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The word on the street is that consumers may not have a choice on upgrading to Internet Explorer 7 when Microsoft decides to release it.  CNet is reporting that Microsoft will push the browser update as a "high priority" update via the automatic update system much in the same way it pushed the WGA anti-piracy tool earlier this year.

"The justification, of course is the significant security enhancements in IE 7" says Gary Schare, Microsoft's director of IE product management.

However, more savvy users will be able to block the update by either un-checking it from the list of updates to be installed or by downloading a special tool to block the automatic delivery of the update.  This tool is mainly targeted at enterprises who wish to control the flow of patches into their environment so they can be more thoroughly tested.

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on Jul 27, 2006
I hope this update comes out soon . IE7 refuses to install on my system after uninstalling the beta 2, so it would be nice to have it back on the rare occasion I actually open the browser. But forcing users to upgrade is just stupid, imho. I know my mom won't be to happy about this.

Thanks for the heads up Zoomab .
on Jul 27, 2006

Strange.....that sounds so much more 'take it or else'-slanted than....

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

July 26, 2006, 1:13 PM

Microsoft announced distribution plans for Internet Explorer 7 on Wednesday, saying it would make the next-generation browser available as a high-priority download via the Automatic Updates feature. However, the company would make available an option to 'opt out' of the update, including an application for enterprise users to block the update across their entire network.

When the new browser is released, those who have Automatic Updates will be greeted with a screen giving them an option to either install, ask later, or opt out of installing IE7 altogether. This would ensure customers are prepared to upgrade, Director of Internet Explorer Product Management Gary Schare told BetaNews.

on Jul 27, 2006
Sorry...but that DEFINITELY sounds like a choice is being given...
on Jul 27, 2006
Yeah, exactly who are these users not being given a choice?

In any case, given the fact that IE7 is more secure and more standards compliant, I'm glad Microsoft is encouraging everyone to update.
on Jul 27, 2006
The CNet report clearly states you'll have a choice....


Although IE 7 will be pushed out over Automatic Updates, people will be able to choose whether they want to install it or not, Schare said. Automatic Updates will first notify people when IE 7 is ready to install and then show a welcome screen that presents key features and the choices to install, not install or postpone installation.

Some users may choose to click OK without reading the options first, but that is still a choice.

on Jul 27, 2006
Sensational headlines like that, which doesn't even reflect what's in their own story, is just the type of thing that causes people to mistrust the media. They've backed off on their original headline, and the ensuing comments have disappeared, but it should have never been the headline in the first place.
on Jul 27, 2006
I Tested IE7 it looks to much like fire fox. I don't like how there is that search menu you cant turn off and the "file, edit, view" menu is under the back forward buttons finally the grouping of browser windows really annoying.. might just be that there not done yet. but now you tell me that they will want me to update or else.. yea that's Microsoft for yeah
on Jul 27, 2006
Or else what?
on Jul 27, 2006
but now you tell me that they will want me to update or else..


Of course you could have chosen to read the 4 comments posted above yours in which the posters clearly state that there will indeed be an option as to whether or not the update is installed. However, as Koasati stated there will undoubtedly be lots of people who click without reading the prompt and then complain that the update was installed in a subversive manner and they weren't given any notice that it was going to happen..
on Jul 27, 2006
Even if nobody had a choice, and we were all forced to install IE7, what's the big deal? You don't want a more secure browser with a bunch of new features?
on Jul 27, 2006
It's funny how the Microsoft bashers only see what they want to see. No matter what they do, those people always see it as something evil. Bill Gates could cure AIDS and they'd bitch that he didn't cure cancer.

It's almost humorous to read the comments for any CNET article that has anything to do with Microsoft. No matter what the story's about, the vast majority of comments are negative, often brutally.
on Jul 27, 2006
Even if nobody had a choice, and we were all forced to install IE7, what's the big deal? You don't want a more secure browser with a bunch of new features?


In theory Adamness the situation could deifinitely be far worse but there are people out there who use anything and everything to try and prove that MS is up to no good. This would just be another chance for them to make a mountain out of a molehill, to use an old addage..
on Jul 27, 2006
Um, it's new code, and hence, likely to contain problems. I normally always wait until EVERYONE agrees it is safe to install before doing so.

So, it is ironic to note that it won't install without passing WGA so it's another example of where the pirates are going to be safe from possible problems with this new code, while the average legitimate user has to actually choose not to install it to be safe.

Hopefully the program won't have significant problems...but, um, what are the odds?
on Jul 27, 2006
Sensational headlines like that, which doesn't even reflect what's in their own story, is just the type of thing that causes people to mistrust the media


Yes, but those headlines are how they get you to click through, which generates new pages, which contain new ads, which is how all these sites make money. So, this is why ALL of the media is massively fear/hype driven now, with the truth being a casualty of the almighty dollar.
on Jul 27, 2006
So, it is ironic to note that it won't install without passing WGA so it's another example of where the pirates are going to be safe from possible problems with this new code, while the average legitimate user has to actually choose not to install it to be safe.

I think this is a good example of why spyware, viruses and worms proliferate. Too many people think it's a burden to choose not to install something, even when it's clearly laid out as option.
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