I wanted to talk a little about the new Internet Explorer (I.E. 7) that is available for download now. Now we all have our preferences and/or quirks when it comes to a browser. And some of us could care less. But I do think it is worth mentioning since I.E. is still the most widely used browser and does come bundled with Windows operating systems.
I have looked at, downloaded, and reviewed this browser. What I have noticed so far is that (I.E. 7) has definitely had a new makeover. Some of the features that are noticeable right away are as follows:
- A new streamlined toolbar--This can make it easier to save favorites, do a web search, clear history, and more.
- Tabbed browsing--Although this concept is not new to other browsers, it is new to I.E. This can provide an easier way to switch between websites without having to open a new browser.
- Search box--Again not new to browsers, but now implemented within version 7. This can help save time without having to open a search provider page.
Some interesting things happened after I downloaded and installed the browser. It brought up a page for optional settings. Those settings are:
- An automatic phishing filter--This feature, if utilized can help alert the user to either potential or direct phishing on a web page. What is phishing? Phishing, without getting too technical, are websites that look legitimate, but are in fact websites that are being impersonated. Usually this is a link in an email, that you click and opens a web page. This could be to try and scam users into putting in sensitive information such as passwords, pin numbers, or credit card numbers, and etc.
- "Clear type" option--This option can make webpage test easier to read.
- RSS Feed Tab--This option can give you the latest feeds concerning news agencies, weather, money market information, sports, travel, cooking, etc.
Although there are good features, there are some changes I found not so good. Here are a couple of examples. On the browser, the default is for no menu bar (File/Edit/View/Etc) buttons. Now you can right click to get to it, but I believe it should be standard. Also, the search bar seems to be permanent at least in the download I have. So you could be stuck with a search bar if your preference is not to have one.
As of today (10/26/06), there has been a security compromise within the browser already. I am sure to the embarrassment of Microsoft. And that is why I would wait a while before downloading (if you decide to) this browser. Usually there are still bugs and/or kinks that need to be fine tuned right after a new Microsoft release. Also it is not as customizable as other browsers such as Firefox or Opera. If you would like to view a tour of the new I.E. 7 browser follow this link http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx and you can watch a video or a web tour.
Again everyone has their preferences, (I personally am sticking to my firefox browser) but I wanted to give you some insights to some news on this new browser. Microsoft is really going to promote this, as they haven't made major changes in the layout of their browser for a number of years.
These are my comments, if you have some as well let's hear from you.
Rodney
