IE7 has been released. You can grab the the 14.8MB download for WinXP directly from Microsoft here. There's a separate version for Win2K3 Server, which is slightly smaller.

The installation is, by web browser install standards, pretty damn long. The long install time is likely due in part to the installer downloading "required updates," which includes the malicious software removal tool. Once it updates the removal tool, it actually runs it as well. Finally, it starts installing the "core components," & sits at this screen until it suddenly flashes to the "installation complete" screen.

The installation, of course, requires a restart, & the yellow Windows Update taskbar shield pops up to make certain to remind you of this. MS really (I mean, really) wants you to restart your PC immediately after the installation. I chose the "restart later" option, & was presented with a pop-up window which stated the following:

"You are strongly recommended to restart now to allow setup to finish. Some applications may not function correctly until your system is restarted. Are you sure you want to restart later?

After I chose "Yes," I got another pop-up:

"You have chosent to exit setup & restart later. You should close all open applications & restart your system as soon as possible to allow setup to finish."

After doing some clean-up, I restarted my PC. When you start IE7 for the first time, it requires you to choose your default search provider (it's Google by default, but they want you to confirm it). Then you can turn on anti-phishing, as well as use clear type or not, & some localization customizations. Once you save your settings, you're presented with a page that has 3 links: take a quick tour, customize with add-ons, go to your home page. The add-ons link takes you to ieaddons.com.

I've just started using it, but my first impression is that the interface is vastly improved. I'm still not sold on switching from Firefox, but I'll play with it a little, at least.