Microsoft showed off the features of its Internet Explorer 4.0 Web browser last week when it posted the latest preview version.

Aimed at advanced users and IT managers who want to get a head start in evaluating the new version, Internet Explorer 4.0 Preview 2 has a range of new features to expand its use of multimedia and integrate the browser into a single desktop interface.

Known as Active Desktop, this interface is a single point of navigation and administration for the desktop, the Internet and possibly the Lan.

It will be the front end for the next release of Windows 95, codenamed Memphis, and is likely to be released early next year.

Microsoft said the Preview 2 contained fewer bugs than the first one, which was aimed purely at developers, but it was still only stable enough for experienced users.

The full version for Windows 95 and NT is timetabled to be out in September, although it is a tight schedule in which to complete all the testing.

Windows 3.1 and Apple Mac versions will follow no more than two months after.

Microsoft's timing still remains well behind Netscape, which released the latest version of its browser Communicator last week, and which still retains a majority share of the browser market.