Microsoft announces new security software, new version of Internet Explorer

February 16, 2005 announced in a conference that Microsoft will release major security changes to  and will release a new version prior to the release of, the replacement for Windows XP expected any time after 2005.

Microsoft plans to include many features to increase security. These features are to protect against threats such as, , and.

Release of a test copy of the new version is expected some time in the middle of this year. Also in the works is a Microsoft developed program. This move puts pressure on other major players such as and. The anti-spyware product is currently planned for release to Windows users for free.

Analysts contend that these plans to rework Internet Explorer are likely due to increased competition from smaller browsers such as. AOL plans to release a new version of with protection against phishing as well.

To further compete, more content related services may be incorporated into the browser. Martin Reynolds, a vice president of technology forecasting firm Gartner Inc., said, "I don't think we will see a whole bunch of new features. We will see the existing features of the browser tightened up so the security becomes more manageable."