Internet Explorer 8 RC1 Now Available

[z3r010]

This afternoon, Internet Explorer General Manager Dean Hachamovitch has announced the immediate availability of Internet Explorer 8 RC1. Internet Explorer 8 RC1 is available in 25 languages for Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server. You can download IE8 RC1 here:  http://www.microsoft.com/ie8. Here is what Dean says about IE8 today:

IE8 focused on how people really use the web. Consumers want a browser that makes the tasks they do every day faster and easier. The activities people spend their time on define real-world performance: navigating to websites, working with tabs, searching, keeping track of changing information (like traffic or an auction), and using the information from one site with another (as in getting a map). Everyone wants a trustworthy browser that keeps them in control and protects their safety. Developers want great developer tools, great interoperability, and a powerful platform that enables them to innovate. For some people, accessibility is crucial; for some organizations, policy, administration, and deployment are essential.

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For more information on upgrading to RC1 – please see this post from Internet Explorer Program Manager Jane Maliouta. Jane provides an excellent and information-filled post on what you need to know to upgrade to RC1.

Internet Explorer 8 RC1 can only be installed on Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server. For more information on Internet Explorer 8 and Windows 7, please read this blog post.

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More...

 

[swarfega]

So the Win7 version is like the version just before the RC1 that was just released today but with added windows 7 only features?

 

[JerzeyLegend]

What are the differences?

 

[Airbot]

What are the differences?

Here you go. The features with asterisks (*) have been improved/or added.

Windows Internet Explorer 8 Release Candidate 1 Fact Sheet: An overview of the features and benefits of Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer 8.

 

[garysgold]

Thanks John and Airbot.

 

[Bellerophon]

Not Compatible

Sure I read somewhere that it wouldn't install in Windows Seven and looking on the download site there isn't a version for Windows 7 which seems to substantiate this.

 

[Airbot]

Yeah, this IE8 RC1 isn't for win7 7000 Build.

» Microsoft: IE 8 Release Candidate won’t install on Windows 7 | All about Microsoft | ZDNet.com

 

[Bellerophon]

Yeah, this IE8 RC1 isn't for win7 7000 Build.

» Microsoft: IE 8 Release Candidate won’t install on Windows 7 | All about Microsoft | ZDNet.com

Yep that's the article. A bit crazy that the new IE doesn't run with the new OS.

TBH I run firefox, I think MS have missed a big opportunity with ie8. The changes still do not set new standards but leave it still lagging behind other browsers in terms of features.

Some of the features are great in the new version but the way forward with software dev these days is to open it up to an ever growing resource...us joe public just look at the wonderful firefox add-ons. That may well be round the corner but the base package is still lagging behind firefox.

 

[echrada]

Read this and weep

Windows Internet Explorer 8 Release Candidate 1 release notes

 

[swarfega]

Just seen this too:

Note that the IE8 Release Candidate is for Windows Vista, XP, and Server only; Windows 7 users will get an updated IE8 with the next update of Windows 7. Also, the Release Candidate of the Internet Explorer Administration Kit is available for download now.)

IEBlog : Internet Explorer 8 Release Candidate Now Available