an ancient intranet portal at work, a clunky online application, or a site riddled with ActiveX controls, relics of the Internet Explorer era. Frustration ensues, forcing you to dust off that old, potentially vulnerable Internet Explorer browser. But what if you could seamlessly access these legacy websites without ever leaving the comfort of Chrome? That’s where the IE Tab add-on for Chrome comes to the rescue.

IE Tab isn’t just another extension; it’s a powerful tool that allows you to emulate Internet Explorer directly within your Chrome browser. This article delves into the world of IE Tab, exploring its functionality, use cases, benefits, drawbacks, and even a few alternatives. It’s a practical solution for specific compatibility needs, saving you the hassle of switching between browsers for a handful of stubborn websites.

Understanding IE Tab: How it Bridges the Browser Gap

The core functionality of IE Tab revolves around recreating the Internet Explorer environment within a Chrome tab. It achieves this by utilizing the Trident rendering engine, the very same engine that powers Internet Explorer. When you activate IE Tab on a specific webpage, it essentially leverages this embedded engine to display the content as if you were viewing it through Internet Explorer itself.

Now, it’s crucial to understand that IE Tab isn’t a complete and independent instance of Internet Explorer running inside Chrome. Instead, it acts as a compatibility layer, a translator between the website’s code and Chrome’s rendering engine. This distinction is important because it affects security considerations, which we will discuss later.

You can easily find and download the IE Tab extension from the Chrome Web Store. Simply search for “IE Tab” and choose the extension developed by IETab.net. Once installed, a small icon will appear in your Chrome toolbar, providing quick access to its features.

Key Features: More Than Just Emulation

IE Tab offers a range of features beyond simply displaying websites in an IE-compatible mode. One of the most valuable is its ability to emulate different versions of Internet Explorer. Whether you need to render a site compatible with IE seven, eight, nine, ten, or even eleven, IE Tab lets you choose the specific version to mimic. This is critical because older websites often rely on features and coding practices specific to particular IE iterations.

Another standout feature is URL filtering. This allows you to create a list of websites that will automatically open within the IE Tab environment whenever you visit them. This eliminates the need to manually activate IE Tab each time you encounter a compatibility issue, streamlining your browsing experience significantly. Imagine a specific intranet portal that only works in IE; you can configure IE Tab to always open that site correctly, without any intervention needed.

IE Tab also boasts Group Policy support. This is particularly important for organizations managing a large number of computers. IT administrators can use Group Policy to centrally configure IE Tab settings across the entire network, ensuring consistent behavior and security policies.

Reasons to Embrace IE Tab: A World of Compatibility

The primary advantage of IE Tab lies in its compatibility with legacy websites. The internet landscape is littered with websites built using technologies that are now outdated or unsupported by modern browsers like Chrome. These sites may rely on ActiveX controls, Java applets (which are deprecated and generally unsafe), or other IE-specific technologies. Without IE Tab, accessing these resources can be a frustrating, or even impossible, endeavor.

Consider a company intranet site built years ago, designed exclusively for Internet Explorer six. It might contain crucial resources and internal tools that are still vital to daily operations. IE Tab provides a seamless way to access this site without requiring employees to use an outdated and insecure browser.

Furthermore, IE Tab offers considerable convenience. It eliminates the need to constantly switch between Chrome and Internet Explorer, saving time and reducing disruption to your workflow. You can keep all your browsing activities contained within a single browser window, avoiding the clutter and context-switching that can hinder productivity.

In some situations, IE Tab can potentially offer a degree of isolation, adding a layer of security. By running potentially risky content within the emulated IE environment, you might reduce the impact of a compromised website on your primary Chrome browser. However, this isolation is not absolute and should not be considered a substitute for proper security practices.

Potential Drawbacks and Essential Considerations

While IE Tab offers a convenient solution, it’s crucial to be aware of potential downsides and security implications. Emulating older versions of Internet Explorer, particularly those with known vulnerabilities, can expose you to security risks. These older versions are no longer actively maintained and are susceptible to exploits that could compromise your system. Therefore, caution is paramount. If you *must* use IE Tab to access a specific website, consider setting the emulation to the newest IE version possible that still works.

Furthermore, the extension requires certain permissions to function correctly. Review these permissions carefully before installation, as they can potentially impact your privacy. Understand what data the extension can access and how it might be used.

Performance is another factor to consider. Running IE Tab can consume more system resources than simply browsing in Chrome alone. The emulated IE environment adds overhead, potentially slowing down your browsing experience, especially on older or less powerful computers.

Keep in mind that IE Tab isn’t a perfect solution. While it strives to provide accurate emulation, some websites may still not function flawlessly within the IE Tab environment. You might encounter rendering issues, broken functionality, or other unexpected problems.

Maintaining IE Tab is also essential. Keep the extension updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Also, be aware of potential conflicts with other Chrome extensions. Sometimes, two extensions might interfere with each other, causing unexpected behavior.

Getting Started with IE Tab: A Quick Guide

Installing IE Tab is a straightforward process. Simply visit the Chrome Web Store and search for “IE Tab.” Click the “Add to Chrome” button to install the extension.

Once installed, you can open a webpage in IE Tab by right-clicking anywhere on the page and selecting “Open in IE Tab.” Alternatively, you can click the IE Tab icon in the toolbar to open a new IE Tab instance.

To set the IE version emulation, right-click the IE Tab icon in the toolbar and select “Options.” In the options menu, you can choose the specific IE version you want to emulate.

Configuring URL filtering is equally simple. In the IE Tab options, you can add specific websites to the “Auto URL Filter” list. Whenever you visit these websites, they will automatically open within the IE Tab environment.

The options menu also provides access to other advanced settings and customization options, allowing you to fine-tune IE Tab to your specific needs.

Exploring Alternatives: Beyond IE Tab

While IE Tab is a popular and effective solution, it’s not the only option available. Microsoft Edge, the successor to Internet Explorer, includes a built-in IE Mode that offers similar functionality. Edge’s IE Mode is generally considered more reliable and secure than IE Tab, as it’s directly integrated into the browser. However, it might not be suitable for all users, particularly those who prefer to stick with Chrome.

Another alternative is to use a virtual machine. You can install a virtual machine (using software like VirtualBox or VMware) and then install Internet Explorer within the virtual machine. This provides a completely isolated environment for running IE, enhancing security. However, virtual machines are resource-intensive and require more technical expertise to set up and manage.

Dual booting is another option, involving installing a separate operating system with Internet Explorer. This offers maximum compatibility but is the least convenient approach.

Several other Chrome extensions claim to offer IE compatibility, but they often provide less complete or reliable functionality than IE Tab.

Final Thoughts: Is IE Tab Right for You?

IE Tab is a valuable tool for users who occasionally need Internet Explorer functionality but prefer to primarily use Chrome. It offers a convenient way to access legacy websites and web applications without switching browsers. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential security implications and use IE Tab responsibly. If you’re concerned about security or require more robust compatibility, consider exploring alternatives like Microsoft Edge’s IE Mode or a virtual machine.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use IE Tab depends on your specific needs and priorities. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before making a choice. Download IE Tab from the Chrome Web Store if you find yourself needing it. Remember to exercise caution when accessing unknown websites, especially when emulating older versions of Internet Explorer. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of IE Tab, you can leverage its power while mitigating potential risks, making it a tool to overcome those pesky browser compatibility issues.