Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 Beta 2
PROS: IE finally offers security
and features customers demand
CONS: Beta version has security bugs; reveals
site-rendering problems
RATING: 5 out of 5
RECOMMENDATION: Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 7.0 Beta 2 offers a
glimpse of the future, with substantial security improvements and a well-designed
suite. Like Mozilla Firefox, it includes inline Web search and tabbed browsing.
The result is a surprisingly feature-packed and usable browser. If you're running
IE 6.x you'll want to upgrade to IE 7.0 or switch to Firefox as soon as possible.
Use Beta 2 to determine your choice. Microsoft's offering might actually be
the lowest-risk option.
CONTACT: Microsoft * 800-426-9400 * http://www.microsoft.com
FULL REVIEW: http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/ie7_beta2.asp
Windows Live Beta
PROS: Microsoft integrates Web services into Windows
without forcing them down users' throats
CONS: Not as useful for typical business users or IT pros
RATING: 4 out of 5
RECOMMENDATION: A recasting of many MSN products and services, Windows
Live offers online services, Windows desktop applications, and more. Windows
Live Messenger, a successor to both Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger, combines
IM, video conferencing, and Web-to-phone calling. Windows Live Mail Web mail
rivals Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA). Most of the services appear to be
consumer-oriented, but some are promising for businesses, too.
CONTACT: Microsoft * 800-426-9400 * http://www.microsoft.com
FULL REVIEW: http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/windowslive_preview.asp