'Internet Explorer 8' : My Review

Last week, 'Microsoft' released their 8th installment of their Internet Web Browser. I took this opportunity to install it on most of the computers that I use throughout the day, as well as a few other people's computers.

Installation was slow, but easy. Once installed (and after a restart of the computer), it asked me a very short series of questions. After that, it was "cake". The first thing I noticed right off the bat was nothing, you really have to look around at all those small icons to notice any changes. There are some new buttons on the surface, as well as behind the scenes (in the settings menu).

One thing I like about 'Internet Explorer 8' so far is it's many features. I list some of them here:

• SmartScreen Filter
• If you try to go to a website or web page that has a higher probability than most to potentially harm your computer, a 'SmartScreen' splash screen will appear on your screen telling you that that page you are trying to browse is unsafe, and asks you what you want to do from that point.
• I like this security feature more than any other security feature so far. Well, it's neck-and-neck up there with the ever-so-famous pop-up blocker.
• InPrivate Browsing
• This security/privacy feature allows you to browse the Internet in "stealth mode". Meaning that you can surf the web without leaving a crumb-trail behind you. This way, when the Holiday season comes back around, you can e-shop til' you drop in 'InPrivate' mode and no-one will ever know what you have been window-shopping or buying online.
• I probably will not be using this feature much, but it is nice to have.
• Accelerators
• These are little gadgets with little snippets of information (either graphical or otherwise) in relation to the information displayed on that page.
• From the few 'Accelerators' that I have already used, the one I like using the most has to be the 'Map with Live Search'. All you have to do with this 'Accelerator' is highlight a typed-out location on a web page, then click on the blue icon with an arrow on it (pointing to the upper right-hand corner), then hover your mouse over the selection labeled 'Map with Live Search' and a map will appear beside that menu of the approximate location of the selection. Sure the task seems complicated, but it is quick and easier than it sounds.

The only thing I didn't like was no themes or skins.

Undoubtedly, I have enjoyed my short time with this Web Browser. I think 'Microsoft' did a wonderful job with this edition of 'Internet Explorer'. Furthermore, I think they made a smart move by releasing this (free) product into the wild. Because (let's be honest) the thing we do most on computers these days is surf the Internet. I think anyone who enjoys this product will like 'Windows 7', or should at least take a look at it.

Overall, I give 'Internet Explorer 8' a 4 out of 5.

For the record, my (primary) Internet Web Browser of choice if 'Mozilla Firefox 3'.

Go with your 'Gut'

It's back! Sixteen years later, Nickelodeon 'Guts' (1992) has been brought back from the dead and renamed 'My Family's Got GUTS' which premieres tonight. I loved watching this show when I was a kid, so I am very excited about them bringing it back. Now, if they could only bring back 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete' (1993).

Recent Website Modifications

I have noticed that the site has been loading "sluggishly" in the past. So, last week I took it upon myself to take 'Java' Apps. off of the website (for the most part). Not only that, I have also taken some things away, fixed missing objects (with the help of some HTML code) and added a few things to make the website look a lot better. Anyways, I hope y'all enjoy it.

Spread the fire

In celebration of 8 years since the first release of 'Firefox', 'Mozilla' has decided to release it's third version of this internet browser. With over 15,000 improvements, 'Firefox 3' has proven to be the fastest web browser available to-date. Did I leave anything out? Oh yeah, today is Download Day! What does that mean? Well the "Firefox Parents" over at 'Mozilla' have decided to break a world record for the most downloads in a 24 hour time period. Meanwhile, you can grab your free copy of 'Firefox 3' here. That way, in the future, you can look at the 2008 world record book, turn to the technology/computer/internet section, thumb through it until you get to the most downloaded piece of software in a 24 hour time period. And you can point to that and tell everyone that you helped make that possible. For more proof of that you can print-out your own certificate. I know I will! Well, I have already downloaded it (and printed-out my 2008 download day certificate), and I can't complain about anything. Oh, except for one thing, 'U3'! I can't stress this enough. Someone needs to release a finalized version/build of 'Firefox 3' for 'U3' (USB Thumbdrive) devices. I did manage to find one here, but the installer told me it could not install "due to a possible error in the program package." And I found another one here (can't find the link, sorry. I will fix asap), with the same problem (installation error message) as the first. If anyone out there hears anything, please let me know.

Giants pull a win in 'Super Bowl XLII'

As much as I don't care about football, I am glad to see New York beat New England for the 42nd annual 'NFL Super Bowl'. I think it's cool to watch Eli Manning win his first 'Super Bowl' after Payton Manning won his last year in 2007. Now for the ads, they sucked. For a better use of words, I can't think of any because to me 90% of the commercials aired during the (this) big game this year were more serious than funny. Sure 'Coca-Cola' had some cleverly-adorable ones, but what happened to 'Pepsi'?

'CES' 2008

Last night kicked off the 41st annual 'International Consumer Electronics Show' (aka: 'CES'). This being Bill Gates final keynote , he stated that he will be stepping down from his full time involvement in 'Microsoft' by July 2008. 'CES' will continue through Thursday of this week in Las Vegas, NV.

How we did in 2007.

I am pleased to report that we doubled our expectations for hits in 2007. Our projected number was about 50 thousand, when in the end we ended up with well over 160 thousand hits last year alone. As you would expect, for 2008 we are shooting for 200 thousand hits. We'll see what happens.

Have a great 2008!

Let me state the obvious; it is 2008, and it has a good ring to it I think. Though some new years resolutions are far fetched and often eventually abandoned, we still strive to set new goals and try to stand by them. Make it a good year.

'Windows Live Writer'

I have just downloaded 'Windows Live Writer'. Using this simple tool, I plan to update this blog more often than usual. So far, I like this program because it is very easy to use.