Microsoft Releases Test Version of Internet Explorer 7
According to current statistics, there’s an 85% chance you’re reading this blog post in Internet Explorer. Up until a few years ago, Microsoft held a steady grip on the browser market. At it’s peak, Internet Explorer’s market share came close to 95%. However, that has changed over the past few years.
After the release of Windows XP in 2001, Microsoft determined that web browsers had reached maturity and there was no longer a need for any new features. They disbanded the Internet Explorer development team and declared that all future updates to the Internet Explorer browser would come only as part of new Windows releases.
As Internet Explorer steadily grew older, alternative browsers such as Mozilla’s Firefox began picking up steam. Firefox enticed web users with new features such as tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and integrated support for RSS feeds.
The lack of new features hasn’t been the only problem for Internet Explorer. To make matters much worse, Internet Explorer has been plagued with constant security problems. At one point this even prompted the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), a division of the Department of Homeland Security, to encourage Internet users to stop using Internet Explorer and switch to an alternative browser.
Microsoft now claims they’ve learned their lesson. Last year, the Internet Explorer team was brought back and development began on what would be the first new version of Internet Explorer in nearly five years. Today, Microsoft has released a test, or “beta,” version of the new browser, officially known as Windows Internet Explorer 7. While beta software is normally targeted towards geeks and techies, this time Microsoft is asking even general consumers to install it. Microsoft will provide free phone support, which is unusual for a beta release.
So what exactly can you expect in Windows Internet Explorer 7? Here’s a roundup of the new features.
Streamlined Interface
Windows Internet Explorer 7 cuts down on toolbars and even hides the application menu by default. Microsoft says the simplified interface will help make Internet Explorer 7 easier to use.
Tabbed Browsing
Tabbed browsing has long been a feature of practically every other Web browser on the planet. Now it’s finally being added to Internet Explorer. If you’re not familiar with tabbed browsing, it lets you view multiple web sites in tabs in a single browser window instead of having to open additional windows. There’s also a unique new feature called Quick Tabs that lets you view thumbnails of all open tabs.
Integrated Search
Internet Explorer 7 includes an integrated search box. You can set the default search engine to whichever you prefer, such as Google or MSN Search.
Improved Printing
Internet Explorer 7 includes a vastly improved printing engine. Unlike with previous versions of Internet Explorer, you’ll no longer have to worry about text being cut off when you print a Web page.
RSS Support
Internet Explorer 7 comes with built-in support for web feeds, sometimes refereed to as RSS (Really Simple Syndication). Web feeds are a great way to stay up-to-date on your favorite news sites or blogs. When you subscribe to a feed in Internet Explorer, you’ll automatically be notified when new content is available.
Improved Security
Microsoft has focused on making security in Internet Explorer 7 a high priority, although it will take some time to determine how effective the improvements will be. Perhaps the most significant new security tool in Internet Explorer 7 is the Phishing Filter. If you’re not familiar with phishing schemes, check out the blog post we wrote a few months ago. Basically, phishing is an attempt to steal your identity by tricking you into entering personal information in a Web site you may think is your bank or an ecommerce site. Internet Explorer 7 will warn you of both known and suspected phishing sites.
So, Should You Download?
Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 can be installed on computers running Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. In a business environment, it’s likely best not to install Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 without checking with your IT department first. On a personal computer, Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 is worth checking out. However, be warned that beta software often contains bugs which could impact the performance of your computer. If you run into problems with Internet Explorer 7 and are using Windows XP in a non-domain environment, you can take advance of Microsoft’s free phone support.