Microsoft has released a new version of its Internet Explorer 7 Web browser that does not requireWindows Genuine Advantage validation to install. Previous versions of Internet Explorer 7 required a user’s machine pass a WGA test to ensure the installed version of Windows is “genuine,” with theresult that many users were installing workaround and hacks to Window’s registry and Internet Explorer itself in order to install the browser. These workarounds, in turn, exposed users to moresecurity threats and possible software compatibility issues.
The new version of Internet Explorer 7—dubbed the IE7 Installation and Availability Update—will fully install without a WGA check on Windows XP SP2, x64 Server, and Windows Server 2003 systems. With the update, Microsoft hopes to convert more users of its older operating systems from previous versions of IE to IE7, in part because IE7 is more standards-compliant, but also because it offers a wealth of user security tools which make for a safer Internet experience.
The new version of IE7 also includes a new overview for first time users, makes sure the menu bar is enabled by default, and includes new how-to’s covering features like tabbed browsing. Microsoft is also offering a new MSI installer for enterprises and larger organizations so they can tailer their Internet Explorer installations across fleets of corporate PCs.
The new version of Internet Explorer 7 is available via the MS Download Center and Automatic Update features.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.