Microsoft has confirmed that the final version of its anticipated Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) website browser will be released this month. The download is set to be optional, although it will eventually become mandatory a few weeks later.

IE7 is setting itself up to be a big improvement over existing IE6 technology, with many changes designed to improve speed and security. Similarly the new browser will also have a fresh user interface, which may not be to everybody’s taste.

The new software is unlikely to force diehard Firefox (Mozilla) users to switch back, yet unlike previous IE versions, IE7 is quite an improvement and may slow or stunt Firefox's growth. Having said that, Firefox v2 is due for release within the same timeframe.

Ultimately consumers win, with those choosing to stick with IE having a far better browsing experience, while everybody else can pick from some high quality rivals in the shape of Opera and Firefox etc.