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19 Oct 2006
Microsoft has launched its Internet Explorer 7 browser for public download.
The software giant touted the browser's improved security with a built-in anti-phishing filter, and default settings preventing the installation of ActiveX objects.
The browser also copies several popular features from Mozilla's open source Firefox browser, such as an integrated search box and tabs that allow users to organise multiple web pages in a single window.
Microsoft is also catching up with recent changes to internet standards such as CSS and HTML.
Redmond has released multiple test versions of the browser in recent months, giving developers ample time to ensure the compatibility of online applications.
But critics have warned that not all application developers will meet today's launch deadline, maintaining that the Internet Explorer 7 release will bring a flood of support calls to help desks and internet providers.
Microsoft downplayed any compatibility concerns and instead touted online services that support the new browser including PayPal and VeriSign. The company is also offering free phone support for users in North America until 1 November 2007.
Internet Explorer 7 requires Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Windows XP Pro 64 Edition or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. The software is available in English only for now. Additional languages are slated for release in the coming weeks.
Users can download the application directly from Microsoft's IE website and the software will be automatically pushed out to users as a 'high priority update' within the next few weeks.
Internet Explorer 7 will prompt the user before installation and enterprises will be able to disable the download altogether, preventing any compatibility issues.
The application was originally scheduled to ship as part of the forthcoming Windows Vista operating system.
Citing growing concerns over the security of the internet, Microsoft said in February 2005 that it would separate the two launches and release the browser that summer. Both launches have since been delayed.
The new browser comes at a time when Microsoft is facing increasing competition from Firefox. Recent market share figures showed IE7's market share declining to 82.1 per cent of the world wide browser market as Firefox grew to 12.5 per cent.
Mozilla is expected to launch a major revision of its browser with the Firefox 2.0 release later this month.
The open source project issued a third release candidate earlier this week and has said that it will ship the final product on 24 October.
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Do you agree?
Internet Explorer 7
I tried to download Internet Explorer 7, and could not get the Internet at all, had to Unistall the thing, and am now back to tried and trusted Internet Explorer. Will wait and see for the next few months, and try again.
Posted by: sus 22 Oct 2006
What if I prefer IE6
I have worked with IE7 beta and RC1 and found it OK, though not as good in some respects as Firefox and Opera. Some addins and plugins didn't work. There was no option for going back to IE6 until I did a completely fresh WinXPpro install. I'd like to give IE7 another try, but I guess I won't be able to keep IE6 as an option. I am also concerned that web pages which worked fine with IE6 won't be compatible with IE7, or is this a red herring? KARL DALLAS
Posted by: Karl Dallas 20 Oct 2006
Quero: Convenient Add-On for IE7
Just in time with the release of IE7 I have optimized Quero for the new Microsoft browser. Quero combines navigation and search into one toolbar, finds text as you type (Quick Find) and arms all overloaded users with an integrated ad blocker.
Posted by: Viktor 19 Oct 2006
Buttons rearranged
For users hooked on Internet Explorer over the years, version 7 changes the layout of the standard buttons - which many of us will find disorientating and there seems to be no way to re-arrange them into the order we are all used to. This seems odd for starters. Aslo the text looks a little blurred and strange, which I'm not sure I like. I've never used Firefox before, but having seen it in action and knowing the refresh button, for example is in the same place as in IE6, I may just take this opportunity to switch browser.
Posted by: CK 19 Oct 2006