..complete article at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1455935,00.asp
Excerpts: - Internet Explorer Internet Explorer will get its own built-in pop-up blocker. Intranets won't be affected, but when you're surfing the Web, IE will block any pop-up or pop-under window that wasn't triggered by your click. In the beta, an audible pop signals each blocking event. You can right-click on the pop-up icon in the status bar to configure pop-up blocking or to review blocked pop-ups ( figure 2 ). IE will also add protection against "drive-by downloads" downloads that occur without your knowledge or permission. If you want a particular download, you simply click a link that appears below the toolbar.
- Outlook express/Windows Messenger The latest version of Outlook lets you prevent downloading of images or other external content in HTML mail. With SP2, Outlook Express gets this same ability. Spammers use invisible images called Web bugs or Web beacons to surreptitiously get notification when you view or preview their e-mail messages this enhancement blocks that technique. Both OE and Windows Messenger will include added protection against malicious attachments. Attachments you launch directly will run with minimal permissions, limiting the amount of damage they can do.
- Firewall The Internet Connection Firewall will be renamed Windows Firewall and will be enabled by default. Reportedly, you will have detailed control of port settings, though this feature is not yet present in the beta. Only specific programs will be allowed to receive connections from outside sources. You still won't get the protection against outbound traffic that programs like ZoneAlarm provide, though. The Messenger service, which is used to send pop-up style messages, will be off by default.