Microsoft announced an upgrade to their Web browser, Internet Explorer 8 (IE8), on March 19, 2009. Internet Explorer is a key program on Windows-based computers, and it's used to access many WSU systems, such as WSU Pipeline, Blackboard, Banner, Cognos, etc.

Initially IE8 was an optional download, but in late April, Microsoft moved the IE8 upgrade onto the list of Windows Automatic Updates.

If you maintain your home or office PC, have Windows XP or Windows Vista, and use Windows Automatic Updates, then at some point you will be asked to upgrade to IE8.

How will IE8 impact desktop computers and laptops that use WSU systems?

• Key WSU systems and Web sites may not work with IE8.
• If you are responsible for maintaining your Windows PC, you're probably using Windows Automatic Updates to maintain proper security levels. IE8 will arrive as an Automatic Update, but it does not automatically install, instead it will give you three options: Ask Me Later, Install, and Don't Install.

Recommendation: Do Not Install IE8

• Most software vendors have not yet certified their applications for IE8. WSU's systems fall into this category, thus support is not readily available if problems occur. To avoid conflicts, we recommend that you do not install IE8 at this time. Deferring installation gives the vendors time to complete testing of IE8's compatibility. Read C&IT communication about IE8.

Removal of IE8

• If you choose to install IE8, you can remove it and return to using IE7 should you run into problems with some of the applications you use.
• For detailed instructions on how to uninstall IE8, go to: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957700.

Here is a short list of Microsoft Web pages that highlight some of the changes within IE8.

Compatibility View button

• If you are looking at a page and the text or images are not lined up correctly, use IE8's new Compatibility View button (next to the Refresh button on the Address Bar). For more information, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/enhanced-navigation.aspx.

Features

• IE8 offers new browsing and security features such as, InPrivate, User Preference Protection, and Tab Grouping. For more information, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/readiness/new-features.aspx

Just the FAQs

• Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8 Frequently Asked Questions.

Computing & Information Technology (C&IT) is actively gathering information from their vendors about the compatibility of Internet Explorer 8 with key WSU systems listed below. We will post updated information here as it becomes available.

Note: Some of the vendors in the table below have certified their application with IE8. However, C&IT does not officially support the use of IE8 with any of its applications at this time and recommends that you do not install it.