Most Popular
| Top Stories | Commented | Featured |
TechSpot Blog: Disable Windows automatic check for solutions after a program crashes featured
Weekend Open Forum: Google Chrome OS and the future of cloud computing featured
Tech Tip of the Week: Unearth Region-Specific Windows 7 Themes featured
Sony: PlayStation 3 to be 3D-capable via firmware update
Radeon HD 5970 supplies dry up quick, not a big surprise
Xbox Live bans prompt class action lawsuit
Mozilla reveals 2008 revenue, rumors say Firefox coming to PS3
TechSpot RSSInformation Technology
WGA removed from Internet Explorer 7 update
Microsoft has released an updated version of its Internet Explorer 7 Web browser that does not require Windows Genuine Advantage validation to check whether users are running “genuine” Windows before allowing them to download. Program Manager Steve Reynolds made the announcement today on Microsoft’s IE Team blog:
“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.”
Of course, the move could also be seen as a strike against Firefox. The popular open source browser has been eating into IE’s market share, with some surveys putting Firefox usage anywhere between 10 and 40 percent of the total browser market, depending on the region. This move will basically allow IE7 to grow its install base to as many systems possible, including those running pirated copies of XP.
Changes found in this refreshed version of IE 7 include a new overview for first time users, the menu bar is now visible by default, and a new MSI installer for enterprises and larger organizations that simplifies deployment for IT administrators.
“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.”
Of course, the move could also be seen as a strike against Firefox. The popular open source browser has been eating into IE’s market share, with some surveys putting Firefox usage anywhere between 10 and 40 percent of the total browser market, depending on the region. This move will basically allow IE7 to grow its install base to as many systems possible, including those running pirated copies of XP.
Changes found in this refreshed version of IE 7 include a new overview for first time users, the menu bar is now visible by default, and a new MSI installer for enterprises and larger organizations that simplifies deployment for IT administrators.
User Comments (4)
Post a comment| jesse_hz on October 4, 2007 6:50 PM | Also, Firefox usage recently surpassed IE on the popular torrent-site, http://isohunt.com/, not sure if that's a good sign though. :o Would like to see some high Firefox usage on a site, that dealt with less controversial material.
|
| peas on October 4, 2007 7:27 PM | Firefox is cross-platform and uses open standards. IE is much less open, and that is and will be its downfall.
|
| Julio on October 4, 2007 10:40 PM | Assuming Vista adoption increases, IE may retake some growth with IE 7 which is not a bad browser choice and comes built-in. In the meantime, a wide majority of XP users that is not limited to experts anymore has adopted a different browser that is generally not IE, mostly Firefox and on a more limited basis Opera. Firefox is also cross-platform and can be extended beautifully with the add-ons. Definitely my browser of choice given how solid it has become and how well it can be customized.
|
| Nirkon on October 5, 2007 2:25 AM | Lmao thats funny.... "[IE7] will be available to all Windows XP users." meaning.. the legal ones... and the not so legal ones!! :PPPP thanks for taking care of them pirates 
|
