What's New in Internet Explorer 7?

We're weeks away from a new Internet Explorer, as IE7 just released its Release Candidate 1 version. Microsoft promises the final release is just around the corner (figure early November), but you're free to check out the almost-done version in the meantime.

Why might you want to upgrade from IE6?
Here's what's new:

Anti-phishing features - It's possibly IE7's most interesting and useful new feature: The browser automatically alerts you when you've stumbled onto a phishing site, which is designed to look like a legitimate bank or web service but which is solely designed to steal passwords and credit card numbers from unsuspecting users who don't notice the URL is wrong. Phishing is arguably the biggest security risk on the Internet today, and it's nice to see Microsoft doing something about it.

Tabbed browsing - Many users love Firefox's ability to open multiple pages in the same window, separated by easily-flippable tabs. IE7 finally offers tabbed browsing features almost identical to Firefox.

Integrated RSS - You won't need an external newsreader to check out RSS feeds, as IE7 incorporates its own feed reader.

Printing improvements - IE6 has a notorious problem where it cuts the right side of printed pages off, leaving you missing a word or two on every line. IE7 mercifully corrects this problem and offers more control over how web pages look when printed.

Integrated search - Now you won't need a toolbar to search your favorite site.

The look and feel of IE7 has been streamlined quite a bit, as well, and in the default screen arrangement there's not even a text menu ("File / Edit / Favorites ...") on screen. (It's still there and will pop up if you hit the Alt button.) Some will like this simplicity, and some won't, but you'll probably get used to it fairly quickly.

Ready to give IE7 a try? Download it for free from Microsoft's web site. It's easily uninstalled (via the standard control panel) if you decide you don't like it.

dalesdesigns.net † † † stories, etc.