Installing Netscape 7.1

I have a few questions, as I am not as computer savvy as some here. I have Windows 2000 and a 56K modem. How long would it take approx. to download NS 7.1? Can it be downloaded to a CD first? Also, I have been reading conflicting stories about what to download and what not to download when doing a custom installation. If I do a custom download, what are some items that would be considered a waste or not safe (when given choices I really don't know what some things are or if needed). I just want a basic browser and will not be doing any web page composing. I might use the mail feature, but not sure -- is it good? Also should I go with the quick launch? Somewhere I read not to bother.

Your opinion will be greatly appreciated!

 

Welcome to the Forum, Jeane!

Hi Jeane,

It depends on your connection rate. My miserable DUN connection is 36,000 to 40,000, and it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to download Netscape or Mozilla. You would first have to download it to your HD, before you could burn it to CD, i.e., unless W2K has a feature I don't know about.

Here is a page with Screen Shots showing a Custom Install of the SillyDog701 Streamline Version of Netscape 7.1: http://home.att.net/~cherokee65/sd701custom702.html

I highly recommend the SillyDog Streamline Version, as it is considerably smaller than the official Netscape Version.

SillyDog 701 Streamline - 14.5 MB
Official Netscape - 29.2 MB

You can elect to opt out of the Mail & Newsgroups. It is, however, a good Mail program. You can also opt out of Instant Messenger, but if you decide later to use Netscape's Web Mail through the Netscape Mail & Newsgroups component, you would not be able to do so. I always opt out...

I would not use Quick Launch, as it is know to cause problems in several components of Netscape and Mozilla.

That having been said... My personal choice is Mozilla. Netscape 7.1 is based on Mozilla 1.4 code, and is now almost a year old. The current stable Version of Mozilla is 1.6 which has numerous bug fixes, and compared to the buggy, unstable Netscape 7.1, is a superior browser. There is no difference in the appearance of Netscape 7.1 and Mozilla 1.6, and the components are the same, with the exception of the many bug fixes since Netscape 7.1, and Mozilla 1.6. Mozilla is faster, and smaller in size than Netscape, another thing to consider if you use a DUN connection.

I hope other members will voice their opinions and give you their feedback. For more information on Mozilla:

Mozilla 1.6 Release Notes
Mozilla 1.6 Download - Full Installer, 12 MB
Mozilla 1.6 Download - Zip File, 10.8 MB
Mozilla FAQ NOTE: Altho this is for Mozilla 1.5, the FAQ remain the same for Mozilla 1.6.

Now that I have given you information on Netscape 7.1 and Mozilla 1.6, let me add that AOL plans to release a new Version of Netscape 7 sometime this summer. This release will be based on Mozilla 1.7 code, and is nearing finalization.

Let us know if you have further questions.

Ramona

 

Is there currently a better, less buggy version?

I would like to go with Mozilla, but am not sure my ISP works with it (I use Earthlink). I will find out. If not, is there another less buggy version of NS that I can download? Or should I put up with IE until this summer?

Thanks again for all your help. Terrific web site!

Jeane

 

Hi Jeane,

Netscape 7.02 would be the last stable browser, altho it was released in February 2003, so it is getting a bit long in the tooth.

You can download a Streamline Version of Netscape 7.02 at SillyDog701 Netscape Browser Archive

Since Netscape is based on Mozilla code, surely Earthlink would support Mozilla. On the Earthlink site I noted that there is a Live Chat, and also email supported with a promise to answer "Today ". http://support.earthlink.net/

Ramona

 

Mozilla 1.6 or 1.7?

Hi Ramona,

I just found out I can use Mozilla as my browser. I was wondering though, you suggested 1.6, but I notice you recommend 1.7 on some other posts. Which would be good for me? I have Windows 2000. Also, are the install instruction the same as for Netscape? Should I do a custom install? Lastly, My brother, who has cable, downloaded Mozilla 1.6 to his hard drive, then burned it on a CD for me (since I use DUN). It only took about a minute for the download -- does that sound right? Can I use the CD to install?

Thanks for all your help!

 

Hi Jeane,

I usually don't recommend a browser which is still a work in progress, to a beginner. I will say, however, that 1.7RC1 is an excellent browser, which I find to be quite stable. It is not the final version though, and if you want Mozilla 1.7, the final Release, you will have to wait a few weeks.

You can copy the Mozilla 1.6 installer, or zip file to your HD, and install it from there.

The install directions are in the Release Notes which I referenced earlier in the thread. Read them before installing, and they will answer most of your questions.

Ramona

 

Does Mozilla work with most AV and firewalls?

I will probably download Mozilla 1.6, but was wondering. I have Norton AV but need to get a firewall. What AV/firewall works well with Mozilla 1.6?

 

Hi Jeane,

I use the free version of ZoneAlarm firewall. It's available here:
Download Free ZoneAlarm. Never been hacked, and no conflicts with Mozilla.

I use Norton AV 2003, and have no conflicts with Mozilla.

Other members may give you their choices.

Ramona

 

ZoneAlarm - easy to use?

I will be downloading the free version of ZoneAlarm, but can you tell me if it is easy for a novice to use. Do I have to do some configuring on my own?

Thanks again.

 

Jeane,

Read and understand the Tutorial on "alerts ". That is the toughest part of
learning to use ZoneAlarm. Once installed, go to the ZoneAlarm Control Panel, click Overview and the Status tab. The Turtorial is on the right. Enjoy, I have for years ...

Summerdale

 

Mozilla quick launch

Thanks Summerdale for your tip on ZoneAlarm.

Ramona:

I did go to the Mozilla 1.6 Release Notes. Had one more question. It did state that upon installation it will ask if you want to install quick launch. I don't want this, but do I need to do a custom install to get this question or will it ask on a regular installation? Wanted to know before I start.

Thanks,

Jeane

 

Hi Jeane,

I would suggest that you always do a "Custom" install. There may be components that you don't want to install. It will ask in the install if you want to enable Quick Launch. Even if you miss that option, it can also be enabled/disabled in Preferences: Edit | Preferences | Advanced

Ramona