Analysts Urge Upgrade to IE7 Browser

David Garrett, newsfactor.com

"When in doubt, upgrade." That's what Forrester analysts Natalie Lambert and Colin Teubner are saying about installing Microsoft's new Internet Explorer 7 Web browser.

Last week, Microsoft released version 7 of its Web browser -- the first update in five years -- and, with the exception of a couple bug reports that some experts have dismissed as minor, initial reviews have been positive.

In early October, prior to the release of Internet Explorer 7, Lambert and Teubner wrote a research note titled "Just Do It," urging business users to upgrade to IE7 after careful testing of any crucial business programs that rely on the browser.

They joined analyst groups such as Gartner, which also is advising companies to test, then upgrade, in large part because of IE7's improved security. Even members of the press, skeptical by nature and training, have joined in the chant.

"Internet Explorer 7.0 is the best browser Microsoft has ever produced," wrote Mike Wendland of the Detroit Free Press.

Safer Browsing

"IE7 has many security features they have added into this edition, including antiphishing and ActiveX opt-in," said Forrester's Lambert. ActiveX controls are small plug-ins embedded in Web sites that can be used by hackers to hijack a user's machine.

The new version of Internet Explorer kills several bugs that cropped up in version 6, including eight that were reported by security firm Secunia in August alone. Why so many? According to Lambert, Microsoft software suffers because of its popularity.

"Microsoft has a huge target on its forehead," she said. "Hackers and virus creators are going to create malware against software that is the most heavily deployed. They want to get the most bang for their buck."

Thus, Internet Explorer 7 might seem to be the least-secure browser option, but it's at least as secure as the new version of Firefox, and potentially more so, she added.

"As more people begin to adopt Firefox, you will see more threats against it," said Lambert.

Worry Not?

According to Forrester, Microsoft ran five beta tests of IE before its new release, and sought more input from users than ever before.

Of course, no software product -- above all, one that's just been released -- is without flaws. But if the notion of installing Internet Explorer 7 still gives you the jitters, there's a good reason to relax. The new version comes with a well-designed uninstaller that rolls back changes to your system -- just in case something goes wrong.

"If you've installed IE7 and find it doesn't work with your favorite Web site or, more importantly, enterprise application, you can go back to IE6 with minimal hassle," says Forrester's Teubner, who added that he tested this feature himself.