Microsoft has made public its first release candidate RC1 - Release Candidate 1 - of its new, updated browser Internet Explorer 8. Packaged with an array of latest features, the browser is so designed that it aims at making Web browsing with IE easier, safer and better attuned to international standards.

Similar to IE7 on its surface level, and retaining its features like WebSlices and accelerators, the IE8 comprises many new additions.

In terms of safety, Microsoft flaunts that IE 8 is the most secure browser till date. Inclusive of two security features under the 'InPrivate' label - InPrivate Browsing and InPrivate Filtering - the security range of IE8 extends from phishing detection to private browsing and, additionally, the prevention of clickjacking, which is a threat related to emerging data theft.

The easy-to-use feature of IE 8 includes a search field's drop-down search suggestion box, to give the users suggestions about related fields. Moreover, the user can switch between search engines, making use of the icon at the foot of the drop-down menu.

Along with searching Yahoo and Ask. com on IE8, the user can install add-ins, which gives the new browser the facility to search many other sites - including Amazon, Wikipedia, and the New York Times.

With other interesting features, like tabbed browsing and web compatibility, IE8 Release Candidate 1 appears to be promising package. The IE8 will be a tough competition for its not-so-upstart rival, Mozilla Firefox 3, and would definitely vie for browser loyalties! (Rupinder Kaur contributed to this report)