The IE 7.0 team at Microsoft put the final version of IE 7.0 on the streets before most people realized it (the sneaks). Announced earlier that the final would be available via MS’s Automatic Updates, a “sneak up behind you and tap you on the shoulder” early release was offered as a download from MS’s IE Webpage only a few days ago. Does anyone think that the soon to be released Firefox 2 final had anything to do with this?
Nah…why would anyone think that?
I’ve been using and testing IE 7.0 since the first preview version was released in February 2006 and rather than write up yet another review of the browser I’ll just link you to Paul Thurrot’s write up on the final and yes, it’s well worth the release despite it’s funky UI layout, a problem that MS’s IE 7.0 team states will be addressed for a later release. Personally, after three days or so of using the new layout, I easily adjusted to it much like a person who has their home remodeled while away on vacation has to get used to their home’s new layout. The increased functional capability and the increased security benefits outweigh the strange terrain of the new browser itself.
One thing about the new browser for anyone wanting to update to IE 7.0:
You have to be running XP Home or PRO SP2 and the OS absolutely has to be fully updated(!) including the infamous “Windows Genuine Advantage” tool otherwise it’s a no go.
For myself, I have nothing to hide from Microsoft or anyone else for that matter and I couldn’t care less if the WGA “phones home” occasionally. Microsoft, like any other large (huge) software company has better things to do than sift through the stripped down data (that WGA sends) of millions of users looking for some juicy tidbit that doesn’t exist in the first place and I’ve never been sorry I’ve kept my OS fully updated. The XP Pro that I use is definately a better OS than when it was first loaded on this machine when it was new so it’s user’s choice and using IE 6.0 as your main browser these days is assuredly asking for trouble even with a good firewall and anti-virus program.
Bottom line: If ya’ ain’t got it…get it. If your one of those who absolutely will not let MS touch your computer, at least consider using Firefox (wait a few days for version 2.0 though) or one of the IE based browsers such as Avant or Maxthon, all of which gives you enhanced security options not available in IE 6.0, tabs and Ad-blocking (which even IE 7.0 does not have).
Tags: Tags: Internet Explorer 7.0, IE 7.0, WGA, Windows Genuine Advantage, adware, Internet Explorer 6, IE 6, improved security, browser security, Avant browser, Firefox, Maxthon