MICROSOFT'S INTERNET EXPLORER 7 offers much security improvements over earlier versions.  But the new IE still doesn't do enough to protect your computer!

The browser permits a Web site to nag you once about installing Active X control for instance.  (Some users will approve an installation to simply get rid of the pop-up windows) <--don't do that! 

Anyway malicious scripting attacks remain a big problem!  (Some Web sites use scripting codes such as JavaScript to exploit security holes.  This can allow them to perform drive-by installations of spyware or Trojan horses.  IE does have a host of features to thwart exploits including pop-up warnings that let the user know when a site is trying to use scripting.  But the new features, unfortunatley, don't go far enough!

Everyone knows I'm on my soapbox recommending Firefox.  Well Firefox's NoScript plug-in (which by the way is a free download at NoScript.net) provides a solution to the problem of malicious scripting.  This program prevents scripting from working at any website until you approve it!  And we all need to control scripting!

IE 7 is a hassle to use regarding controlling the scripting problem.  It takes at least six clicks and you must enter the URL into the trusted sites list.  Ecetera.   I'll never stop complaing about it!

Microsoft's phishing filter is a new significant security feature they are pushing.  But a recent test of IE 7's filters by researchers found that the Phishing Filter caught at best only 68% of the phishing URL's!  We can't have that!

None of this means you shouldn't upgrade to IE7.  It is more secure than IE 6.  But Firefox is a much better option of course!