Is Netscape 6 available for Mac OS X

Asks spiderwhale

A. Currently, it is only available for Mac OS X in preview format - which means that it is not in its final format and Netscape welcome any feedback you can give if you choose to test it - but if anything goes wrong it does not offer any technical back up, so be wary if you choose to be a guinea pig. It is however, available for Mac OS 8.6 and later and Mac OS 9.

Q. What operating systems is Netscape 6.1 compatible with

A. It is compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Mac OS 8.6 or later, Mac OS 9. Red Hat Linux 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 7.0 with X11 R6.

Q. What system requirements do I need to run it

A. If you use Windows or Linux you need a Pentium 233MHz, 64 MB RAM, 26 MB hard drive space. If you use Mac OS you need a PowerPC 604e 266 MHz, G3 or a G4 with 64 MB RAM and 36 MB hard drive space.

Q. What are the benefits of upgrading to Netscape 6.1

A. As it is an upgrade, it basically adds more to your existing package, among its new features are the following:

(a) Improved interface for Navigator, Mail and Instant Messenger

(b) New history tab and bookmark management feature

(c) One click search from the URL bar

(d) Offline access to Netscape email

(e) New download interface that lets you know where you downloaded a file and/or lets you launch it from the download dialog

(f) Performance and stability enhancements have also been made in Navigator and Mail.

(g) Forms Manager - automatically fills in forms

(h) Quick Launch - helps get you going faster by dramatically reducing the start-up time of the browser.

(i) Autotranslate - automatically translates foreign language text into your chosen language. New additions with 6.1 include French to German and vice versa, and French to Russian and vice versa.

Q. Will installation of 6.1 affect any earlier versions of Netscape I already have on my computer

A. You can install 6.1 without affecting any previous Netscape Communicator software (Communicator versions refer to any Netscape versions before 6.0). Installing 6.1(the most current version) will however, overwrite any earlier versions of the 6 versions i.e. 6.0 and 6.01.

Q. Will my user profile, preferences, bookmarks etc. be copied over to 6.1 or will I have to start all over again

A. Yes, once you’ve installed the new software, restart your computer and go into Netscape 6.1 for the first time you will see "profile migration" screens that allow you to copy your profile and preferences from your earlier Communicator or Navigator version to Netscape 6.1.

Q. So just what do I get with Netscape 6.1

A. You will get Netscape Navigator, Mail, Instant Messenger, Composer and an Address Book. You can also choose lots of add-on applications that give you an enhanced Internet service e.g. Java for running web applets, Nullsoft Winamp for audio playback, RealPlayer8 for streaming media, Marcormedia Flash for high impact web content.

Q. I know what most of these are, but what is Netscape Composer

A. It is an online editor that lets you create your own web pages or documents. You do not have to know HTML to use it, but it gives the effect of having a page developed using HTML. You can import tables, images, links to other pages etc. and it has a guide to help you use it.

Q. Has Netscape done anything to increase security with its new version

A. It has improved privacy and security with:

(a) Cookie managers: that allow you to choose which sites can set cookies and which sites to block. You can also view any cookies on your computer and delete any you choose to.

(b) Cookie alerts: you can choose to be alerted when a site you enter tries to set up a cookie, and you can choose to accept or block them

(c) Password manager: this programme enables Netscape to remember your passwords and username for many different sites - and automatically fill them in when you return to a site, which means you don't have to remember them all if you have a few.

(d) Master Password - this function protects your security if your computer is used by anyone else. It means that if someone enters a site that you use e.g. Amazon they will not automatically have access to your account etc. It also encrypts local passwords and Form Manager data for additional privacy.

Q. Can you change the way your Netscape home page looks

A. Yes, this new version has lots of themes you can choose to make up the look of your home page. These include: Sky Pilot, Orbit, Golf, Modern and Early Blue- but you'll have to look at them on screen to see how they differ from each other and how it effects the overall look of your page.

Q. Where would I get the new software from

A. You can download it online from www.netscape.com

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By Karen Anderson