Netscape 8 First Impressions

I'm liking it more and more with each passing hour. I'm encouraged to see that they immediately updated to the latest security patches (NS 8.0.1) which seems to indicate that they will stay on top of things. I love the steps they've taken to make things more secure on the various sites. I'm not sure why so many seem to despise the default GUI but I personally love it. Can't wait for extensions to catch up.

Finally I seem to be getting a handle on the mysterious forward/backward buttons on my cordless mouse. It appears that the problem relates to NS rendering in the IE engine and/or having something to do with the Beliefnet site which wanted to automatically fill in my password (but which I continued to refuse to allow). Anyway... once I cancelled this password auto supply for that site AND switched to "render as FF ", the mouse worked flawlessly. Go figure!

I hope that they address the issue of the cookies controls and make exceptions available to us.

Great browser! Netscape is re-born!

 

I've a question for those more informed than myself (which means... everyone! ).

What are the advantages/disadvantages to checking the option for smooth scrolling? Thanks.

 

advantage? besides modern effect (easier to the eyes) I can't find anything useful for that.

disadvantage... you will need to have a faster system and use more system resource just that what effect.

 

First impression: once I had Netscape 8.01 I thought it better than 8.0. These are some of my pro's and con's:

Context Menu - Con
ability to copy a link
ability to Bookmark a link

Context Menu - Pro
Open link in new tab is 1st on the menu

Tab Bar - Con
More room so that ALL tabs would be displayed
Highlight open tab, rather than enlarge tab

Install - Con
No option for "Custom" install

I'm sure there will be more, but this is my first impression.

What's yours?

Ramona

 

My first complaint: where's the Mac version?

Okay, my first impression:

the good
* ability to switch MSIE engine without re-launching browser, (although I don't want to, but many sites that really require MSIE.)
* the arrangement of tabs (open in new tab, and pop-ups to tabs)
* the speedy releasing of Netscape 8.0.1, I am very impressed about this, and in my opinion, this indicates the updates of Netscape 8 should not be lagged behind Firefox too much.


the bad
* too much unwanted information.
* still not used to the arrangement of the interface.
* where's the Mac version?

 

And beside all that, where's the Mac version?

 

'Scuse me, but isn't this a Windows BBS?

 

Hey!

I haven't posted in this section for a while, but I really wanted to shout about something important!

So, where's the Mac version?

(Never owned a Mac in my life.)

Seriously though, I'm thinking of installing this. I've been using Firefox/Thunderbird for my internet and email. I guess I'd be still using Thunderbird. Now, do folks here think the new 8.01 Netscape is default browser worthy? I've seen the screen shots and the flash tutorial and the interface certainly looks cool.

I've been using just normal browsing with no tabs or extentions with the exception of the Yahoo Toolbar beta for Firefox. I suppose that would have to go.

I'd really prefer to just have one browser installed (besides IE). So, I'd clean uninstall Firefox first, deleating the profiles and everything.

Is it worthy of taking the plunge?

 

Hey Eck,

Good to see you around! Default worthy? Personally, not quite, but close, and there are some Firefox options you will really miss. However, if you don't use the Tabbed browsing (and why on earth don't you) then maybe you will like NS 8.0.1 enough to make it your default.

You don't have to uninstall Firefox. These two browsers have unique Profiles folders in the Application Data folder, and the Program Folders are unique, so no problem having both installed.

Ramona

 

Well... I'm still enjoying playing with NS 8.0.1.

I can see the advantage of the dual engine BUT suppose I want to ensure that ONLY FF renders each and every page. Suppose I don't want so-called Trusted Sites to determine that IE comes up to render the page. How do I go about configuring NS to keep FF as the default engine for all pages?

I noticed the other day (for the first time in about two months) that after running Ad-aware I had six IE cache tracing cookies. I can only assume that NS switching me over to the IE browser when I was unaware due to my being on a "trusted site" resulted in my getting the spyware cookie.

Any ideas?

 

Tabbed browing? I don't know. I've never tried it. One place at a time has always seemed to be enough. Maybe if it's put right in my face like with the Netscape tabs I'll discover the joy.

I'd like to know what stuff I'd be doing without by using Netscape instead of Firefox. I imagine that Netscape is more likely less customizable as far as installing favorite extentions. I'm guessing that since it's a commercial product, what they give you is basically what you get.

Judging by the limited information at the Netscape site they seem to have loaded it up with plenty, though.

For searching I usually just enter what I want to find into the myyahoo home page's search box. So making it harder to locate where to change the default search engine might not effect me much.

I would like to be able to have Netscape recognize my default system email as Thunderbird. I certainly wouldn't be happy if clicking a link to send email on a web page would send me to some Netscape WebMail site!

Skins? Well I used to think they were interesting and would install a bunch thinking I would switch them around every so often for different looks, but I've taken to just leaving it on the default classic skin.

The sidebar is just the place I use Ctr-B for accessing my bookmarks. That, and once in a while finding a place I've been to in History is all I've been using the sidebar for. I remember that it used to be annoying for me to need to wait for Netscape news articles, that were rarely updated, to load back when I was using the Netscape 6-7.1 versions. I haven't used Netscape since those days, having switched to first the Mozilla Suite and then Firefox since 1.0.

