Microsoft is set to release the official version of Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP users directly through the Automatic Updates feature.
The official release of the Internet Explorer browser is expected by the end of this year.
According to Gary Schare, Microsoft’s product management director for Internet Explorer, IE 7 will be made available to Windows XP users as a “high-priority” update for the operating system, meaning users are strongly encouraged to update via Automatic Updates.
Automatic Updates is a Windows tool specifically designed to download security updates. Recently, Microsoft has used this tool to install the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Notifications on users’ systems. This time, it will be used to install Internet Explorer 7.
“We made this decision because IE 7 includes many advanced security features,” Schare stated. Microsoft recommends all Windows users install and use the new browser version.
IE 7 will be the first significant and important update for this browser in the past five years. Security is the number one focus of this upgrade, Microsoft asserts. Meanwhile, the previous version, IE 6, has received numerous criticisms due to a high number of security vulnerabilities.
Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?
Although IE 7 will be provided through Automatic Updates, users will have the option to choose whether to install it or not, Schare mentioned. Automatic Updates will notify users when IE 7 is ready for installation, allowing them to decide whether to install it.
Additionally, Microsoft announced yesterday that it plans to release a special tool to completely block the upgrade to the new browser version. This tool will be specifically for enterprise users who do not wish to upgrade to the new version of IE. This is a lesson Microsoft learned from offering Service Pack 2 for Windows XP via Automatic Updates.
The free Internet Explorer 7 Blocker Toolkit will have no usage restrictions and will include an additional Microsoft software management system. This toolkit will be available through Microsoft’s Download Center website.
Hoang Dung
