Anyone using Microsoft's Internet Explorer version 8 probably is already aware that it is a bit buggy. One of the bugs affects the pages on this web site: http://www.eogn.com. Internet Explorer 8 does not properly display all the pages, even though version 7 of the same program worked perfectly. Microsoft did insert a "back door workaround" called "Compatibility Mode" to make version 8 compatible with all the other web browsers. Luckily, version 9 reportedly has fixed the bug.
Microsoft released Internet Explorer version 9 release candidate (RC) yesterday. A "release candidate" is believed to be the same as the final version. In effect, it is expected to be the last beta test version and will become the production release if no last-minute show-stopper problems are found. With tens of thousands of beta testers already exercising the beta versions, I doubt if any show-stopping bugs will be found at this late date.
Internet Explorer 9 attempts to cut back much of the dead wood featured in previous releases. The new release is faster than any of the previous versions of Internet Explorer. It also often uses much less memory than the some of the earlier versions because of changes, such as delayed image decoding. Critics will be delighted to know that the crippled JavaScript engine and cluttered user interface have gone to make room for a much prettier, cleaner and more Apple-like appearance.
Inspiration has clearly been taken from rival products, such as Google Chrome and its snappy one-stop address bar. Internet Explorer 9′s address bar will function similarly to Chrome’s.
You can read more at dozens of Internet sites. I found one excellent review called "Internet Explorer 9 RC released: Everything you need to know" at http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/10/internet-explorer-9-rc-released-everything-you-need-to-know
You can read Microsoft's official announcement at http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2011/02/10/acting-on-feedback-ie9-release-candidate-available-for-download.aspx
Internet Explorer version 9 Release Candidate is now available in 40 languages at http://www.beautyoftheweb.com/
