Paul's Picks - 30 Jan 2007

Microsoft InternetExplorer (IE) 7.0
Pros: Major functional advances, bettersecurity, printing feature is top-notch
Cons: Best security features availableonly on Windows Vista
Recommendations: Now fully on par withthird-party browsers such as MozillaFirefox, IE 7.0 includes major securityadvances and features such as tabbedbrowsing. Unfortunately, two of IE 7.0'sbest security features—Protected Modeand parental controls integration—requireWindows Vista. Relatively small shortfallsshouldn't detract from a product that is so much safer than IE 6.0 it's almosthilarious. Anyone stuck with IE 6.0 shouldupgrade as soon as possible.
Contact: Microsoft • 800-426-9400 •http://www.microsoft.com
Full Review: http://www.itprotoday.com/article/reviews/internet-explorer-7-review.aspx

Microsoft Zune
Pros: Simplified UI, big screen
Cons:: Online store is a joke; incompatiblewith iTunes and PlaysForSure-basedcontent
Recommendations: Microsoft's initialZune portable media player comes upshort in a feature-by-feature comparisontest with Apple's dominant iPod and evenmany PlaysForSure-based devices, butit's still a solid effort. The device boasts alarge, colorful screen, an uncomplicatedUI, and PC software that is simpler thaneither iTunes or Windows Media Player.But the devil is in the details: Zune userscan't purchase or download TV shows or movies, and can't access much of theonline media that iPod users can. Hold offon this promising but somewhat-lackingmedia player.
Contact: Microsoft • 800-426-9400 •http://www.microsoft.com
Full Review: http://www.itprotoday.com/article/reviews/microsoft-zune-review.aspx