| IE 7 officially released |
Oct. 18, 2006
 Microsoft Corp. officially released the Internet Explorer 7 web browser for Windows XP, today. IE 7 boasts an updated, cleaner look and feel, tabbed browsing, anti-phishing features, a configurable search box in the toolbar (with selectable search engine), and improved printing functions, among other enhancements.
IE 7's new toolbar look
(Click to enlarge)
According to Microsoft, IE 7 provides "advanced safeguards that help protect against malicious software and phishing attacks." The company says it "has helped reduce the exposure to these attacks by fortifying the browser itself and providing better information to users to assist them in making better and safer decisions online."
Anti-phishing function
In addition to improved security, IE 7 boasts "a new look and enhanced capabilities that make everyday tasks -- such as searching, browsing multiple sites, and printing -- simple and fast," according to Microsoft.
Tabbed browsing capability
Among those enhancements is tabbed browsing, which lets users open up multiple sites within a single browser window, and easily switch among them. Additionally, IE 7 includes a feature called Quick Tabs, which lets users view a snapshot of all open tabs on a single screen from which they can select a desired site.
Search function
IE 7 includes a search box on the toolbar, saving the user from having to open up a separate window to begin a search. The desired search engine is selected via a configuration setting.
Print function
IE 7 shrinks text so that web pages fit on the final printed page. Print options include adjustable margins, customizable page layouts, removable headers and footers, and changeable print space, according to Microsoft.
RSS feed access
Other key features of IE 7, according to Microsoft, are "compatibility with existing web sites by adhering to some of the most important standards for Web site development," and "improved manageability... through the enhanced support of Active Directory Group Policy."
VeriSign's product marketing director, Tim Callan, stated, "As the industry leader in Web site authentication, VeriSign believes that Microsoft's new Internet Explorer 7 browser will help increase user confidence and help make consumers more secure when using the Internet." He added, "We encourage users to move to the new browser."
Dean Hachamovitch, GM of Microsoft's Internet Explorer group, says the company "listened carefully to our customers and [is] delivering a safer browser that makes the tasks they do every day much easier."
Availability
Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP is currently available in English, and runs on Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows XP 64-bit Edition, and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Microsoft says. The new browser will be available in other Windows-supported languages soon.
The browser can be downloaded at no charge, here.
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