So, IE 7 is out, and not a moment too soon, as it has only been five years of browser bugs, CSS problems, and security concerns.
We are happy to say that IE 7 indeed is a MAJOR improvement!
Microsoft developers removed a number of security concerns, including the clipboard problem we mentioned a while back. The browser also is much more restrictive in its security settings, and it really tries to inform users of anything suspect.
Unfortunately, if you are a Web developer, you aren't going to get everything you want. CSS support is indeed improved. Fixed positioning, max-width, min-width, direct child selectors – yes, these are there, but don't expect full conformance. PNG support is in place, but don't look for all the little details to be in place. Ajax is native, but JavaScript is still slow, and there are few new additions. If you liked tabs in Firefox, you'll like IE 7, and RSS is in there too. We looked under the hood and saw little new. A new header flying around for CPU for some reason (UA-CPU HTTP header with a default value of x86) -- maybe animation concerns under Vista? Just a guess. We saw no differences in HTTP compression and no inclusion of Q-ratings for content negotiation outside of language.
In short, there were no surprises, but that's OK. We are still happy. It's been five years, and we are all excited at Port80 Software that IE can blow out its seven candles now!
- Port80