Microsoft has launched its new web browser, Internet Explorer 8.

Software giant Microsoft has released the newest version of its popular web browser, Internet Explorer 8.

The new browser, available since 19 March, purports to be more secure, be easier for the consumer to use and perform better than previous versions.

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer still retains the title of most popular web browser but faces stiff competition from Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Google Chrome.

The release is Microsoft’s first browser update since the launch of Internet Explorer 7 in 2006.

Microsoft said it carried out extensive customer research and has responded to the needs of the customers.

Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, said: “Customers have made clear what they want in a Web browser – safety, speed and greater ease of use.

“With Internet Explorer 8, we are delivering a browser that gets people to the information they need, fast, and provides protection that no other browser can match.”

In a statement, the company said that the security of the new browser has been vastly improved – Internet Explorer 8 is reputed to block two to four times more malware attacks than other browsers.

In addition to the enhanced security, the web browser also makes performing common online tasks quicker than before.

A new feature called accelerators has been introduced, which according to Microsoft will make web-based services much simpler. Right-clicking a word or phrase will allow the user to map, email or share it.

The browser’s web search facility has also been significantly improved. The instant search box will enable rich, real-time searches from sites such as Amazon and Wikipedia and display a preview of the suggested searches and results in a drop-down list.

The new browser also allows users to track favoured information, called a Web Slice, which fundamentally functions as a bookmarked news ticker tape.

Further information can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/ie8