More helpful landed in Internet Explorer 9.0.1

Security enhancements to stop drive-by downloads and a tweak to make "About Internet Explorer" more helpful landed in Internet Explorer 9.0.1 today.

All seven security fixes in this version are marked "critical" because the vulnerabilities could lead to a remote code execution if you go to a malicious Web site designed to target Internet Explorer users.

The changes to the "About Internet Explorer" box, accessible from the Tools menu, call out the latest Internet Explorer update with a link to the related Microsoft knowledge base article. The box also clearly states the version of Internet Explorer, so in the past where it would always read "Internet Explorer 8," the box will add minor versioning points, such as "9.0.1". These are small changes, although they are useful for encouraging better user control over the browser. Unfortunately, they don't address the About box functionality difference between Internet Explorer and other browsers, where users can use the box to check for browser updates.

Microsoft said in a blog post announcing the update that most people will not have to take any action since they have automatic updates enabled. However, Internet Explorer has a different upgrade path than other browsers. To force Internet Explorer to update manually, Microsoft requires users to go through the Windows Update utility. To update to Internet Explorer 9.0.1, go to your Control Panel, Start Menu, click All Programs, click the Windows Update utility, and then run the Windows Update.

Although Microsoft is trying, IE still sucks after so many years. Only reason (I personally think) it has survived is because Microsoft packages it with Windows.