Internet Explorer 4

Internet Explorer 4 is a version of Internet Explorer, released in October 1997 for Windows and 6 January 1998 for Mac OS. It can run on Windows 3.1, 95, 98, Mac OS 7.1+, and Solaris. Installing Internet Explorer 4 on Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 gave users an option to enable the 'Windows Desktop Update', which adds Internet Explorer integration to various parts of the OS. This includes replacing the traditional Windows Explorer with a web browser-like interface, and Internet-enabling the desktop itself via Active Desktop (which includes the infamous 'channel bar' of advertising links). Internet Explorer 4 shipped with Windows 95 OSR 2.5, Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition (albeit being an optional install) and Windows 98 and was later released for Macintosh.

This version also updates parts of the logo branding, using the well-known "e" icon.

Trivia
An easter egg hides in this version. To activate the egg, open the "About Internet Explorer" dialog box. Then drag the IE logo to the globe, then drag it fast to the "Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0" word. Then click the "Unlock" button and drag it back to the globe. Then an list of Internet Explorer developers will show up.