Mar 24, 2009 05:27 PM
2423 Views
(Updated Mar 25, 2009 06:42 PM)
Why do we bring about a change in a browser? Because we want something essential we missed in the ones we currently use. But apparently, IE 8 has nothing much appealing as far as beneficial additions are concerned. Better speed, but nothing as appealing for it to be launched against the likes of some other browsers with much better options and user-friendly abilities. However, it does have some great features, which though a normal internet user wont be needing very often, could be handy at times.
Lets have a look at the new features included -
1) In Private filtering
Lets just say, its something like a browser firewall. Recent sites you visit, are listed out here, where you could choose not to share information and valuable data. Block pop-ups from particular sites etc.
2) In Private browsing -
Basically, if you want a site ( say for example your online banking site, where you have to be careful with data sharing, and phishing) not to share your inputs like passwords, account information etc, this helps you protect yourself. Basically you could attach a site with this tag, so that on IE 8, you cannot open this site without an administrator passoword.
3)Smart screen filter -
Basically lets you check the website with Microsoft whether it falls in the list of potentially safe websites.
4) Caret Browsing -
Another intersting feature is the Caret browsing. It basically acts as a Text select tool, where if you can play with the text on a page and could be very very handy. However, its mostly to suggest you new accelerators for the current websites you are browsing.
5) Accelerators -
Mostly a help-tool to help you with directions, search, definitions anything. If you have caret browsing on, you could add an accelerator to search for the address online, search words etc without navigating to the actual pages. You can use windows maps, search etc and its pretty cool actually, but probably wont be using it much.
6) Suggested Sites -
Nothing new, just lets you check out different variants available for the current site, say if you are browsing Google search, it provides links to yahoo search, msn search, etc. Could be handy though at times.
7) Safety Tag -
A new and improved Safety Tag on the toolbar, which takes care of most of your internet safety needs.
8) Smart address bar -
Basically like the new google search, where as you type something, the browser suggests a group of similar sites instantaneously for ease of use. Basically, a windows search for a website.
9) Developer tool (Add-on) -
If you are a developer who uses HTML, and scripting languages the Developer tools, which was an add-on earlier is now in-built in this browser. This one is pretty handy and has a whole lot of features for your scripting and development needs. But again, this is not much of a normal user requirement.
10) Compatibility View -
Basically lets you go back to the previous version of IE, so that the features not compatible are switched back. Hadnt discovered the feature till now, so had to do some overtime over here! :))
Some very good technical changes, which caters to a few glitches which were present in IE 7, related to javascript and other scripting areas, were made which I am not going to talk about, as its better kept simple.
And a few more trivial additions, nobody cares about.
Cons -
1) Nothing much changes as the look and feel goes, same tabs, same look and feel as IE7.
2) Too many add-ons and requisites. I personally hate them, and would love to be left alone with a commercial add-on free browser.
Some great features and its faster. But Overall, nothing much appealing enough to make you switch from IE 7 or firefox or opera or whichever browser you currently have, if you arent that much of an explorer this would seem like the usual ones. And I personally dont like the idea of switching back and forth from familiar things with lesser good, than weird high-tech things sophisticated and complex.
Here's the link - https://microsoft.com/windows/Internet-explorer/default.aspx
Happy Browsing!!
