Posted on 10/18/2006 9:32:00 PM PDT by Eagle9
Microsoft on Wednesday launched the first major update to Internet Explorer in five years, and posted the new browser for Windows XP to a download site.
IE 7, which has was announced in February 2005 by chairman Bill Gates, has been touted by the company as a significant update in the areas of security and usability. The interface has been streamlined and tabs have been added to compete with rivals such as Mozilla's Firefox and Opera's flagship browser. On the security front, IE 7 adds anti-phishing defenses as well as additional features to control ActiveX controls, which historically have been a pain point for Microsoft's browser.
IE 7 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 can be downloaded from here.
"It's here, it's final, and we're excited," said Margaret Cobb, the group product manager for the browser.
The most controversial aspect of IE 7 has been Microsoft's decision to push the update to all users who have Automatic Updates enabled. Although users can reject IE 7 -- and continue using their current edition of Internet Explorer -- Microsoft will begin rolling out the browser as a "High priority" update next month. In July, when Microsoft offered up a toolkit to indefinitely postpone IE 7's installation, it justified using Automatic Updates, a mechanism for providing patches to Windows, because of the new browser's security implications.
"We've told enterprise customers to be ready [for IE 7] by Nov. 1," said Cobb. "It won't begin Nov. 1, but they should be ready."
The IE 7 update will also not add to the burden of Microsoft's monthly security patch delivery, scheduled for Nov. 14, promised Cobb. "We won't do it on Patch Tuesday."
Microsoft will also throttle back IE 7's delivery to keep the server load under control, she added. "We're starting with English, and then moving to the localized versions as they come available. At first we'll run it very slow, to a low percentage of users." After assessing the impact, Microsoft will increase the amount of traffic from the servers. "I'll have a 10 a.m. call every day to go over the impact on support or services," said Cobb, who can then order downloads to be scaled back or increased.
It will take as long as three months to deliver IE 7 to all users worldwide. "As each localized language comes online, we'll wait a few weeks after posting it for download before delivering it through Automatic Updates."
Microsoft has made one change late in the game. After IE 7 has installed, it will tell the user which search engine is the current default -- grabbed from IE 5 or IE 6 -- and then ask if they want to make a new choice. The process is similar to, but not identical, to the choice that Windows Vista users will face when they upgrade from Windows XP.
"We added this after RC3," said Cobb. "We're letting users know what engine is the default, and asking them if they want to keep it or do they want to switch. We're also going to be supporting IE 7."
Beginning Thursday, Microsoft will open a free, toll-free support line for IE 7. The help desk will be manned Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PDT, and on weekends from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT.
Internet Explorer's chief rival, Mozilla Corp.'s Firefox browser, is nearing the final release of version 2.0. Currently on Release Candidate 3 (RC3), Firefox 2.0 should make it out the door before the end of the month.
Users who want to block the download and installation of IE 7 through Automatic Updates, as well as the Windows Update and Microsoft Update sites should steer here, where they can retrieve the Internet Explorer 7 Blocker Toolkit.
I've been using IE7 beta for about a month now. I could not imagine a more horrible product. It's like the engineers at MS got together and decided to make the most user-hostile browser known to man.
The other problem with FF is the page returns to the top of the thread after posting a reply. The obvious solution is reply in a new window.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
The first vulnerability in IE 7 has been found by Secunia.com. They have a test that shows and describes it at the following link. The solution is to disable Active Scripting support.
Test for IE 7
http://secunia.com/Internet_Explorer_Arbitrary_Content_Disclosure_Vulnerability_Test/
Yes, I use it all the time, although mainly with other KDE programs, like Kate.
I've had no problems with XP, it is very nearly as easy to use as OSX.
OTOH my wintel box is is not connected to the outside world, I do all my web stuff on my trusty iMac.
If you let Microsoft push something to your corporate network that you haven't tested and verified you deserve to lose your job. That's on you as an admin, not Microsoft who is simply trying to provide a more secure system for home users in spite of all the haters/hackers.
I'm SHOCKED
Personally, I don't think that's a fair analogy. Look at it this way: more than likely, the manufacturer of your minivan is still supporting your vehicle. A part breaks, you'll be able to find a service station that can repair or replace it.
Microsoft has turned its back on Windows 98. (Just like Apple has on is Mac OS 9). It is now officially an unsupported operating system. They don't sell it, nor support it any more. If you have a problem with it, you're out of luck.
Alas, very few!
There's a fine line between user-friendly and hacker-hostile.
Yes! You would have helped the GW Bush economy!
The "Release Candidate" is widely available for downloading.
Yes. Visits to the on-line version of the Clinton Library and Massage Parlor will be prohibited with IE7.
Thanks for the link. I installed it and really like it. There are so many extensions ... I just haven't looked through the list at the mirrored site lately.
I guess that could be a problem for some folks, true. I see your point. But I built my first computer from a kit back in 1976. Soldered the mother board and 128 1kx8 chips on the two memory cards. Rarely have software or hardware problems I can't handle. I never have used MS support and probably never will. I am not the average computer user.
I am a guy with a 1932 Ford who still can keep it running even if Ford no longer supports that model.
Don't let my wife hear that. She wants a "new" 5-year-old SUV.
Yeah, I always use the middle button to do replies in a new tab.
I've been using it for several months now with no particular difficulty. I also use Firefox and Opera on occasion. I used to use Firefox and Thunderbird but they went crazy on me and that's why I went back to IE. Opera is an elegant program but I'm having trouble getting the knack of using it.
But as I say, I've had no difficulties with IE7. The tabbed features are very welcome and constantly used.
That's because XP by default will just reboot rather than display the BSOD. There is a registry setting to turn this behavior off, though I haven't the foggiest idea what it is. The BSODs still occur, (though probably less frequently than in the past (YMMV)), because they are hidden now.
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