Microsoft sets free Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP

Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday announced the final release of its latest version of the world’s most popular Web browser, Internet Explorer 7 (IE7). The long awaited, new Web browser for Windows XP is company’s first major upgrade in five years, which is now available for public to download from company’s website.

With the release of Microsoft browser IE7, it has come in the line with the competiting products like Opera Software ASA's Opera, Mozilla Corp.'s Firefox, and Apple's Safari.

Before the final release, the Redmond, Washington based-Microsoft has been testing the new browser, and released five beta versions over 14 months. It has periodically provided security updates for IE6, first released in 2001.

Now, filled with confidence, Microsoft said that the new browser provides a greater level of security, makes everyday tasks easier, and works well with the Web sites its users visit. With the similar confidence it recommended customers to download the new browser to upgrade and browse the web with ease.

In a statement, published on company Website, Dean Hachamovitch, general manager of the Internet Explorer team at Microsoft, said, “We listened carefully to our customers and are delivering a safer browser that makes the tasks they do every day much easier.”

IE7, a significant upgrade to IE6, adds tabbed browsing, which lets people open several Web pages without cluttering their desktop with multiple open browser windows, an anti-phishing toolbar, a redesigned interface, and a variety of security features, including increased protection against rogue ActiveX controls.

Security vendors such as PayPal and VeriSign and financial organizations are coming forward in support of the new generation of the browser and encouraging their respective users to upgrade to IE7.

Michael Barrett, chief information security officer for PayPal Inc said, “Security is a top priority for PayPal, and we encourage our customers using Windows to download and use Internet Explorer 7.”

Impressed with the features Microsoft added in its latest browser, Barrett said, “The new Internet Explorer 7 browser has significant security enhancements, including features that help customers protect their personal information when browsing, communicating and transacting online.”

For safer and easier browsing experience, Microsoft also encouraged all its exclusive Windows customers to download Internet Explorer 7 free of charge from http://www.microsoft.com/ie.

Microsoft will also begin distributing IE 7 as a high-priority update via Automatic Updates in November 2006. It will download automatically onto millions of customers' desktops.

According to a published report, in September Internet Explorer's market share was 82.1%, while Firefox had 12.5%. And, a year ago, Internet Explorer had an 86.9% market share, and Firefox 7.5%.

Shares of Microsoft yesterday closed the regular session up 8 cents to $28.52.