3 replies to this topic

[simon]

The latest test version of Microsoft's new Web browser, Internet Explorer 7, is now available for download. The browser, now officially in Beta 2, has been tweaked to make it more stable. In addition, Redmond has created a new Web site that lists the plug-ins now available for those who want to experiment with additional browsing capabilities.
Building on improvements released throughout the earlier development stages, Beta 2 includes new security and privacy technologies and new features designed for Web and application developers, who are being encouraged to test their sites with the new code.

The Beta 2 version is a significant step in that Microsoft expects to make no major changes to the code before formally launching the full release later this year.

Security and Usability

With this release, Microsoft has expanded the platforms Internet Explorer 7 supports. In addition to running on most popular versions of Windows, the browser now can run on Windows XP 64-Bit Edition and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.

The software giant, faced with a history of regular patches to fix problems with the current version of Internet Explorer, has taken steps with Internet Explorer 7 to protect users with features that include a phishing filter to identify suspicious sites and issue easy-to-understand, on-screen warnings.

Other notable enhancements include new printing controls and new Really Simple Syndication (RSS) tools. Much like Firefox and Netscape, Internet Explorer 7 provides tabs to preview and save Web sites on the screen. It also lets users group tabs for collecting favorite sites -- such as news or shopping pages -- and opening them all at one time.

A streamlined interface is designed to maximize the area of the screen that displays Web pages while reducing the presence of toolbars and other controls.

New Tools Added

While Microsoft maintains its dominance in the browser space, there is a lot riding on Internet Explorer 7, especially with the Firefox, Opera, and Netscape browsers gaining ground. Analysts estimate that Internet Explorer's market share has fallen from 95 percent just a few years ago to 85 percent today.

"Internet Explorer is getting significantly better, and Microsoft sees it as a major Web platform," said Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg. To that end, he noted, the company is showcasing additional capabilities, such as tabbed browsing and improved security, in an effort to stay ahead of the competition.

"The Web site for add-ons is another step in that direction in that it shows Microsoft is making an effort to address the concerns of users who may be tempted to experiment with alternative browsers with features not available with the current Internet Explorer," said Gartenberg.

Those interested in taking Internet Explorer 7 for a test drive can download the new version download IE 7 Beta 2 Here.

[Neon]

its getting nice now eh? IE 7.0 is really cool

[ShadowFox]

it's getting nice but you know it could be soo much better

[Neon]

lets give 'em a chance i am certain that MS are gonna leave a bit more down to members.