Microsoft has released for download the newest upgrade for its Web browser, Internet Explorer 7, which is also the browser built into Windows Vista.

That should make it attractive to enterprises as it will allow them to have a common browser environment across their XP and Vista desktops.

IE 7 brings security improvements, most notably against malware and phishing, tab browsing, and the inclusion of RSS discovery and subscription.

A number of features in IE 7 also make it easier for enterprises to deploy, including enhanced group policy support, as well as the updated Internet Explorer administration kit that allows enterprises to build a customized version of the browser for their desktops.

IE 7 will also be pushed out through Automatic Update, starting in early November, but Microsoft has also released a blocker toolkit and is recommending that enterprises be compatible with, or block, IE 7 by November 1.

Every customer who receives the product via Automatic Update will also be shown a screen and have to give explicit consent to install it.

Companies like Yahoo have also built customized versions of IE 7 optimized for their use.