Review: Internet Explorer 9 - in pictures
Installation: Simple and straightforward
Installation of Internet Explorer 9 is simple without the need for any convoluted Microsoft wizards or wizardry of any kind. Adopting a stripped back approach to its user interface layout, the browser is now more compact with an increased number of functions accessible from drop down menus. The top right of the screen is now populated with a house icon (Home), a star (Favourites, Feeds and History) and a tools 'cog' icon (Print, File, Zoom & Safety options as well as Internet Options and Developer Tools).
After almost exactly two years, Microsoft is finally ready to move to the next version of its web browser with Internet Explorer 9 progressing from public beta to its full-blown release candidate. Promising streamlined design, fewer dialogue boxes to click through and more intuitive navigation, IE9 is distinguished by the fact that it is not tied to any major iteration of the Windows operating system. In terms of system requirements IE9 demands Windows Vista 32-bit with Service Pack 2 (SP2) or higher - or Windows 7. It also requires 512 MB of memory and 70 MB of hard drive space for a successful 32-bit installation.