Developers now have their hands on the first IE 7 beta, and at first glance it has better security and some rather familiar Firefox features.
The first beta of Microsoft’s new standalone Web browser, Internet Explorer 7, is now in developers’ hands.

Microsoft wasn’t going to release a new IE browser, apart from the embedded version in Windows Vista, but then increased security worries and the rise in popularity of Mozilla’s Firefox browser may have changed the Redmond giant’s plans.

This new version of IE only runs on XP SP2. Eventually, there will be a version for Server 2003, but Windows 2000 and 98SE users are out of luck.
There will be no IE 7 for these systems.

Security issues are the main reason for the new browser…this is an issue that concerns us all.

It is a timely reminder that we must consider how we are going to maintain our personal data and keep it secure.

You will note that IE7 is only going to be compatable with XP SP2 so if you are running an earlier system now might be the time to consider other options.

The story continues at eweek.com