Alvin’s Weblog

The long awaited upgrade to Internet Explorer is finally out but if you noticed, it is no longer Microsoft Internet Explorer but is now Windows Internet Explorer. Why have they decided to rebrand it is completely beyond me.

Some people have been complaining about the verification of the Microsoft Windows OS prior to installation of Internet Explorer citing that both are completely different products. Yes, from a piracy point of view, it is a very proper thing to do but it really is a hassle. This means users of “you know what” Windows are unable to install the latest version of Internet Explorer. This is really a hassle if you ask me as both the OS and browser are completely seperated products.

Perhaps it is the intention to completely integrate Windows and IE that they have decided to rebrand Microsoft Internet Explorer to Windows Internet Explorer. It is perhaps also due to this that they have decided to perform verification on the OS before installation of IE can proceed. Still, I am under the opinion that this is not really necessary as IE is a free product anyway and this will further add salt to the already injured IE. People will start shifting over to the ever famous Firefox browser.

I am an avid user of Firefox myself and I have to admit IE has improved quite significantly over the years. Security aside (which I have yet to discover), some of the much needed features like tabbed browsing, phishing website identification, etc. have been added. It is quite sufficient to make people return to IE but with the verification, I am starting to doubt it.

Now, there are some people out there who commented on why most are still sticking with Windows and not moving over to Mac or Linux. I have said it many times over but I am going to say it once more. The main reason is with application compatibility as well as hardware support. People using computers solely for working purposes might not face any problems but home users are very likely to face some problems.

Tell me, how many games out there actually support Mac? How many processors out there actually support Mac? As far as I am concerned, most gaming and overclocking enthusiasts still stick around with Windows because it is utilizing the ever famous IBM compatible PC platform. Tell me also, how many applications and systems out there are designed for Mac and Linux for that matter? Of course I know Linux is a more stable platform for networking and security as well as for daily work. Of course I know Mac is not that prone to virus attacks but heck, who are you to say that when most are attempting hacks on Windows to find all flaws and not on the Macs or Linux? It’s like when a person gets famous, you find they have scandals here and there. What makes you think you are any different? The only reason you are not put on the table for scandals is because you are not famous and your life means nothing to the world.

That being said, I am a Linux user as well and I have got to admit that Linux is very much more stable than Windows in many senses but I don’t go about bashing Windows because a fact is a fact. You cannot live without a Windows PC, well at least me. You need it for a lot of games that you play and I still don’t see a lot of tech gadgets out there designed for Mac or Linux overclockers.

So, my point boils down to this. Each and every OS platform has its own goods and bads. Yes, no doubt Linux and Mac is good but Windows has got its own good points as well. If you can prove me otherwise, it would be time most people started switching over to another platform other than Windows. The way I see it, most are still staying with Windows and there has got to be a reason to it, agreed? So, please don’t go about bashing Windows as I have said, there are pros and cons of each OS.

Now, back to IE 7, its a very good product overall and I have yet to discover any bugs with it. Nice interface with overhauled icons, making it more friendly to the eyes. Tabbeb browsing is definitely a welcomed feature. I have been waiting for this since the IE 5 era. Phishing filter, pop up blocker, integrated search(ala Firefox) and add ons all makes IE on par with browsers like Firefox. Lets wait and see how much better does it fare against Firefox and the like.

Anyway, that’s it for now and lets be objective here and not start bashing products which we have not even tried yet. If it really sucks, then I wouldn’t even stop you from bashing the product. I myself would be one of those who would be boycotting it. So lets be objective here alright guys? Cheers.