When Microsoft^® released Internet Explorer 4.0 last September, the browser's hype was equaled only by the number of complaints customers had about its "bugginess."

Users whose primary pointer was the Microsoft IntelliMouse™ experienced PC lockups or slow system performance, while others griped about desktop screen "blank outs" as early as the first reboot after the browser was loaded.

Though not everyone suffered from IE 4.0 woes (in fact, many users have said they like the browser), the public outcry was loud enough for Microsoft to offer a 4.0 upgrade within two months of its initial release.

The improved version, IE 4.01, is designed to leave its predecessor's pesky problems behind, plus offers features than weren't available before—like a new HTML Help option that replaces images and animation with less-bulky text, saving users download time and PC memory. And a full-screen view option makes it easy to remove tool bars, scroll bars and other distracting objects from the desktop screen.

Internet users with disabilities will also appreciate the new browser's full keyboard access within the Active Desktop™ and Microsoft Active Accessibility, which ensures compatibility with blind-access utility aids.

And to ensure IE 4.01 users' happiness even more, Microsoft created not one, but three upgrade versions, each serving different levels of needs. Of the trio, the IE 4.01 "browser-only" package consumes the least disk space and doesn't include the Active Desktop component. Moving up a level, the "standard" version incorporates the Active Desktop, Outlook Express E-mail and Wallet E-commerce utilities. (Customers will need at least the standard set to take advantage of MidWest Micro's Active Desktop features.) For those who want the most browser options, there's also a "full" package with the standard version features, plus NetMeeting, NetShow and a Web publishing utility.

No matter which level customers prefer, Microsoft promises that IE 4.01 users can safely put away the bug spray and enjoy the high-tech browsing experience that was intended with 4.0.

And for anyone who experienced 4.0's problems firsthand, a pest-free upgrade couldn't be more welcome.