Enterprise Software

A first look at Microsoft Internet Explorer 8

By // March 20, 2009, 5:01 AM PST // markwkaelin

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  • Installed and running

    Just when you think the battle of the Web browser has been won, the other side comes out with a new version that draws us into the war of words all over again. This time the culprit is Microsoft and Internet Explorer 8.

    Images by Mark Kaelin for © TechRepublic

  • The install process

    I saw some comments recently about how long it takes to install IE8. Maybe I'm so used to it, but the length of time it took complete the installation seemed pretty typical to me -- about 1/2 hour.

    Images by Mark Kaelin for © TechRepublic

  • Updates

    IE8 is still an integral part of Windows (Vista on my notebook) and requires some updating to the operating system.

    Images by Mark Kaelin for © TechRepublic

  • New features

    The first splash screen mentions two "features" that I will never likely use.

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  • Suggestions

    I love technology, but I NEVER want my browser to suggest Web sites. I know where I want to go thank you very much.

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  • Windows Live

    Some tight integration with Windows Live. I guess I'll have to venture over to Windows Live and see what gives. The last time I was there I was not impressed.

    Images by Mark Kaelin for © TechRepublic

  • Internet Explorer Home

    Here is the place where you can find information on the new features in IE8.

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  • Updates

    But before we can anything, we need to perform another Windows update.

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  • .NET Framework

    Updating the .NET Framework.

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  • TechRepublic

    The front door page of TechRepublic seems to load correctly.

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  • Tools menu

    Here is what is on the IE8 Tools menu.

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  • Safety menu

    The Safety menu is new in IE8. There are several security settings and features to be found.

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  • Page menu

    Several menu items refer to Windows Live.

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  • Print

    Your basic Print menu - not much changed here.

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  • Home menu

    My home set of tabs is still intact after upgrading from IE7.

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  • InPrivate Filtering

    The InPrivate Filtering system will give some control to users concerned about privacy.

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  • SmartScreening

    Users can send a Web page to a central location to determine if someone has marked a particular Web page as "unsafe." The merits of this system are dubious to me.

    So the real question is Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 a better Web browser? The jury is still out on that question I think, but I can find no glaring reason to throw it out of my default browser position. IE8 seems to be a capable browser, but it is so similar to IE7 that there is really no catalyst to drive a massive migration.

    Images by Mark Kaelin for © TechRepublic

Installed and running

Just when you think the battle of the Web browser has been won, the other side comes out with a new version that draws us into the war of words all over again. This time the culprit is Microsoft and Internet Explorer 8.

Images by Mark Kaelin for © TechRepublic

Related Topics:

Enterprise Software CXO Microsoft Google Open Source Software Tech Industry

By Mark Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the IT industry, gadgets, finance, accounting, and tech-life for more than 25 years. Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net, and TechRepublic.