Microsoft is all set to release the final version of Internet Explorer 8 later today.

The final release of the browser comes almost two months after the release of the RC1, which we had previewed back in January. While the feature set is expected to remain similar to the existing RC1 (which is still available for download as of now), the final version is expected to have ironed out all bugs and issues that is expected of a final release. It will be released in as many as 25 languages.

With the IE8, Microsoft aims to lure users away from advanced users who had migrated to more “secure” and feature-packed browsers. IE has been steadily losing its once unassailable market lead to the likes of Firefox from Mozilla and more recently, Google Chrome, which had more features and were touted to be more secure than the erstwhile editions of IE. Even now, a large chunk of Internet users still use IE6, which is two generations old now and for the same reason, is an obsolete browser.

Microsoft has devoted close to a year developing the IE8 which is obviously the most secure version of the browser ever. In fact, a commissioned report by Microsoft had placed the RC1 at the number one spot in detecting malware and suspicious content. The research was conducted by NSS labs and they had included the likes of Firefox (3.07), Apple Safari 3 and Google Chrome in the study.

Microsoft will eventually start pushing the browser through automatic updates. For those who can’t wait, it is expected to be available for download starting 21:30 hours India time today from the Internet Explorer homepage.

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