Internet Explorer 4.0 Platform Preview

Introducing the Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 4.0!

Warning: Developer Release Only

This preview release is intended to give software developers and IT professionals a head start in building offerings that take advantage of the many new features that Internet Explorer 4.0 will deliver with its final release later this year. It is not intended to be run on people's primary work computers. Be sure that you read the warning at the bottom of this page before you decide whether to download this preview release.

Microsoft is pleased to introduce the Platform Preview test release of Internet Explorer 4.0—an open, integrated suite of Internet software that includes the industry's premier Internet client and basic collaboration solution for end users, IT managers, and developers. Internet Explorer 4.0 expands on the innovation introduced in version 3.0 to achieve Microsoft's vision: complete integration of the Internet and the PC. The end result is a dramatically easier and more personalized way for people to get the most out of the Internet.

Microsoft listened closely to customers while designing Internet Explorer 4.0. Five major areas stood out that users clearly wanted addressed:

Finding useful information on the Internet is difficult.

Internet bandwidth limits the productivity and enjoyment of browsing the Web.

Web content rarely lives up to expectations.

Communication capabilities are sorely lacking.

The tools and methods for browsing the Web and using PCs are inconsistent.

The Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 4.0 addresses each of these areas by introducing innovations that fall into four basic categories:

Best Browser. Internet Explorer 4.0 starts off by building user-focused improvements into the award-winning 3.0 version to deliver the flat-out best browser on the market, but doesn't stop there. Internet Explorer 4.0's introduction of Dynamic HTML offers significant benefits to end users, plus it provides next-generation development capabilities that Web site authors can use to maximize the impact of their content while minimizing round-trips to the server. Internet Explorer 4.0 offers the easiest, most personalized, and fun way to view the information users care about.
Complete Communication and Collaboration. Internet Explorer 4.0 delivers a complete and integrated set of tools for every type of user—from basic services like e-mail to exciting conferencing, broadcasting, and Web-authoring capabilities.
Webcasting of Sites and Channels. Now the Web can be brought to you! Users can have the information they care about delivered straight to their desktop when they want it, the way they want it. Internet Explorer 4.0 also automatically notifies users when their favorite Web sites change, and lets users read the sites offline for greater convenience and less expense.
True Web Integration. True Web Integration means two things in Internet Explorer 4.0. First, the Internet now becomes a seamless part of your desktop operating system, with the browser and browser-like navigation available in every Windows view. Second, Internet Explorer 4.0 delivers tight integration across its suite of products. That means consistency—including a common toolbar—across all the applications and an easy way to switch between tools.

The four areas above are in various stages of completion in the Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 4.0. In addition to wrapping these up, every day Microsoft continues to move forward making administration easier for corporations and individuals, streamlining performance to boost speed, coordinating cross-platform releases, and improving compatibility with previous browsers.

International Support: Platform Preview to be available in 12 languages! To support International developers, Microsoft will deliver the Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 4.0 in the following languages next week: German, Japanese, French, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), and Spanish. In the next two to four weeks, the following additional versions will be made available: Korean, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Polish, and Greek. Return to this page for updates on language availability.

Warning: The Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 4.0 is a developers' release. That means it is intended to provide an advance look at the product for software developers and other computer industry professionals, but not to serve as people's primary work browser. Some features are incomplete and the product as a whole is still in the testing phase, so some existing Web sites will not display properly using this preview, and many characteristics of scripting, HTML coding, appearance, and operation are subject to change. This platform preview is incompatible with MSN 2.0.

As with all preview and beta releases, Microsoft does not provide phone support for the Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 4.0. For online support options, visit the Internet Explorer Support Center. Microsoft assumes no responsibility for any damages that may occur either directly or indirectly from use of this software product.

Peer discussions available via newsgroups: Microsoft has created public newsgroups for peer-to-peer support and discussion regarding the Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 4.0. No account name or password is required.

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