c:\> ftp ftp.mozilla.org
(user name anonymous and your e-mail as password)
ftp> cd /pub/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/3.5/win32/en-US
ftp> bin
ftp> get "Firefox Setup 3.5.exe"
ftp> quit

it will also come with a separate cd with a internet explorer installer though.

i am also sceptical about windows 7 but i don't think the missing internet explorer is a big problem. pcs which will have windows 7 preinstalled will also have some browser like firefox preinstalled.

...and maybe in a few years most people who only use their computer for browsing the internet and some office work will use something like chrome os anyway. :p