Internet Explorer 5.5 and Service Pack Available

Two new versions of Internet Explorer (IE) appeared in July. Both releases make minor improvements to the browser, and both have generated some problems and confusion. Windows 2000 users and administrators in particular will have to apply both updates to get the latest fixes to all IE components, but they should also read the latest release documentation before installing either package.

• IE 5.5 gives users a print preview function. IE 5.5 also offers better support for Web standards, such as Cascading Style Sheets and the Synchronized Multimedia language, and now supports new (but proprietary to Microsoft’s browser) ways to create custom dynamic HTML elements like calendar controls. Microsoft also announced it will soon release cookie management tools for IE 5.5, which will help users detect Web sites that monitor their browsing habits. IE 5.5 is available for download at www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.htm. For a review of IE 5.5’s new developer features, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/voices/ie55.asp