It seems that I'll either be pleased with all the new toys that come with Netscape 8.01, or annoyed by them. It will certainly be annoying if I find that they come without an off switch!

Hah. I guess my browser usage, for someone who browses around so much, is pretty boring! I am interested in the feature that has multiple home pages all accessable from clicking on tabs. Hmmm. And being able to use Internet Explorer and Netscape both within the same browser sounds cool. I'm just wondering how all the pretty skin features and tabs effect Windows 98SE system resources.

Firefox certainly has been bug-free and fast here for me. And, without "helpful" choices leading me to AOL branded sites without asking! What does that forced installation of an AOL Media Player do to things? I remember that when I sufferred from a brain malfunction and used AOL for a while, I was able to set a preference that turned off the associations of file types to the AOL Media Player and that would leave me with the normal player choices. Does Netscape 8.01 have a preference panel that can tell the browser not to use the AOL Media Player that I didn't want installed in the first place?

It kind of looks like I may be turning things off, and wanting to turn things off that aren't allowed. I also noticed that the EULA shots in a review I read showed I'd be giving permission for the browser to install any update it wants to, with no way to turn the feature off. Hmmm, again.

Heh. I think I'm answering some of my questions with my own suspicions! One of the reasons I would like to try it out would be the warm and fuzzy feeling I'd get by seeing the Netscape logo's on my browser again. It would remind a guy who likes old stuff of the old Netscape days! Except, with it upgraded for modern day features.

Mainly though, does everything work? Does it have enough "off" switches? Are my suspicions about AOL perhaps wanting to control stuff I see on my screen and which players I see it on warrented? Do the "on" switches and browsing features work properly with each other? (Java, Shockwave, Flash, WMP, Quicktime, Acrobat Reader, Word properly interfacing with Netscape.)

They say it's not a Beta. Is that an accurate description?

 

James,

In the lower left hand corner of the page, there is a Firefox/IE icon, which you can toggle. No need to set individual settings, or at least I haven't as I have no intention of ever using the IE choice.

I get the IE caching cookies, and I use IE only for the Windows Update Catalog...

Ramona

 

James,

Try Tools > Options > Site Controls > "Trust Preferences" tab
then select "Do Not use Netscape Trust Ratings "
then choose either "I'm Not Sure" or "I Don't Trust This Site "

Next back to "Site List" tab
click either "I'm Not Sure" or "I Don't Trust This Site" (the option you picked in previous section.) under Master Settings, and make sure Firefox is selected under Rendering Engine section.

Don't worry, you will still have the option to use MSIE engine (when necessary) by click the Site Control icon on the lower left corner of the browser window.

Hope this helps.

 

Eck,

Some context menu items are missing, see my pro/con post above, if you don't use Tabs, then you won't be bothered by the lack of space on the Tab Toolbar. So far the ability to import Passwords doesn't work. You'll just have to give it a test run, and see what you like, and don't like.

For information go to the Netscape Browser Forums. There you will get a pretty good picture of the browser. Keep in mind however, that the posts there only represent a very, very, small percent of users. The secnews.netscape.com newsgroups now has a netscape 8.windows newsgroup which is also a good resource.

The "Send Page" works perfectly with Thunderbird.

Using a Tab Group for your Home Page is the way to go. It's very simple to set up:

Open the pages you want to see when you start up, each in a new tab
Then click on: Bookmarks
Select: Bookmark this group of tabs

Next:
Click on Tools | Options | General | Home Page
Select: Bookmark
Then navigate to the group of tabs you just bookmarked, and select that Bookmark

All the "eye candy" is easy on system resources. I have Firefox, Thunderbird, and Netscape 8.0.1 open now, and my resources are at 57%. My PC has been on since yesterday afternoon, and I run Windows 98SE.

As I understand it, the Full (Offline) Installer, does not include the Media Player, or NIM. The Stub (Online) installer does include these two features. I used the Full install so I don't know whether or not they can be disabled. Maybe Westside can jump in here and let you know, as he does have the Media Player.

There is an option, at least in the Full Install, to disable the option for adding software automatically, and allowing Netscape to collect information about your browsing.

I think I answered your questions, but if not, ask away!

Ramona

 

Hi Eck,

You use Firefox and you don't use tabs? That's like driving a five-speed car and not getting past third gear!

I've been using Firefox and its previous incarnations, Phoenix and Firebird, for more than two years, and I can't think of any reason to abandon it ... certainly not for Netscape! Except for the poorly coded websites that occasionally force me to use IE, FF more than meets my needs ... no extra features except the ones I want to install through extensions, and no ugly (yes, I think Netscape is ugly) GUI ... I use the Windows Classic display, and FF's default theme is attractive enough for me.

Sidebars? They just take up otherwise useable real estate, and I don't use them, except to occasionally open the History sidebar. As soon as I've located the page I want, though, closed it goes. And, why bother with the Bookmarks sidebar when everything is on the Bookmarks menu?

