For those who aren't already aware Microsoft is about to "push" Internet Explorer 7 onto 10's of millions of desktops this month. The statistics are already showing that the developer community has started using it quite extensively in beta format, accounting for around 2-3% of current internet users (just short of IE5 usage).

There are two primary issues Reactive have come across so far. The first of these is that the often used CSS hacks to target IE rendering differences no longer work. Secondly a security change has meant formerly "safe" ActiveX controls are now deprecated, triggering a security alert when detecting QuickTime and Windows Media player.

To resolve the CSS issue Reactive have started using Conditional commenting

Unfortunately there is no complete resolution to the plug-in detection issues however if you would like to find out more you can read the Security brief from Microsoft

To find out more check out the following links:

* Release notes on the IEBlog

* Support notes on the Microsoft site

* 'Internet Explorer 7 looms — be prepared' , by Woody Leonhard

* 'IE7 Imminent: Plug-in detection woes', by Lewis Francis

Dan Oxnam, Interaction Director

Labels: Technology, Web Culture and Trends