Heads Up: IE7 via Windows Update tomorrow?

by John.Wilkinson Oct 9, 2006 9:35AM PDT

Internet Explorer 7, the first update since IE6 debuted in 2001, will be released 'sometime this month' and will be delivered via Windows Update and its Automatic Updates counterpart as a high-priority update according to Microsoft. According to The Washington Post's Security Fix it may be coming sooner than you think...possibly in tomorrow's automatic updates.

Regardless of whether it is released tomorrow or on November 9th, there are still compatibility issues with select websites and programs. Thus, if you have a specific need that cannot be fulfilled with IE7 I suggest setting Automatic Updates to alert you of updates but not to automatically download and install (giving you the ability to pass on IE7). Alternatively in some cases you could let IE7 be installed and then use the User Agent String Utility to temporarily make IE7 identify itself as IE6 to websites. In most cases, though, it would be wise to install IE7 as soon as it is released for it offers numerous security enhancements as well as new features, such as long-overdue tabbing.

John

P.S. IE7 requires Windows XP with SP2, Windows XP Pro. x64, or Windows Server 2003.

Discussion is locked

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Reply to: Heads Up: IE7

by caktus Oct 9, 2006 1:35PM PDT

I usually prefer to let the [real] world deal with major upgrades for a while after they come out of Beta, as the [real] world often hashes out the [real] world bugs n' stuff.

Are the security enhancements anything particularly or immideately crucial? Have to say I've been doing an excellent job of keeping my machine clean and safe (well, so far anyway). I don't even use the Security Center or [automatically] update.

Thanks.

Charlie

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Features, not patches...

by John.Wilkinson Oct 9, 2006 1:51PM PDT

IE6 will continue to be supported for the foreseeable future, meaning it will receive any security updates required to patch discovered flaws. However, IE7 has new security features such as restricted access to ActiveX controls, internal phishing detection, locking of the address bar to prevent URL spoofing/hiding, forced authorization to prevent drive-by downloads, etc. The additional protection makes it more secure than IE6, though only time will tell how it compares to Firefox and Opera in the long run.

John

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(NT) (NT) Thanks for the info, John. :-)

by caktus Oct 9, 2006 6:09PM PDT

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Now I'm confused..

by Maggie6243 Oct 9, 2006 10:40PM PDT

Is this IE7 update included in the critical updates? If so, does it mean IE7 will automatically be installed?....Maggie

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If you have your PC set. . .

by Coryphaeus Oct 9, 2006 11:30PM PDT

to automatically download and install updates, yes. I don't. I have this turned off. I go to the update site weekly and click Custom. Windows then shows me what updates are available and I pick and choose. Just me, but I don't recommend letting Windows install ''just anything''.

Wayne

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Thanks...

by Maggie6243 Oct 10, 2006 3:21AM PDT

I've always let Windows do auto updates, but I don't want them to install IE7. I've already tried it, and didn't like it, so I uninstalled it. Now I've set updates to install only after checking with me. Will that be good enough? Or should I just turn it off?..Maggie

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I have mine on full manual. . .

by Coryphaeus Oct 10, 2006 3:32AM PDT

But if you set it to await your input, that's ok too. It just gives you a little more control.

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' Now I've set updates to install only'

by dawillie Oct 17, 2006 10:47PM PDT

I have mine set the same way.

am notified of updates, click to see what it is and then decide to d/l or cancel.

thus far have d/l all updates.

Do not believe there is anything sinister about IE 7.0.

IE has been my browser since the days of IE 3.0.

Have read of numerous problems with it as a browser however, over the years have stayed relatively safe.

Just lucky I guess.

David

Heads Up: IE7 via Windows Update tomorrow?

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