Warm and fuzzy? The very thought of Netscape (and AOL) makes me feel cold, shivery, and itchy!

Wake up and smell the roses, and stick with a winner!

 

Ahhh, that's what I wanted. Of course I understand that I'll have to try it out myself. Heh, heh, no one's gonna be able to tell me, "Yes, you're gonna like this!" But thanks for the specifics and especially the instructions for bookmarking home pages. I'll print that out. I enjoy reading factual posts like that. So many folks post stuff like, "It *****," or "I Love AOL!" (They've got a whole thread over there for the first one.)

I Love 98! He, he! Have you tried that 98SE Unnofficial Service Pack or the 98SE2ME programs at the MSFN.org forums? It's like what would have been if Microsoft hadn't made XP. They take a lot of guess work away from what updates and in what order to update 98SE. And, they include the hot fixes not made available from Microsoft unless you call them and purchase them. (You do need a Windows Me cd to install the 98SE2ME updates though.) Ya know, I used to be impressed by how XP would handle things but after using those updates it seems that 98SE is fully able to handle all I've thrown at it. Impressive, most impressive.

Okay, I'll give way to those actually sticking to the topic. When I get the nerve, I'll install and report back. (Otherwise I'll go back to my usual read-mostly mode.)

 

Hey... thanks, Antony, for helping me navigate through all those configurations. I really appreciate it.

And thanks, Ramona, for the heads-up on the icon in the lower left-hand part of the screen.

Things are definitely beginning to improve for my NS usage. I'm becoming an increasingly happy camper!

 

I'm going to have to take some exception to this feeling, Jim. While I entirely agree that Firefox is a winner, that doesn't mean Netscape is a loser. You can have two winners in your stable, you know.

I identify with Eck's nostalgic sympathies, being a Netscape lover from the days of version 3 Gold. And this hybrid browser has some interesting abilities both security wise and dual engine wise.

Sure, it's feeling its way and stumbling about but so far I rather like it. I don't find it ugly at all so you see... beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Anyway, I encourage Eck to give it a whirl. There are experts here like Ramona and Antony (and others) who will assist you through the learning curve (just as they have helped me). Best wishes to all.

 

Dennis,

I told a big fat story: "As I understand it, the Full (Offline) Installer, does not include the Media Player, or NIM."

Oops! Antony tells me that NIM is included in the Full Install. I don't use the sidebar, so I hadn't noted that the Buddy List is included. Big fat DUH for me, and thirty lashes with a wet noodle! As James mentioned, we're in a learning curve, me included.



James,

I agree that the appearance is quite aesthetic, at least to me. I'm using the Fusion theme, which is similar to the Noia 2.0 eXtreme Theme in Fx. I have to say that the browser is growing on me, altho some features make me crazy. For the most part it's much better than I ever expected it to be, and this is from another longtime Netscape aficionado.

Ramona

 

Good stuff! I'm encouraged, although the nostalgia factor could possibly be served by installing a Netscape throbber if the new one turned out to be a dud (remembering Netscape 6.0). That's what I'm keeping an eye out for, and reading folks reactions is a good way to do that. (Although the throbber would be real little in Firefox's classic skin, so I haven't really bothered to find that!)

JSS3rd's contribution also has some influence and is valued, as well. It's the potential AOL marketing (which I opted out of the first minute even when I had AOL) that concerns me, as well as the possibility of waiting 2 years before another bug fix or security update. The fact that AOL patched up the 8.0 so fast gives me encouragment that this time they are seriously interested in folks actually using their browser. The last time, they took a Mozilla version, put their advertisments, mail, and AIM into it, then fired everybody and left the website up as the only sign of its life. 2 years of bug fixes and security patch's from Mozilla and Firefox were ignored.

I recall that I used to just use the Buddy List's options in Netscape 7.1 to turn off the sign in at startup, put my bookmarks and history as the only other tabs, and left the bookmarks tab as the showing one. Oh wait! I also recall the history tab being a security risk so I think I had that unchecked as well. I do assume that since it's got the security updates through Firefox 1.0.4, the history tab won't be a risky thing anymore. (I hope, as that's handy.)

Oh, and I use the sidebar in Firefox for bookmark access because I have too many for the toolbar menu to show conveniantly. I've got them all in folders, so in the sidebar I just click the folder I want and scroll through them all fast and alphabetically.

All right, then. So I've been missing out not using tabs, eh? Never even tried it!

I'll probably take the plunge, especially after Ramona's encouraging thoughts. But I think I'll keep reading for a few days first. If folks who are actually using Netscape 8.0.1 react the way JSS3rd thinks he'd react (you don't know until you also try it, JSS3rd), then I'll just keep on the way things are. If I see lot's of folks reacting like Ramona (pretty positive there, I'd say), I'll go ahead and play with it myself to see.

If I was mucking around as I sometimes do with drivers, different software, etc, not caring what happened to the Windows install, I'd just go for it. However, things are going real smooth right now with established software and hardware running real nice like! Don't want to get too playful at the moment!