Tip #4560 - IE 7: Now Required?
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Q:
The other day, I heard something about Internet Explorer 7 now being
required for every computer user. Is that true? Can Microsoft really
do that? Please explain!
A:
Oh, I'm so glad you asked! I was going to go
over this today one way or the other, so it's great that you brought
it up. If you're an avid Internet Explorer user, you have probably
already heard about this, but for those of you who haven't, I'm here
to clear up all the confusion. All of this really isn't as bad as
you think, so just hang tight. Everything's going to be okay. So,
without further ado, let's get started!
Microsoft announced
last week that with its February 12, 2008 Windows updates, an upgrade
for Internet Explorer 7 will be included. And yes, that's whether
you like it or not. So, basically, if you've been putting off the
upgrade, you will soon be forced to install the new version of the
IE Web browser. Microsoft is going to be pushing this on just about
everyone (businesses included) who has not yet installed IE 7. Now,
I know that doesn't seem quite fair, but keep reading. I have more
to explain!
First of all,
Microsoft said they are doing this mostly for security reasons. IE
7 is much more secure and it has a lot more features to offer the
average user. The layout of IE 7 is very simple and it's much easier
to work with and manage. (You can read this article
for the full scoop on what all IE 7 entails). So, if you're still
using Internet Explorer version 6, you can see why Microsoft is pushing
the upgrade so much. Yes, I know it means you'll have to get used
to something new, but this type of change is for the better. I promise!
And hey, I'm going to have to do it too. We're all in the same boat!
When the update
comes through to your computer on February 12, 2008, it will be marked
as an Update Rollup package. If your computer is set to approve Rollup
packages, the update from IE 6 to IE 7 will automatically be installed
for you. Now, I have some more news for you that may make you a little
happier. There is a way you can still block the IE 7 install from
coming through to your PC. But, before I go any further, I want to
make it clear that I'm not recommending you do that. As I've already
stated, Internet Explorer 7 is a good Web browser and it will do you
good to try it. But if you're absolutely against trying something
new, here's what you can do.
You can turn your
automatic updates off. To do that, go to Start, Control
Panel and click on the Security Center link
(you'll need to be in the category
view to do this). Once you're there, click on Automatic
Updates and then click the option of "Turn Automatic
Updates Off." Of course, doing that is not recommended
by Microsoft, but it's one way you can bypass the IE 7 install. Click
OK when you're done.
Now, if you turn
your automatic updates off, you still need to get them for the month
of February, so you will need to do it manually. And you can do that
right from this Web
site. There you can pick and choose what you want to install and
that way, you can skip past the one for Internet Explorer 7. Note:
Once the February updates are over, don't forget to turn your automatic
updates back on. Otherwise, you might miss out on some really important
stuff later on. Also, keep in mind that this update does not pertain
to Windows Vista, because IE 7 already automatically comes with that
operating system.
I do understand
your reasoning for passing on the upgrade this time, but I want you
to remember that the day is going to come when you're going to have
to start using IE 7. One day, there won't be any way to block it,
so maybe you should think about giving it a try now. You have until
February 12 to decide!
~ Erin
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