Windows 7 Migration
IE6 in Windows 7: Symantec's Virtualization Solution
Much as I like to poke, prod, and nag enterprises to abandon Internet Explorer 6--that leaky, unsupported security breach of a browser--I realize it's...
Much as I like to poke, prod, and nag enterprises to abandon Internet Explorer 6--that leaky, unsupported security breach of a browser--I realize it's just not an option for everybody. Some legacy software and Web apps just aren't compatible with later versions of the browser--and without them, your business would suffer.
That's where virtualization comes into play. With the right software, you can run your moldy old browser on your spiffy new operating system--and do so without the security risks of running it directly under XP.
Symantec has just the right software, and it's free while in beta. Here's the rundown:
Running IE6 as a virtual application layer on Symantec Workspace Virtualization provides the perfect solution for enterprises that wish to migrate to Windows 7 immediately. Virtual IE6 runs within a light-weight application virtualization container which allows it to run as a native application on Windows 7 with full visibility to system components and services such printing, drag and drop, and ActiveX controls as well as browser add-ons such as Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, Java and Microsoft Media player plus many more. In additional to running as a native application it also provides the protections provided by the virtualization container in which it runs. Browser exploits such as installing unwanted software or add-ons, file system or registry corruption can all be immediately removed with the "virtual application reset" capability of SWV. All application installations, file system and registry writes are made within a read / write containment area. If something happens to a virtual application running within SWV, a simple virtual application reset can be issued which removes all operations made to this containment area and reverts the application to its original, pristine state.To test-drive Virtual IE6, head to the Symantec Beta portal and set up a username and password.
