Internet Explorer 6 was released yesterday. Download here

“Internet Explorer 6.0 includes many new and enhanced features that can simplify the daily tasks you perform while helping you to maintain the privacy of your personal information on the Web. The integrated Advanced Search bar makes it a snap to find whatever you may be looking for on the Web. The Image Toolbar feature allows you to quickly and easily save pictures, e-mail pictures, and print pictures that you find on Web pages. You can also view all your saved pictures in the My Pictures folder. When you point to pictures on Web pages, the My Pictures toolbar appears, giving you instant access to My Pictures functions. Another new Explorer bar, the Contacts bar, allows MSN Messenger Service members to use instant-messaging features from within the browser window while they surf the Web. The Media Bar offers a seamless Web media experience. It provides a simple user interface for locating and playing media within the browser window. The Media Bar has simple controls that enable you to play music, video, or mixed-media files without opening a separate window. The Media Bar also lets you control the audio volume and choose which media files or tracks to play.”

found on GeekNews and i’m guessing it’s .Net-based …

“Broadband customers of Telewest can now subscribe to a “rentware” version of Microsoft Exchange with Outlook using their cable modem PC connection. The U.K. service costs 10 pounds ($14) a month on top of their existing cable modem subscription.”

another interesting quote:
“Obviously there plans to extend the service to Microsoft Office, but we’re also looking at the possibility of offering access to financial software for small businesses across the broadband connection…”

NSA released their Windows 2000 Security Recommendation Guidese. the site includes INF security configuration templates for the security configuration editor and PDF white papers on windows security.

finally, a realistic commentary about microsoft’s new proposed SmartTags feature

anyone running IIS 5.0 should install this patch:

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS01-023: Unchecked Buffer in ISAPI Extension Could Enable Compromise of IIS 5.0 Server"

funny … “Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is not responsible for the spread of the foot and mouth virus, according to a recent report.”

From: The Register

Internet Explorer 6 Public Preview

from redherring, a somewhat antagonistic and long, but very interesting interview with bill gates in which he talks about .Net (or dot.net — not sure which is correct), xBox, AOL, Linux, and the Law Suit among other things … a few interesting bill quotes:

[.Net] “It’s designed to get rid of the idea that there is this big install taking place.”

[xbox] “If there was ever a business were no company has been the leader for two generations in a row, it’s video games.”

skeptical article about Microsoft.net … good quote: “And don’t discount startups, despite their early woes. Microsoft says it’s creating the next generation Internet, but by the time it gets there, those young’uns might be on deep space nine.”

read this on slashdot … Microsoft released a patch for Outlook that will “Protect Against Viruses” such as “ILOVEYOU and Melissa” … looks like a worthwhile update.