Bill Gates has promised the upcoming Internet Explorer 7 will be secure. BUT only on Windows XP SP2.

The short development window, IE7 is to be released for testing over the Summer, is rumoured to be a response to criticism over security.

The troubles seen with open source browsers such as Firefox and Konquerer may have seemed like a chance to reverse their rise, by clamming shut IE.

The browser will initially be in beta test over the Summer. The RSA Security conference in San Francisco was told by Gates that IE7 would incorporate new advanced against spyware and anti-phishing.

Some of Microsofts recent purchases anti-spyware technology would be included at no extra cost.

Historically IE has been the central target for attacks. Critics have pointed out that perhaps IE was inherently insecure compared to open source competitors.

Microsoft could counter with the argument that, why would anyone target another browser, when they could reach 96% of Internet users via IE? The recent spate of attacks and vulnerabilities exposed about Firefox vindicates this argument.

Firefox has recently taken a 5% market share and seen over 23 million downloads.

"Our primary goal is to improve the security and safety of all our customers - businesses of all size and consumers - through a balance of technology innovation, guidance and industry leadership," Gates said

Why only SP2 on XP? Gates responded with the statistic that over 170 million copies of XP SP2 have been downloaded globally.

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