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Internet Explorer 6 under fire for not supporting rivals

The latest version of Microsoft Corp's Internet Explorer browser is drawing critical barbs because it doesn't support two rival products commonly used on Web sites.

Internet Explorer 6.0 will not automatically support the embattled Java programming language or Netscape-style ``plug-ins,'' though users and developers will have tools to make the browser compatible with those products.

Redmond-based Microsoft made the program available for download at no charge to consumers on Monday.

Microsoft decided to drop support for the plug-ins -- additional software that lets users play music, watch videos or perform other tasks -- in favor of Microsoft technology called ActiveX. Microsoft spokesman Jim Cullinan said the move was for increased security.

The change means that certain programs, most notably QuickTime, will not work unless the Web site developer changes the code to meet Microsoft's requirements.

Rob Enderle, who follows Microsoft for Giga Information Systems, said the company probably decided to make the change because it was becoming more costly to support Netscape-style plug-ins.

Although some users and developers complained that they weren't given enough lead time to update their systems, Enderle said he doubted the move would have a major effect on users.

He also doubted the company was trying to gain an edge over QuickTime.

"If it was just a QuickTime move they would have done it in such a way that QuickTime stayed broken," Enderle said.
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