Internet Explorer, mostly since at that time google chrome and
opera or maybe even firefox either didn't exist or were too new, IE
was also the default for pcs, which were more popular, and still
are, than macs so IE beat safari. Also, Internet Explorer 9 is
faster now. People say chrome is faster, but on slow systems, based
on personal experience and proof, IE is too slow to use(unless you
disable add-ons), but on newer, faster systems, IE IS better.
However, the usage % as of April 2012 is close. Here it is:
Internet Explorer ......25.93%
Google Chrome .........24.99%
Mozilla Firefox ...........21.79%
Apple Safari* ............14.09%
Opera ........................5.04%
Android-Based ...........3.18%
Other Browser** .......4.98%
*Not counting IOS usage
**Such as Avant Flock Sleipnir K-meleon Netscape
Maxthon RockMelt Seamonkey Slimbrowser Element
iCab Konqueror Swiftfox Camino Dreamcast and
about 25+ more.
..............................Mostly used ...........2nd
In: North America ..........IE............... Chrome
South America ..........Chrome ................IE
Asia ..........................Chrome ................IE
Europe ......................Firefox .........IE/Opera Tie
Australia .......................IE............... Unknown
Africa .........................Firefox .................IE
Antarctica/NP ............Firefox .................IE
So anyways in the past and now Internet Explorer is the most
used. Bet you didn't expect such a deatailed answer, did you? Have
a nice day!