Computer Technology Tip

Introducing Internet Explorer 8

Microsoft has introduced a new version of Internet Explorer. It comes to you via Automatic Updates or you can download it manually by going to Windows Update or Microsoft Update. These 2 items are listed in your (All) Programs menu. Here are 5 new features associated with IE8.

1. Accelerators: Provide instant access to information like maps, web searches, translations, email, and more. Simply highlight a word or phrase on a page and discover a faster way to get the information you need. For example when you highlight text in Internet Explorer 8 you will see a small square box with a blue arrow appear. Click the arrow and you can expand on the highlighted text. Move to All Accelerators and choose an accelerator to delve deeper into your highlighted text.

2. Web Slices: You can keep up with frequently updated sites directly from the new Favorites Bar. If a Web Slice is available on a page, a green Web Slices icon will appear in the upper-right hand corner of the browser. Click on this icon to easily subscribe and add the Web Slices to the Favorites Bar so you can keep track of that "slice" of the web. When new information becomes available, the Web Slice will become highlighted. When you click on the Web Slice in the Favorites Bar, it previews relevant information.

3. Smart Address Bar: Helps you find where you want to go as you type the address of your desired website. Type single words into the Smart Address Bar, and they will be matched to simple domain names (Microsoft, Yahoo, etc), making web surfing fast and efficient. By using Windows Search for faster performance and a richer return of information, the Smart Address Bar offers useful suggestions from your browsing history, favorites, and feeds.

4. InPrivate: Allows you to browse and shop confidently wherever you go on the web, knowing you have control over the protection of your personal information.

5. Compatibility View: You can easily display websites that were designed for older browsers. Simply press the Compatibility View button if you see display problems on a website like misaligned text, images, or text boxes.

In addition to the previous features IE8 also has better security. Behind the scene IE8 scrubs each web site you visit. The SmartScreen filter, now adds protection from malware - a threat that is growing significantly faster than phishing. The anti-malware protection works by presenting you with a warning or blocking screen when you visit a malicious site or attempt to download a malicious program. McAfee's Site Advisor does the same thing plus it gives you a colored warning about each site you visit. SmartScreen does not. On the downside the Site Advisor toolbar, small as it is, locks up the entire width of the toolbar space. In my opinion this is wasted space.

After installing IE8 you will be presented with a few configuration screens. One is named Turn on Suggested Sites. I would advise selecting "No, don't turn on" unless you want Microsoft examining your browsing history. On the next screen you may use the Express settings if you wish. If you choose Custom Settings then each of the items listed under Express Settings can be individually changed.

For more information about IE8 come to our PC Club meetings. They are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM upstairs in the Ardmore room in Winfield Hall. THIS ROOM IS NOW A PERMANENT CHANGE FOR THE PC CLUB. Check the Hershey's Mill website at www.hersheysmill.org and click on Tech Tips for past Technology Tips articles.
Don Trauger