Why Bother with IE Add-ons in Chrome?
Internet Explorer, once the undisputed king of web browsers, has largely faded into the digital sunset. While newer, faster, and more secure browsers like Google Chrome have taken its place, many users still harbor a sense of nostalgia for IE, particularly for its extensive library of add-ons. These add-ons, designed to enhance the browsing experience, offered a range of functionality from toolbars and utilities to specialized viewers and content enhancers. But what if you could recapture some of that classic functionality, bringing those beloved Internet Explorer add-ons into the modern Chrome environment? This article explores how you can leverage existing tools to use an Internet Explorer add on for Chrome, addressing the reasons why you might want to, and, most importantly, the potential pitfalls to consider.
The question is a valid one. With Chrome’s robust extension ecosystem, why would anyone want to resurrect the ghosts of Internet Explorer’s past? The answer often boils down to a few key factors.
First, there’s the undeniable pull of nostalgia and familiarity. For many long-time internet users, certain Internet Explorer add on choices became integral parts of their workflow. The muscle memory of using a particular toolbar or the comfort of a familiar interface can be difficult to shake, even if objectively “better” options exist in Chrome.
More practically, some Internet Explorer add on features simply don’t have direct equivalents in Chrome’s extension marketplace. This is particularly true for niche enterprise tools, specialized viewers designed to handle specific file formats, or custom utilities developed for internal company applications. These add-ons might offer functionality that, while not cutting-edge, remains essential for certain tasks. Finding a suitable replacement for a very specific or obscure Internet Explorer add on can be a time-consuming and ultimately frustrating process.
Finally, and perhaps most critically, many businesses still rely on websites and applications that were built with Internet Explorer’s specific technologies in mind. These legacy systems might depend on ActiveX controls, browser helper objects (BHOs), or other IE-specific features that are not natively supported by Chrome. For employees required to access these systems, running an Internet Explorer add on for Chrome becomes a necessity, allowing them to maintain compatibility without switching between multiple browsers.
It’s crucial to be realistic. Attempting to run an Internet Explorer add on for Chrome introduces complexities and potential security risks. Approach this process with caution and prioritize your online safety.
The Main Solution: IE Tab Extensions for Chrome
The most popular and practical method for bringing Internet Explorer add on capabilities to Chrome is through the use of an extension known as “IE Tab.” IE Tab doesn’t actually convert IE add-ons into Chrome extensions. Instead, it ingeniously emulates the Internet Explorer rendering engine directly within a Chrome tab. Think of it as having a miniature, fully functional version of Internet Explorer running inside your Chrome browser.
This emulation allows you to access websites and web applications that require IE-specific technologies, including those that rely on ActiveX controls and other IE-dependent features. IE Tab effectively bridges the gap between modern Chrome and legacy IE-based content.
Installing and configuring IE Tab is generally straightforward:
- Search for IE Tab: Open the Chrome Web Store and search for “IE Tab.” Look for the extension developed by IE Tab.
- Install the Extension: Click the “Add to Chrome” button and confirm the installation.
- Configure Settings (Optional): After installation, the IE Tab extension icon will appear in your Chrome toolbar. You can right-click the icon and select “Options” to customize the extension’s behavior. This allows you to configure which websites automatically open in IE Tab, or specify which rendering engine to use (usually the latest available).
Setting Up IE Tab for IE Add-ons
Getting your desired Internet Explorer add on to work within IE Tab often requires a bit of tweaking. The key is to understand the settings within IE Tab that directly affect add-on compatibility.
First, ensure that ActiveX controls are enabled within IE Tab. This is usually a default setting, but it’s worth double-checking. Navigate to IE Tab’s settings (right-click the icon, choose “Options”), and look for settings related to ActiveX. Make sure they are enabled or set to “Prompt” to allow you to approve ActiveX controls on a per-site basis.
You might also need to adjust the compatibility view settings within IE Tab. Legacy websites and applications often rely on older versions of Internet Explorer. IE Tab allows you to emulate these older versions, ensuring that the website renders correctly and that the Internet Explorer add on you need functions as intended. Experiment with different compatibility modes to find the one that works best for your specific add-on.
Even after proper configuration, you might encounter issues with add-on installation or functionality. Here are a few common troubleshooting tips:
- Run Chrome as Administrator: Sometimes, add-ons require administrative privileges to install correctly. Try running Chrome as an administrator when installing the Internet Explorer add on within IE Tab.
- Check Add-on Compatibility: Research whether the specific Internet Explorer add on you’re trying to use is known to work with IE Tab. Online forums and communities dedicated to IE Tab can provide valuable insights.
- Reinstall the Add-on: A simple reinstall can sometimes resolve installation errors or compatibility issues.
- Consult IE Tab Documentation: The IE Tab extension usually comes with its own documentation or help resources. Consult these resources for specific troubleshooting steps.
Potential Issues and Limitations
While IE Tab offers a convenient solution for running an Internet Explorer add on for Chrome, it’s essential to be aware of the potential downsides.
Security represents a significant concern. Older Internet Explorer technologies, like ActiveX controls, are known to be vulnerable to security exploits. Running these technologies within Chrome, even through IE Tab’s emulation, increases your risk of malware infection and other security breaches. Only use trusted Internet Explorer add on choices from reputable sources, and be extremely cautious about installing any add-ons that you are unfamiliar with.
Performance can also be affected. Emulating Internet Explorer within Chrome consumes system resources. You might notice a slowdown in Chrome’s overall performance, especially when running complex websites or applications within IE Tab. It’s advisable to close the IE Tab tab when not in use to minimize the impact on Chrome’s performance.
Compatibility is not guaranteed. Not all Internet Explorer add on choices will work perfectly within IE Tab. Some add-ons might be outdated, rely on specific IE versions that aren’t fully emulated by IE Tab, or simply be incompatible with the emulation environment.
Finally, it’s worth considering whether there are viable alternatives to running an Internet Explorer add on for Chrome. Before resorting to IE Tab, explore the Chrome Web Store for Chrome extensions that offer similar functionality. Modern Chrome extensions are typically more secure, perform better, and are actively maintained, making them a preferable choice whenever possible.
Security Best Practices
Given the inherent security risks associated with running Internet Explorer add on choices through IE Tab, strict security practices are crucial.
Only use add-ons from verified, trusted sources. Avoid downloading add-ons from unofficial websites or untrusted developers. Research the add-on thoroughly before installing it, and read reviews from other users.
Regularly scan your computer with a reputable antivirus program to detect and remove any potential malware that might exploit vulnerabilities in older IE technologies.
Limit the usage of IE Tab to only those websites and applications that absolutely require it. Disable IE Tab when you’re not actively using it to minimize the attack surface.
For added security, consider using a virtual machine (VM) to run IE Tab. A VM creates an isolated environment, preventing any malware from affecting your main operating system.
Conclusion
The ability to run an Internet Explorer add on for Chrome via extensions like IE Tab offers a practical solution for accessing legacy websites and applications that rely on IE-specific technologies. It allows you to maintain compatibility without sacrificing the benefits of modern browsing with Chrome. However, it’s crucial to approach this solution with caution, recognizing the potential security risks and performance limitations. Prioritize security best practices, explore alternative solutions whenever possible, and only use trusted add-ons from reputable sources. Weigh the benefits against the risks carefully before deciding to resurrect those IE classics within your Chrome browser. By doing so, you can bridge the gap between the past and present of the web while safeguarding your online security. Ultimately, always assess if there are Chrome extensions that offer the same functionality before relying on this method.
