New Web Browser Coming:
No, I am not talking about Chrome!

There is a new browser coming! Everyone has seen the hype about the new browser from Google, Chrome, but thus far there has been very little information about the new browser from Microsoft, Internet Explorer 8, until now.

Internet Explorer 8
Microsoft has now announced and testers are awaiting the release of Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2. Why? Well, this browser from Microsoft is supposed to deliver on the side of performance and on the side of privacy. Privacy? Yep, Internet Explorer will have something that is called In Private Mode Browsing, and some less favorable names in the press. This feature is one that was ultimately pulled from the last release of Firefox but has been included in Safari since 2005. As the internet, internet-based applications and computing continue to evolve, people are concerned that the transactions they make with their bank, the online purchases and the web sites they browse to are secure and that sensitive information is not left behind on their computer or on the computer they are using.

More Secure, Reliable, Private
The web continues to increase in complexity. Purchasing, stock trading, banking and other activities and applications continue to proliferate. As they do, so does Malware and the Phishing attempts of people who are trying to steal your personal information. Internet Explorer 8 touts its SmartScreen Filter, which will help guard your PC against the inadvertent installation of malicious software designed to compromise your system, your information and your privacy. With the SmartScreen filter active, if you try to visit a site that is not considered safe, you will receive a warning window. SmartScreen will also inform you when a download of a program or code is considered unsafe. With all the layers of problems that can befall a user these days, having software with smart technology designed to add another layer of protection is a really good idea!

In Private Mode?
Okay, admit it, when you heard this you wondered what is In Private Mode? I guess the best explanation of what it is follows; the ability to roam the web in a stealthy fashion, able to clear all signs that a web site was visited, etc. Seems that this would be good for all kinds of web sites. I would not want my banking information stored on a computer that was not under my direct control. I also would not want any form of passwords, credit card numbers or other identity information being stored that way either. It is not as easy as just allowing or disallowing the use of cookies! Cookies are only one implementation of content that can disclose information to websites. With the privacy features touted in the beta 2 release of Internet Explorer 8, reports are that private browsing will allow users browsing the Web to erase their online tracks in history, cache and personal information entered and shared by a user on a Web page. This can also have an effect on programs and sites that track user activities, although to what extent remains to be seen. So what is needed is selective memory when it comes to history, cookies, etc. The current interface allows for several options not found in the current browsers, but the final features are dependant on what is left in the final release of the product, which could come as early as January 2009.

How can I get more information on this subject?
As with all new and emerging technologies, we strive to stay up to date and provide you with the latest information available. If you have questions or comments about this article or if there is anything new on the subject, contact me. I would be happy to respond!
 

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