BUZZ OVERLOAD

Internet Explorer 8 is now officially released. After a year of public testing, its final version is now ready for download. Microsoft said that they’ve been working with developers and evaluators to check the stability, security and ease of use of the new and improved Internet Explorer. They also claim that IE8 performs faster than Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. If this is the case then I think Internet Explorer may still have a chance to redeem itself and can still be a solid competitor in the “Battle of the Browsers”.

So what are the new features of IE8 that might make us reconsider it once more? (For since I’ve tried the ever reliable Firefox, I have never looked back and used the ever headache-inducing Internet Explorer again!) Let’s see..

Accelerators
Accelerators let you map directions, translate words, email your friends, and more in just a few mouse clicks. You just simply highlight text from any webpage, click on the blue Accelerator icon that appears above your selection then presto! You already got the driving direction, translation or whatever task it is you need done without having to cut and paste info from one webpage to another.

InPrivate Browsing
You’ll be able to browse the web without leaving any trace of specific web browsing activity with this new feature. This helps prevent your browsing history, temporary Internet files, form data, cookies, and usernames & passwords from being retained, leaving no evidence of your browsing or search history.

Web Slices
Using Web Slices, you can keep up with frequently updated sites directly from the new Favorites Bar. No need to repeatedly visit your fave site for updates on e-mail, weather reports, sports scores, stock quotes, auction items etc.

Search Suggestions
The new search capabilities in IE8 can help you save time whilst searching by offering relevant suggestions as you type words into the search box. Also, IE8 has partnered with top search providers like Live Search, Wikipedia, Yahoo, Amazon and others to deliver “visual search” images that provide you with immediate answers.

SmartScreen Filter
IE8 helps protect you against inadvertent installation of malware, or malicious software by giving you a warning whenever you attempt to visit a website that isn’t considered safe, and prompting you to take alternative actions. It will also notify you when you attempt to download software that is potentially unsafe.

To know more about Internet Explorer 8 or to download it, please visit the official Internet Explorer 8 page.