| From BETA version to final release on 18 Oct 2006, | | | | statements that the IE7 upgrade is mandatory for XP |
| the talk about the new Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 | | | | users with SP2 and permanently replaces IE6. This is |
| browser replacement for the 5 year old IE6 includes a | | | | just not true. If you detest change, Microsoft gives you |
| variety of conflicting opinions. Some sources of | | | | the rollback option to keep the familiar IE6. Even if you |
| information are outdated from as far back as 2005, so | | | | upgrade and find the learning curve too steep or |
| use caution when searching for advice or reviews | | | | uncomfortable, you may still revert to IE6 using |
| from experts you find online. Here is an example that | | | | commands within your control panel.The real struggle |
| may cause concern with small business website | | | | may be for website designers when testing new |
| owners.Quote: In July 2005, this comment about the | | | | designs for cross browser compatibility. Will your site |
| BETA version of the IE7 browser was published and | | | | display well in Opera, Netscape, and FireFox as well as |
| quoted on PC Magazine's website: "At present, IE7 | | | | the old IE5 or IE6, and now IE7? Most designers will |
| has a problem rendering some web pages. According | | | | test new designs; however, you may face some |
| to Microsoft, this is caused by the sites, which need to | | | | expense if older site designs need tweaking. When |
| update their detection code for IE7."As of 19 Oct 2006, | | | | testing your site as suggested above, use your best |
| the link to this comment still displays near the top | | | | judgment to decide if your site display is acceptable |
| listings if you search in Google for "IE7+reviews", so | | | | even if it is different.For general interest, you may want |
| don't be deceived by outdated information.According | | | | to download all of the major browsers and test your |
| to Microsoft "Internet Explorer 7 provides significant | | | | site. Each is free, and although the majority of internet |
| security improvements, making it far more secure than | | | | surfing is done with Internet Explorer, my advice is |
| IE6. While Microsoft is encouraging everyone to | | | | make sure your site displays well for the growing |
| upgrade to IE7, the application will not be installed | | | | number of visitors who choose alternate browsers. |
| without user consent during the Auto Update process. | | | | Search in Google for "browser downloads" to find links |
| In addition, users will be able to rollback to Internet | | | | for downloading each of the major browsers, |
| Explorer 6 by removing Internet Explorer 7 through the | | | | especially FireFox, Opera, and Netscape.Bonus Tip: |
| Windows Control Panel Add/Remove Programs | | | | Want to see how your site looks on a cell phone |
| utility."Small business owners may not have the time to | | | | screen? Use the Opera browser and while on your |
| study the latest trends in online browsers, and some | | | | page hold down the SHIFT button and press the F11 |
| changes may take them by surprise. The new version | | | | function key once. Opera will simulate the look of your |
| of the browser is offered during automatic updates. | | | | website as seen on a cell phone screen. Repeat the |
| For business owners inexperienced in selecting options | | | | steps to return to normal full view.In conclusion, the |
| for auto updates, the new IE7 may be installed without | | | | new version IE7 browser has been announced with a |
| realizing alternatives exist. If this happens to you, do not | | | | variety of key benefits including improved security and |
| be alarmed. You probably needed it, especially the | | | | enhanced support of CSS, Cascading Style Sheets. |
| security enhancements.Misinformation abounds, so use | | | | CSS is a technique used by some website designers |
| caution when anyone makes statements comparing | | | | for improved load time and rendering of web pages. |
| IE7 to Y2K. Based on a variety of comments seen | | | | Your small business website may or may not use |
| already, some website designers would have you | | | | CSS. It may not matter. Once the dust settles, the |
| believe that much like Y2K the new release could spell | | | | improved browsing experience will overcome any initial |
| doom and gloom for websites designed with older | | | | bugs we've learned to expect with any product |
| code techniques. The best way to determine if the | | | | launch.Special note: Within 24 hours of the release of |
| new Internet Explorer 7 browser is right for you is to | | | | Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, media reports on 19 Oct |
| actually test it, and see if in fact your site renders | | | | 2006 circulated warning of security issues from spoof |
| properly.Look for graphics, blocks of text, or other | | | | websites offering the latest release for download |
| elements that appear to be pushed out of place. | | | | when in fact they install a trojan virus to open a |
| Compliance to worldwide code standards established | | | | backdoor portal on your computer. If your pc does not |
| by the W3C, Worldwide Web Consortium, has been | | | | update automatically, do NOT consider downloading |
| characterized by some website designers as a low | | | | the new browser from any site other than the official |
| priority for Microsoft in the past. Complying with code | | | | Microsoft website.Jim Degerstrom offers small |
| standards is voluntary, so of the 4 major browser | | | | business advice based on 30 years in management, |
| vendors, Microsoft has a reputation amongst website | | | | sales, and marketing, including President or General |
| designers for being slow to comply. As a result, code | | | | Manager of small companies in 5 states. He is |
| tricks called "hacks" have been included in HTML code | | | | proficient in website and graphic art design, and runs |
| to overcome past deficiencies. Maybe, just maybe, this | | | | his online Small Business Resource Center at from |
| could be a problem in your small business website | | | | Kissimmee FL USA. |
| design.Other comments viewed online include | | | | |