Hello IE8 beta 1

So what about Windows Internet Explorer 8. The moment I was thinking about installing IE7, I noticed the beta version of IE8. So I installed IE8 and started some tests.

The installer takes his time (took me about 15 minutes to install IE8 beta version). First step was downloading, then a check for malicious software, installing Internet Explorer 8, installing updates, finishing setup. So, the installer was finally finished and of course… restart.

Ok, restart is finished, Launch Internet Explorer Browser… Yes, the first error message. Why didn’t they include it in the installer? Be careful when you install the beta, it overwrites your previous version of Internet Explorer.

Ok, I just clicked OK and the browser opened. After applying my personal settings I can finally start browsing.

The first thing I noticed was the Emulate IE7, a good thing for us front-end developers. Even better would be that you can emulate for IE6. No more multiple installations. And it would be great if they could make the emulation without restarting your browser.

I have only tested one site, apple.com, and I notices some strange things. I am not going to list them all, but I have added some screenshots from IE8, you can compare it with your own browser.

It’s still a beta version, and the biggest news is that they will be using the standards.

Don’t forget to read the article about IE8 beta from 456 Berea Street. They are talking a bit more about CSS 2.1, Built-in developer tools (that’s also a good update) and Zoom.