14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has made available for download an updated version of Internet Explorer 7. The current build of IE7 was launched initially for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 in October 2006. The subsequent version of the browser dropped concomitantly with the release of Windows Vista in November 2006 and in January 2007. Although Microsoft's original plans had been to differentiate the two browser versions for XP and Vista, with a "plus", the company subsequently changed its tune and now there are no extra labels to individualize the browser versions specific for the two operating systems. As you can see from the screenshot included at the top of this article, Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP SP2 has evolved from version 7.0.5730.11 to build 7.0.5730.13. IE7 in Windows Vista is build number 7.0.6000.16512.
"Almost a year ago, we released Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP. Since then, IE7 is well on its way to becoming the most used browser in the world, and we've seen lots of evidence that IE7 makes it safer and easier to accomplish everyday tasks online. For example, the built-in Phishing Filter has protected consumers from known phishing web sites an average of 900,000 times per week. IE7 is the first - and still the only - browser with native support for Extended Validation SSL Certificates that help prevent online fraud. (Of course, tabbed browsing, QuickTabs, shrink-to-fit printing, an easily customizable search box, CSS improvements, and some add-ons are all good things too.)," revealed Steve Reynolds, IE Program Manager.
Microsoft has not only made another version for Windows XP SP2 available, but also builds for Windows Server 2003 64-bit Itanium Edition, Windows Server 2003 SP1 or Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Server 2003 IA64 and Windows 64 bit Client/Server. The only operating system ignored is Windows Vista which comes preloaded with IE7. According to Reynolds there are some minor changes to the browser with the new version. First off, a Windows Genuine Advantage validation of the operating system is no longer mandatory in order to download and install IE7, opening up the browser to all Windows users that are running pirated versions of Windows. In addition, the menu bar will be visible by default, and the online tour of the browser as well as the "first-run" experience have been updated.
"Because Microsoft takes its commitment to help protect the entire Windows ecosystem seriously, we're updating the IE7 installation experience to make it available as broadly as possible to all Windows users. With today's "Installation and Availability Update," Internet Explorer 7 installation will no longer require Windows Genuine Advantage validation and will be available to all Windows XP users. If you are not already running IE7, you can get it now from the Internet Explorer home page on Microsoft.com, get a customized version from a third-party site, or, if you haven't already received it via Automatic Updates, this version will be delivered to you as we described previously. If you are already running IE7, you will not be offered IE7 again by Automatic Updates," Reynolds added.
Internet Explorer 7 build 7.0.5730.13 can be downloaded here.