Netscape 8.0 aims to be all things to all people

[Tami]

Netscape 8.0 aims to be all things to all people

The latest version of the Netscape Web browser, version 8.0, has dumped its proprietary defaults and is aiming to be all things to all people.

The browser, released here by AOL Canada Inc., automatically chooses which page-rendering engine to use — Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Mozilla's Firefox — and now uses Google as its default search system instead of steering all search traffic to its own engine. A test version of the free browser had used the Netscape engine.

Netscape 8.0 also lets users choose AskJeeves, and AOL says it is in talks with Yahoo as well.

And AOL Canada is releasing two versions, one in English and one in French. The all-new Netscape 8.0 for Canadians will be available for download on June 6 and the French version will be on the market June 20.

Upon download, the Netscape.ca portal will be set as the default home page as part of the Canadian content.

The new browser boasts built-in security features, such as phishing or virus protection that warns users or disables the browser's potentially vulnerable features on known dangerous websites.

The browser automatically checks to see if a site is on a constantly updated "blacklist" of suspected virus, scam or spyware sites or a "whitelist" of more than 150,000 websites that have been certified as legitimate by TRUSTe and VeriSign.

If the site appears on either list, the browser automatically adjusts its security settings and rendering engine to help protect the user from unsafe sites while offering full functionality on known and trusted sites. The browser also blocks access to suspect sites with a warning screen.

"The extra step to integrate Canadian features further supports AOL's commitment to safety and support for a uniquely Canadian experience on-line," said Steven Koles, general manager of Netscape for AOL Canada.

Among its other features are tabbed browsing, integrated Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, enhanced privacy settings, groups of favourite "home tabs," multiple Web mail accounts, form fill and password managers, news and up to 10 customizable toolbars.

It also features enhanced maps, Yellow Pages, driving directions, notification to add popular RSS feeds to the browser, one-click removal of on-line footprints, encrypted and managed website form information and passwords, and automatic login for favourite websites that can be customized for each user.

Netscape also switches the placement of the boxes into which users type in search terms and Web addresses. Recognizing the growing use of search for navigation, the search box now has the more prominent spot on the left.

IE remains the dominant browser, but many users complain of its numerous security vulnerabilities and lack of modern features like tabbed browsing, which lets you visit multiple websites without opening multiple browser windows.

Firefox addresses those issues, but some sites won't work because they're tailored for IE. The new Netscape, which is available only for Windows PCs, addresses that quandary.

It displays most sites using a Firefox engine that's embedded in Netscape's software. But when it deems a site relatively safe, it uses the IE software engine that is built into Windows.

[url=\"http://www.globetechnology.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050519.gtnetscapemay19/BNStory/Technology/\"]source: Globe Technology[/url]