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Welcome to this week's Community Scoop! There are a lot of Microsoft-centric discussions happening in our forums and blogs this week.

Internet Explorer 7 was released (as was Firefox 2), and there are lots of comparisons and opinions on which is the best.

There is also a heated discussion of upgrading to Microsoft Vista. Some readers say to stay away for a while, but others have already tried the beta versions and found the process to be very easy.

The last topic we feature is a bit lighter. Steve Bass scares Firefox fans with a link to a joke site and fake product box for Microsoft Firefox 2007.

Our poll this week focuses on rude technology behavior. What do you think is the worst? Do you wish to defend yourself? Vote, and then go to the discussion to tell us about the rudest technology behavior you've experienced.

We finish with some product reviews by members like you. Reviews are very helpful to others who are considering making a purchase or putting software on their computer, so please write a review for the products and services you use.

Have a great week, and thanks for making our community such a vibrant place.

Note: To use our interactive features, such as adding comments to discussions, voting in the weekly poll, and contributing your own product reviews, you must be signed in to PCWorld.com. (Not registered? You can sign up online.) However, you can view the discussion threads and poll results without being signed in.

Radically New Internet Explorer Debuts

virtualphoton says: I'll pass on Internet Explorer 7, thank you, until my company makes me install it. Installation of the beta version made a friend's computer unusable, and in general it is just too invasive to install on a whim. I don't see anything compelling in the new features as compared to Firefox.

ace38 says: Last night I installed the final version ... and came away amazed. Pages were loading on IE 7 twice as fast as they were on Firefox 1.5. I then repeated the test on my son's PC (733 PIII Xeon workstation) and IE 7 showed itself considerably faster there too.

pibob says: I recently tried IE 7 and it lasted on my computer about 1 hour. I was unable to view my favorite news sites because it is not compatible with Adobe Flash Player and the sites don't work with Windows Media player. Back to Firefox and IE6 until some of the bugs are worked out.

ptrcrowder says: I upgraded to IE 7, but I do not find it as user friendly or appealing in appearance as Firefox. I will stick with Firefox and only have IE 7 on my computer for those times that it is required for updates, etc.

What do you think? Read the other posts in this thread, then contribute your own opinion.

Hidden Costs of Vista Upgrade Coupon

Jags says: Not many people can do "upgrade / clean re-install" on their own. The best thing to do is [to] wait till Windows Vista comes preinstalled.

gcv1 says: This past weekend I upgraded my home system to Vista. I popped in the DVD, answered the questions, and got upgraded. The process, while lengthy, was flawless. This upgrade was much smoother than any before it. The result has also been most impressive. For two days, everything has been stable and smooth. After reading all the negative press about every little move Microsoft makes, I was expecting the worst. So I am going to do something completely unfashionable--am going to praise Microsoft for an awesome operating system. Vista is awesome!

martalli says: As far as OS upgrades go, it should embarrass Microsoft that Debian and its derivatives can be upgraded with a simple [command]. When will Windows be able to achieve the same degree of package management?

Will you be staying with XP for a while, upgrading to Vista, or switching to another operating system? Click "post a comment" at the bottom of this page and let us know.

Breaking News: Microsoft Buys Firefox (Ha!)

zahava says: Jeez! You really had me going there for a moment. Good thing I don't have a heart problem!

ejmullen says: And did you notice what file gets downloaded when you click on the "Download Firefox" link? IE 7. Cute!

kewkmeister says: Very funny--I love it. You're got to be genius to think of this (or maybe not).

PersianDark says: Hah, just noticed in the bottom right, "may contain spyware"

chesscanoe says: Love the embedded "e" in the Firefox logo, and the red cross marks on the box.

Go to Steve Bass's blog to see the product spoof; be sure to click "post a comment" at the bottom of this page and tell us what you think.

Community Poll

Which one of these rude technology behaviors bothers you the most?

• The Airplane Seat Recliner: the person who sits in front of you who reclines so far that you can't work on your laptop anymore.
• The Toilet Talker: someone who sits in the stall of a public bathroom to chat on their phone while other people are waiting to use the stall for its intended purpose.
• The Always Answerer: someone who answers their cell phone, even if they are in an important appointment or business meeting.
• The Ear Sprayer: someone whose mobile device is so loud that the sound spills out of their earphones for all to hear.
• The Sharer: someone who should use headphones, but doesn't--so everyone has to endure the sound of their mobile speakerphone, boom box, or portable DVD player.
• Other: describe the rudest technology behavior you've seen.

Vote now in the PC World Forums.

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Kellie Parker is the PC World Forums online community manager. You can sign up to have the Community Scoop newsletter e-mailed to you each week.