Browser Security News

Although Internet Explorer 7 has been out for several weeks now, users of the Microsoft Web browser have yet to see all its new features. That’s because the version of IE 7 included with Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system has a few capabilities that aren’t found in the version that runs on Windows XP.

The biggest difference in the version of IE 7 that runs on Vista—or IE 7+—is that it inherits the Vista interface and all that it entails, including the translucent Aero Glass view of open windows.

IE 7+ also includes what is called Protected Mode, a sort of sandboxed version of the browser that prevents applications from interfacing with the browser in any way other than through a temporary folder.

eWeek Labs thinks Protected Mode is, by far, the best value-add of IE 7+. In fact, we wish the feature was in all versions of the Microsoft browser, as it can prevent most spyware and Trojan horse access.

Protected Mode is turned on by default. It can be turned off, although we don’t recommend doing that. If you have an application that requires shutting down Protected Mode, you should probably change the application. Vista Boosts IE 7 Security Features