Internet Explorer 7 Released

Microsoft has released its' new version of Internet Explorer, and is available for download at the Internet Explorer 7 website. I was considering not installing 7 for a few weeks, but since I have Firefox also installed, I decided to download and install it now so I could report to you instructions, reported bugs, and my general overall opinion of it.

Tech Web is reporting that the update will also be issued using automatic update if you have it enabled.

The most controversial aspect of IE 7 has been Microsoft's decision to push the update to all users who have Automatic Updates enabled. Although users can reject IE 7 -- and continue using their current edition of Internet Explorer -- Microsoft will begin rolling out the browser as a "High priority" update next month. In July, when Microsoft offered up a toolkit to indefinitely postpone IE 7's installation, it justified using Automatic Updates, a mechanism for providing patches to Windows, because of the new browser's security implications.

The IE 7 update will not be added to the monthly security patch delivery, scheduled for Nov. 14. Margaret Cobb, the IE7 group product manager for the browser, has promised "We won't do it on Patch Tuesday."

The first thing I would like to offer you are some tips to do before you decide to update. For that I will turn to my friend Corrine who is a Microsoft MVP. I would urge you to take advantage of the expert advice she offers on her blog Security Garden. She has also posted a release announcement HERE.

The only other point I wish to report to you now is that IE7 can be uninstalled through the Add/Remove in your control panel. Microsoft offers these instructions:

To uninstall Internet Explorer 7 to return to Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP

1. Click "Start," and then click "Control Panel."
2. Click "Add or Remove Programs."
3. Check "Show Updates" at the top of the dialog box.
4. Scroll down the list and highlight the version of Internet Explorer 7 that you are running, and then click "Change/Remove." (If you are running Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 Preview — March 20 or later, it is not necessary to check "Show Updates.")
5. Go here and select the appropriate version of Internet Explorer 7 for your operating system.

Enjoy your experience, and be sure to check back here for any future comments and/or advice.

Security Alert - OS X, Safari Browser & Adobe Flash Player

US-CERT has issued alert SA06-275A which has the following information:

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Apple and Adobe Products

Original release date: October 2, 2006
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected:

* Apple Mac OS X version 10.3.9 (Panther) and version 10.4.7 (Tiger)
* Safari web browser
* Adobe Flash Player

These vulnerabilities affect both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Apple systems.

Overview:

Mac OS X, Safari, Adobe Flash Player, and other products are affected by multiple vulnerabilities. Apple has released Security Update 2006-006 to address these vulnerabilities, the most serious of which may allow a remote attacker to place and run malicious code on your computer.

Solution:

Install Apple Security Update 2006-006 through Apple Update.

Description:

Mac OS X, Safari, Adobe Flash Player, and other products are affected by multiple vulnerabilities. Some of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to run malicious programs on your computer.

For more technical information, see US-CERT Technical Alert TA06-275A.