You just might have heard rumours about Internet Explorer 9 coming out next month. Is it true? Well, as they used to say in “Yes, Minister”, Yes and no.
What’s being released next month is something called a “beta” version of Internet Explorer 9. It’s a kind of test version – Microsoft think it’s finished, so they release it for Techies and computer journalists to have a go with it and spot any problems. Then Microsoft fix those problems before the offical launch.
It’s called a beta because there’s an earlier alpha version, when only people inside Microsoft get to try it out and th worst problems are spotted and fixed. This time round the beta is also being called a “Test Drive” which makes a bit more sense – but it’s not really a test drive for your benefit, it’s so you can spot problems for Microsoft.
So what are they changing in IE9? With Ie7 and IE8 they added new features like tabs and so on. But with IE9 the biggest changes will be “Under the bonnet” – faster video, sound and better display of fancy graphics. Good for webpages that have programs running in them – video or games. It’ll make no real difference to webpages that are mainly text and the odd simple photo.
Oh, and it won’t work on Windows XP – you’ll need Vista or Windows 7 to use Internet Explorer 9 (either the beta version or the final version). 40% or more of people are still using XP but if you’re one of them, you’ll have to stick to an earlier version.
There’s no limitation on who can download the beta version. So if you fancy seeing what it’s like, there’s nothing to stop you getting it next month (it’ll be available from www.microsoft.com). But I wouldn’t generally recommend it unless you’re curious. At this stage it will still have bugs and problems (which is why they’re doing this) so I’d generally suggest waiting for the proper release. There’s no word on exactly when that’ll be but Microsoft will want it done as soon as possible after the Beta.
At least you know what all the fuss is about now!
Tim
Tim its gone crazy, taking up to two hours to get on to msn and hotmail and a few days ago the comp screen was strange.The microsoft report box is coming up regularly and the word beta showing up sometimes in the toolbar.I have checked that I am on version eight and gone through all the basic checks that I am aware off. Ie system restore disc defrag disc cleanup and the only emails and info I keep are from your site.ThE IT person that normally sorts me out is away in Canada at the moment .Hope you can suggest some thing.Regards, Roy Morris. ps The main info and use of the comp is for family history.
Hmm – the first thing I’d try is a system restore but you’ve already thought of that! You could try it to a week or so earlier just in case the problem was there (but not obvious) before it started going crazy!
If you have no luck with that I’d try running a full system scan in your security/Anti-virus program. Double click on the program and look for “Full system scan” or similar words. Don’t use a “quick scan” as they’re not as thorough.
Let it do the scan (could take a while, especially if you have lots on your PC) and see if it finds any viruses or anything like that – one of them could cause behavior like you’re getting.
Tim
Thanks for your reply Tim, I have run all those tricks at least twice ,its been so frustrating that I have installed an outside hardrive to back up on to for safety.If I leave the comp on all the time 24 hours then there are only minor problems.I am going to give the machine a rest for two weeks from tomorrow so keep my fingers crossed for when I restart up. Regards. Roy.
My computor has gone haywire the last few weeks???I think I have this latest software on my machine and I have tried everything to get it working but no luck.Any ideas PLEASE.
Hello – could you give me a bit more info about exactly in what way it’s gone haywire (there are so many ways computers can cause trouble!). If you let me know if it’s a problem when you’re trying to do something in particular and what it does to cause trouble.
Thanks
Tim