Next-generation Web browsers focus on security

Oct 24, 2006 2:49 PM

           

Browser wars are back -- and the benefactor could be security.
Microsoft has released the final version of Internet Explorer 7, the first update of its Web browser in five years. Mozilla Foundation, the makers of the Firefox browser, also released a new version this week.

Browser wars may mean more choices and comparisons for Web browser users, but the wars should produce a safer internet, with a focus on security being every browser developer's top order.

New features for business users in Explorer 7 include enhanced security features. The browser can run in a protected mode that limits the software's access to other data stored on the system.

In previous versions, malicious users have taken advantage of Explorer's openness to other Microsoft software to access user files via a compromised browser.

The application also comes with an integrated phishing filter that prevents users from accessing known phishing Web sites.

Internet Explorer 7 will be made available as a free download to Windows XP users and will be bundled with the forthcoming Windows Vista operating system.

Mozilla's take is that they don't want to change what people are comfortable with, and don't want to load up the product with features, PC Magazine reports.

New features in Firefox 2.0 include spellchecking, some minor interface tweaks, better support for RSS and other feeds, and anti-phishing and other security improvements.

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