Internet Explorer was one of the most commonly used web browsers, though its popularity has declined in recent years.

Overview of Web Browsers
Web browsers are essential tools that allow users to access and navigate the internet. Among the various options available, Internet Explorer and Netscape were two of the most prominent browsers in the early days of the web.
Internet Explorer: The Dominant Player
- Internet Explorer (IE) was developed by Microsoft and became the default web browser for Windows operating systems.
- Its integration with Windows provided it with a significant user base, making it the most commonly used browser for many years.
- Features such as ActiveX controls, support for multimedia, and later versions' improved security made it a preferred choice among users.
Netscape: A Historical Context
- Netscape Navigator was one of the first widely-used web browsers, leading the charge during the early 1990s.
- Although it played a crucial role in popularizing web browsing, it lost market share over time due to competition and the rise of Internet Explorer.
- Netscape eventually faded from the forefront, leading to its discontinuation.
Current Landscape
- While Internet Explorer was once the most commonly used browser, its popularity has declined significantly with the introduction of modern browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
- Today, Microsoft has shifted its focus to the Edge browser, which is built on a different architecture and aims to provide a better user experience.
Conclusion
- Given the historical context, the answer stating Internet Explorer as the most commonly used web browser is accurate for the time it was most popular.
- However, it's essential to recognize that the web browser landscape is ever-evolving, and usage trends can change rapidly.