Internet Explorer 8 is in Beta format and it offers options not found in any of the other Internet Explorers. Being an educator, I always download and install Beta products as soon as possible. It is important for educators to stay on top of technology in order to train IT professionals. The web is constantly changing and browsers will change with technology. Users who become accustomed to a web browser still will change every two years on average.
Internet Explorer 8's graphics appear more smooth than IE 7. The look and feel are the same but better. Tabs and graphics blend together and are more
pleasing to the eye.
With Web 2.0 here and Web 3.0 on the horizon, IE 8 offers a compatibility option next to the address bar's dropdown arrow. Several websites that have forms on line require this option to be checked so that forms are not stretched or misformed.
All of the menus are in line and the same. The new Suggested Sites drop down allows the user to see sites related to the site the surfer is currently looking at.
The Customize Links replaces the links bar so the surfer can see RSS feeds and any slices he or she wants. Opening a new tab allows you to open previously closed tabs, a feature missing from other Internet Explorers. If you elect to close Internet Explorer 8 with tabs open, you now have an option to close the current tab or all of the tabs.
The Personalize option allows the user to add Internet explorer addins. Addins allow for the multiple use of different programs with Internet Explorer 8. One addin I enjoy is CoolIris. CoolIris is a great add in that you can find here. It allows for a 3D wall of objects you are looking for.
Coming back in IE 8 is the mail icon that allows you to check your email. This option was readily available in Netscape, one of the first browsers.
IE 8 allows for accelerators to be added such as Emailing a webpage or link. Other accelerators include emailing, blogging with live or translating with live.
Smartscreen filtering and inprivate browsing are new items that prevents the computer from keeping surfed sites and cache from being saved on
the computer.
These new features, including speed and a more enhanced surfing, make IE 8 a front runner on web browsers. Yes, there will be updates and security issues with IE 8. Updates and security issues are found with any software.
Is it worth the download? Yes, change is coming and technology will not stop.