Microsoft ready with near-final IE 8
Microsoft on Monday released a near-final "release candidate" version of Internet Explorer 8, the next version of its Web browser.
The software maker plans to say more on its Web site around noon, but, as noted by enthusiast site Neowin, the code is already available from Microsoft's download center.
Among the new features in IE 8 is a browsing mode known as InPrivate, designed not to leave fingerprints on a PC.
(Credit: Microsoft)With IE 8, Microsoft is hoping to regain some lost ground by adding features such as private browsing, improved security, and a new type of add-ons, called accelerators.
On the security front, Microsoft is adding a cross-site scripting filter, as well as protections against a type of attack known as clickjacking.
In an interview, IE General Manager Dean Hachamovitch said there will be little change between the release candidate and the final version, though he declined to say when the final version will be released.
"The ecosystem should expect the final candidate to behave like the release candidate," Hachamovitch said.
Internet Explorer 8 will work with Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or later) and Windows Vista. A version of IE 8 is also being built into Windows 7.
However, the IE code in Windows 7 is a pre-release candidate version.
"Windows 7 enables unique features and functionality in Internet Explorer 8 including Windows Touch and Jump Lists which require additional product tests to ensure we are providing the best Windows experience for our customers," the software maker said in a statement. "Microsoft will continue to update the version of Internet Explorer 8 running on Windows 7 as the development cycles of Windows 7 progress."
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
Frankly, the most frequent problems I have are with Adobe Reader and Flash player - but I need to have them because there are so many websites that use these formats. Don't get me wrong, I think Adobe is a great company - but their software sure does crash a lot.
PS, "It's no wonder that most people stick with IE"? Every year, about five percent of Internet Explorer users switch to Firefox, and this rate has been increasing, despite the fact that every computer comes preloaded with IE. Even independent benchmarks and comparisons and such have favored IE. And when it comes to compatibility, IE's a complete joke. IE 6 couldn't handle transparency. IE 7 still wasn't compatible with CSS 2 (which makes my job as a web developer a pain to make sure pages look the right way in IE -- I can't just use standard code)! And IE 8 is alone among the under-development browsers that isn't compatible with CSS 3.
I have tried it on 2 Desktops, 2 Laptops, and 1 netbook and never had problems with it or Safari or Opera.
As a web developer myself, we almost ALL hate users who use IE because IE doesn't follow standards and the only reason IE renders all pages right, or at least you think, is because every developer writes one file for EVERY OTHER browser and one for IE because IE decided they wanted to make up their own web stuff and make every follow it while the other browsers play nice.
We have to dumb down every feature to make it work with IE. It would be like you saying "I use N64 because it works fine." But at the same time you have XBOX 360 game makers required to make the games also work on N64. So much time and money and it's just a waste for such a lame excuse for a web browser.
Plus, screen real estate? I guess you really have never tried FF or Safari because Safari for one uses the least out of any of them. Even more so now that Safari 4 Beta is out.
If you don't think it's a big deal just google IE6 or IE7 and web standards.
It makes it harder for me to check up on my kids.
(And yes...I could install a keylogger or parental monitoring software, but it makes me look like a control freak)
lol
Having said that...can't wait to see what other new features (besides the ones mentioned in this article) IE 8 brings to the table.
Either you are incredibly naive or you are probably in denial of how easy it is for your kids to hide their tracks.
KieranMullen
http://360oregon.com
and if they don't at your house, they do at their friends
learn to accept it
I definitely prefer Firefox, but alas whoever designed our Intranet site made it only look good in IE so I've got to do some "modifications".
Thanks for this MS
IE8 would have looked at Chrome or for that matter Safari and had time to incorporate what they like.
I noticed you didn't say anything about Firefox, so regardless of Chrome, IE is copying Firefox and everyone knows it.
Thanks for listening, you can sign off for the day now and pick up your Microsoft check, just after you make a edit on Microsoft's Wikipedia page.
The only virus you can get from Active X is the one you allow, as by default you are prompted to install any Active X component. And without changing a security setting you cannot install any unsigned Active X components.
Tell me ONE thing IE does that FF(and extensions) doesn't(besides getting viruses).
IE will never be standards compliant in any way, it's not compatible with M$'s business strategy (beat the slaves into submission, force them to continue down their dark path with vendor lock-in and PROFIT!)
It's a better looking browser than before...But that's about all i can say so far...
If IE8 ends up being better than Firefox i would switch in an instant...But right now it is nowhere close.
- by therealgeeves January 27, 2009 6:33 AM PST
- I downloaded and installed IE8. To my surprise the install process deleted my dock icons, including firefox.
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