With the competitive spirit in mind for Firefox browser, Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday unveiled the latest test version of its internet Explorer browser, which will ensure more privacy and security to the users.

Internet Explorer 8, which features the option to let users decide whether they want to save or delete the browsing history, “cookies” and other data includes a browsing tool called an accelerator. It enables the users to select and highlight text on Web site and further choose from various other functions such as different search engines, language translation or map displays. 

The version, which has been released on Wednesday available for all users to download, was earlier released by Microsoft for Web Developers for the purpose of testing.

Analysts feel that Microsoft’s latest IE8 will let the company survive well in the highly competitive market. According to a research by Net Applications, the browser market share is commanded 73% by Microsoft while 19% by Firefox. Though the lead by Microsoft has strived down, four years ago Microsoft had more 91% of shares in the market.