Although Internet Explorer 7 has been out for several weeks now, users of the Microsoft Web browser have yet to see all its new features. That's because the version of IE 7 included with Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system has a few capabilities that aren't found in the version that runs on Windows XP.
The biggest difference in the version of IE 7 that runs on Vista—or IE 7+—is that it inherits the Vista interface and all that it entails, including the translucent Aero Glass view of open windows.
IE 7+ also includes what is called Protected Mode, a sort of sandboxed version of the browser that prevents applications from interfacing with the browser in any way other than through a temporary folder.