Microsoft Releases Test Version of Explorer

FindLaw

By the Legal Technology Center Editorial Staff

Microsoft Corp. has recently released an almost-final version of Internet Explorer (IE) 7 dubbed "Release Candidate 1," which is being touted as a "major step forward in ease of use and security." The ubiquitous web browsing software can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft site. A final version of the program should be completed by the end of the year, according to the company.

Aside from periodic IE security patch updates, Release Candidate 1 is Microsoft’s first major update for the program in years. New features include updated security functions, an integrated RSS reader, improved print capabilities, as well as the ability to open multiple "tabs" in the same browser window, a popular function in rival Mozilla's Firefox browser.

This free version of Release Candidate 1 can be characterized as a "public QA release," as it is aimed at technology industry professionals who may help identify bugs and security holes in the program.

IE 7 is optimized to work with Windows XP. According to Microsoft, it will also come bundled in "Vista," Microsoft’s new, long-awaited operating system, due to be released sometime before the end of 2006.

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