Now that I have played with IE 8 for a while, I can feel reasonably safe in recommending that you install it. However, as with anything there is the caveat of taking the default settings.
When the program begins its installation, the first screen will ask if you want to “… improve Internet Explorer” I suggest you select “I do not wish to participate right now”.
Now choose the “Install” button.
Next you will have to accept the User License Agreement by clicking on “I accept”.
The next window will ask if you want to “Install Updates” make sure that is selected and select the “Next” button.
After the updates and malicious scan you should be asked to restart your computer. There might be other Microsoft updates running too.
After the reboot, open Internet Explorer to continue.
You should get a Welcome to Internet Explorer 8 window where you need to select “Next”.
If you have other browsers you might be asked if you want to make IE your default browser. Make your choice.
The next window will ask if you want to “Turn on Suggested Sites”. This has causes some people grief so I suggest you select “No, don’t turn on” and then select “Next” to continue.
The next Window labeled “Choose you settings” select “Choose Custom Settings” and then the “Next” button to continue.
The next window is where you get to choose you search settings, select “Show me a web page after setup…” and then select “Next”.
The new page is “Search Provider Updates”, here you want to choose “No, I don’t want to download updates.” and select “Next” once again.
On the Choose you accelerators page select the “Turn off all accelerators that are included with Internet Explorer” radio button, this too has caused some issues for customers. Again, choose the “Next” button to continue.
The page that comes up is the “Turn on Smart Screen Filters” page, once again I suggest that you select the “Turn off SmartScreen Filter” button and then select “Next”.
Compatibility Settings will be asked once again, select theĀ “No, I don’t want to use updates” button and then the “Finish” button.
IE will open with at least 3 tabs, the far right should be the “Welcome to IE” one while the one just to the left of it (centered in most cases) will be the “Add Search Providers”.
Here is where you can choose your provider from the list, select one such as “Google” and a new window will appear (if you have not already selected that provider in IE 7.
Select the “Make this my Default…” check box and unselect the “Use search suggestions from this provider” and then click the “Add” button.
That’s all there is to it folks.
Until we meet again, have a virus free week!