I use Internet Explorer. It's not that I have a love for Microsoft (oh, please, don't start me up); I gave up on Netscape years ago while watching it crash on me a dozen times a day.

Okay, so I realize that lots of people use IE. But many of you are experimenting with Mozilla, a more stable Netscape, Opera, and other Web browsers. Because it's my job to keep you informed (indulge me, if only for my mother who thinks I'm a journalist), this week I've got details about these alternatives, plus a cool instant messaging tool and toys for your browser.

Tweaks and Browsers

Right off the plate is a meaty article loaded with top browsers, super add-ons, Internet filters, instant messaging tools, and e-mail apps. Check out what our Internet Tips guy, Scott Spanbauer, has to say abut AskSam SurfSaver, BearShare, and Opera, among others, in "Browsing & Beyond." And thanks to Max Green, our dedicated downloads guy, you can head right for the "Internet Toolbox Downloads" page for a collection of the downloadable files mentioned in Scott's story.

The one product Scott didn't cover is Trillian, the instant messaging program I use. Rather than have five IM programs clogging up my system tray, I use Trillian to chat with my buddies (and miss deadlines) who use AOL, Microsoft Messenger, IRC, ICQ, and Yahoo. To my friends it looks like I'm using the IM they've got, but I'm enjoying a single handy interface.

Trillian's downside? Not enough for me not to use and recommend it. (Ouch, a double negative.) I lose out on some features, such as making an Internet phone call or having a video conversation. But Trillian is free, doesn't have ads, isn't spyware, and doesn't nag you to upgrade. Trillian's $25 Pro version has lots of extra features, including an events and alert scheduler, aliases, and find functions. And even better, there are dozens of third-party plug-ins, including a way to forward an instant message to an e-mail address or a POP-3 e-mail checking tool. Listen, give Trillian a try and I think you'll get a kick out of it. (And no, you cannot have any of my IM names.)

Dig This: Think you know red from green? I doubt it--and so will you, once you try the quick, easy, and frustrating Color Test.

Hey, That's Not Internet Explorer

Yup, it's true--there are browsers other than IE. I can give you four alternatives that prove Uncle Bill's browser isn't the last word.

But first, there's a good reason why users are tempted to abandon Internet Explorer--yes, folks, more gnarly bugs. (Oh, is that a surprise?) Our Bugs and Fixes guy, Stuart J. Johnston, gives you the story in "Gaping Holes in Internet Explorer."

Standing in the wings and tugging at IE is Opera, which a few of my user group buddies favor. (Remember, it's not over until the Web browser sings.) Opera 7 is leaner and quicker than previous versions, and its size makes it an obvious choice for PDAs. There are more details in "Opera Readies a Leaner Browser for Battle."

Is Opera not your style? Okay, then how about Netscape, Mozilla, or RapidBrowser XP? We talk about all of them in "IE Alternatives: Three New Contenders." But if you're already using Mozilla, you'll be interested in "Mozilla Browser Bug Fixed." And those of you haven't upgraded your version of Netscape will want to dig into "Upgraded Netscape Stops Pop-Ups."

Dig This: Ever wondered what's meant by the term "mirror site"? It's big deal if you're dyslexic.

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