Microsoft has released the first beta version of its popular internet browser. Beta 1 of Internet Explorer 8 is meant for web designers and developers, but you can download the new browser to test it out for yourself.

To download it, go to microsoft.com/ie8, and then click on “download” to get the new browser.

When you open the new browser, you’ll be asked to use express settings, such as Google for your search-bar, or you customize your own settings.

The first change you’ll notice is in the address bar. IE8 highlights the main web address, so you don’t get lost in the sea of backslashes and other gibberish.

You can still use the tab feature that was introduced in IE 7, but in IE 8, you can now quickly view all of your web pages at once using Quick Tabs.

Since IE 8 is in beta (or test) form, Microsoft also gives you a cool option to emulate "IE 7" which will allow IE 8 to browse the web like its predecessor.

Other neat features included in IE 8 are applets called "Activities" and "WebSlices".