So Microsoft finally released Internet Explorer 7. I have mixed feelings about it, but overall I’d say it leaves a lot to be desired…even for an early Microsoft product release. IE7 is available now, but won’t be ready for Automatic Update Distribution until November 1.
The Bad stuff
- Still some security issues (It took them less than 24 hours to find the first security hole in IE7.) (http://secunia.com/advisories/22477/)
- The new interface may confuse most “regular” Windows users who are used to certain conventions (like the menu bar for example, which is hidden by default).
- Still not standards-compliant.
- No extensions available (whereas Firefox has a plethora of extensions for users and developers.)
- Only runs on Windows XP Service Pack 2
- It’s still closely tied to the Windows operating system
- Difficult to run multiple versions of IE
The Good stuff:
- The User Interface has a new, clean ‘minimalist’ appearance.
- RSS features greatly enhanced.
- Anti-phishing features (protect users from divulging personal information to fraudulent Web site)
Also, on Firefox:
The Mozilla Firefox is currently scheduled to release version 2.0 on October 24. Improvements include integrated search, spell-checking feature, and enhanced tabbing. FF2 and IE7 will both have Anti-phishing features.
Another neat new feature is a built-in zoom tool in IE7.
Actually, IE7 is extensible. Two of the extensions that I’ve already written about are the web developer tool bar and Fiddler which is an HTTP debugger. Another one that might interest you is the Web Accessibility Toolbar from Vision Australia though it does have some problems with opening new windows.