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Accessibility in Microsoft Products / More Microsoft Products

Older Versions of
Microsoft Internet Explorer

The latest versions of Internet Explorer are included in the latest versions of Microsoft Windows® operating systems for personal and business use. But, because many people with disabilities use earlier versions of the browser, the following information is provided concerning the accessibility features of those products.

If you are currently considering an upgrade of Internet Explorer or the Windows operating systems that include it, and you use an accessibility aid, it is strongly recommended that you check with the manufacturer of your accessibility aid first. Learn about and search for assistive technology.

Information about Older Versions of Internet Explorer:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01

Internet Explorer 4.01 introduced a number of advances that made the Web more accessible to computer users with disabilities. In particular, it included features allowing customization of the appearance of Web pages to the personal needs and preferences of individuals. Internet Explorer 4.01 also included full support for Microsoft Active Accessibility®, the developer technology that helps the operating system, programs, and assistive technology communicate better.

Accessibility Features

• Full support for Microsoft Active Accessibility technology, which lets compatible assistive technology work more effectively. For example, screen readers can navigate tables and frames and read them to the user in proper order, or read the names of images displayed on the screen.
• The ability to fully display the description for each image when images aren't displayed, and to display it in your choice of colors.
• Greatly improved keyboard access to Web pages and to Help.
• The ability to move the system caret, allowing older assistive technology to read or magnify the right information when the user navigates with the keyboard.
• The ability to remove all toolbars and scrollbars from the screen, making more text visible to users who have cognitive disabilities or prefer larger fonts. Check with your assistive technology manufacturer before upgrading.

Internet Explorer version 4.01 introduced a number of new accessibility features and fixed a number of problems that existed in version 4.0. While Internet Explorer version 4.01 improved accessibility in many ways, it behaved differently than previous versions. Some accessibility products had to be updated to work properly with this version—especially if they were not yet updated to work with version 4.0.

Whenever a software upgrade is being considered, people who rely on screen readers, voice-input utilities, or other assistive technology should contact their aids product manufacturer before upgrading. Check with your assistive technology manufacturer for more information. See our guide to assistive technology catalog.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0

Features included in both Internet Explorer 4.0 and later versions:

• The ability to control how the colors, font sizes, and font styles of Web pages are displayed.
• The ability to install your own style sheet so you can control how documents are formatted on the screen.
• Optional sounds to let you know when pages begin and finish loading.
• The ability to turn off, or temporarily stop, animations.
• Additional feedback when browsing with the mouse.
• The ability for Web page authors to include additional information, such as titles for links, within image maps.
• AutoComplete, which finishes typing long and complicated URL's, reducing the amount of memory and typing required.
• The ability to disable smooth scrolling and other effects that can confuse screen reading utilities.
• Dynamic HTML Object Model that makes possible exciting new classes of add-on utilities for Internet Explorer. Some, such as the Internet Explorer PowerToys, provide important features for users with disabilities.
• The Windows Desktop Upgrade, an optional feature of Internet Explorer 4.01, allows you to further customize your desktop and Start menu. You can choose from a range of desktop toolbars, or even create your own. You can also choose to single-click instead of double-clicking for the most common operations.
• Microsoft NetMeeting® represents a powerful tool for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate and collaborate more effectively in real-time by using Internet conferencing capabilities on the Internet, corporate intranet, or school network.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0

Features included in Internet Explorer 3.0 and later versions:

• The ability to navigate through documents, panes, and links by using the keyboard.
• Display of alternate text when images are turned off.
• The ability to turn off pictures, videos, and sounds.
• Support for the High Contrast option in Windows.