Battle of the Browsers

Download the latest versions of the most popular Internet browsers.

Linda L. Grubbs, PCWorld.com

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Continued improvements to Web browsers have made Web surfing less tedious and more fun. The newest products continue this trend with customizable interfaces, enhanced graphic and media handling, and improvements in sound management. But don't take our word for it: Test-drive our latest batch of browser files and utilities. Here you'll find mainstream products from Microsoft and Netscape as well as beefed-up programs from lesser-knowns such as Opera and NeoPlanet.

Netscape 6, Preview Release 1, is the radically altered (and eagerly awaited) spawn of the AOL-Netscape merger and its Gecko project. Unlike the more businesslike browser in Communicator 4.7, Netscape 6 is packed with new features and--if you can get along without its Java components--is far slimmer than the business behemoths. The newest version also boasts new search tools and a variety of skins to customize your interface. Its sister program, Netscape Communicator, comes packaged with extra programs like Winamp and synch tools for the Palm.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 has automatic Web form completion and faster graphic rendering to help speed up your surfing. Opera gives you the option to download two versions of the browser. The newest version supports Windows 2000, while the older version is compatible even with older 386 machines. NeoPlanet has Flash support and multiple user profiles. To round out the list, we've added an assortment of Internet clients to assist you when you're downloading these files.

1. Internet Explorer 5.5: The newest version of the popular Web browser features a smaller footprint, faster rendering, and automatic Web form completion. It includes Outlook Express, NetMeeting, and FrontPage Express, and it offers expanded support for Dynamic HTML, Java, and the Channel Definition Format.

2. Netscape 6 Preview: Netscape's latest browser is a radical remake that features a smaller footprint (it's less than half the size of its predecessor if you can live without Java support), as well as an e-mail client and instant messaging program from America Online. It offers new search tools, an improved cookie manager, and an interface that you can customize with a variety of skins. Perhaps most important, it's built on the Gecko engine, which promises to render graphics and text faster. Note: This (relatively buggy) preview is the long-awaited successor to version 4.x (Netscape skipped directly to version 6).

3. Netscape Communicator: This latest release of Netscape's Web browser and Internet communications suite has the look and feel you're familiar with, but it has some new programs bundled (such as AOL Instant Messenger and the Winamp MP3 player version 2.6) and offers support for more file types. The download also includes PalmPilot synch tools and 56-bit encryption for secure transactions. Several other applications come integrated, as well, namely: Netscape Messenger, an e-mail client and contact manager; Netscape Composer, an HTML and text editor; and RealPlayer G2, a streaming audio and video player.

4. Opera: Tired of bloated Web browsers? Opera, smaller than Netscape and Internet Explorer, lets you open multiple windows without running out of memory, zoom in and out of pages, and navigate entirely with your keyboard. It's particularly useful on older PCs (386SX with 6MB RAM minimum). The downside? Unlike other browsers, Opera's not free.

5. NeoPlanet: Personalize your surfing experience with this stylish, customizable browser front end; allow Explorer to wear tons of different skins. Neoplanet integrates browsing, advanced searching, and Web directory support for fast access to favorite sites. Other features include a built-in e-mail client, multiple user profiles, and Flash support. This version lets you create chat groups, or NetClubs, and it includes bug fixes.

6. CuteFTP: Transfer files with a full-featured client that doesn't require you to know cryptic details. Drag and drop files, bookmark sites, resume downloads, and search for MP3s. Version 4.0 supports SOCKS 4 and 5, and it includes an encrypted site manager, expanded log options, and a stay-alive feature for large downloads. This shareware product costs $35.

7. WebStripper: This offline browser lets you download Web sites for later viewing when you're not connected to the Internet. Features include text-only downloading, pause and resume, and dial protection. This version can strip sites that use Common Gateway Interface, as well as HTML files with non-HTML extensions. Also included are a built-in browser and bug fixes.

8. WS_FTP Pro: Handle all your file transfer needs with this robust FTP client, which offers an intuitive Windows Explorer-like interface for easy file uploads and downloads. An automatic reconnect feature lets you resume broken transfers. The program also includes firewall support, passive file transfer, and file maintenance options. Version 6.5 offers a queuing tool so that you can schedule downloads. Other new features include improved browser integration, scripting tools, and a site manager for frequently visited FTP sites.

9. Copernic 2000: This search agent retrieves information from the Web, newsgroups, and e-mail directories, using sources such as AltaVista, Excite, Yahoo, Infoseek, Lycos, Open Text, and Deja.com. Results are displayed in order of relevancy; duplicates are filtered out. Version 4.5 offers enhanced query functionality and skins.

10. SurfSaver: This utility lets you save Web pages so you can view them offline. Just click an icon in your toolbar, and you're ready to go. It saves all graphic, text, and hyperlink data, so the pages look exactly as they do when you're online. It also offers search capabilities. Version 2.1 includes Netscape support, new display options, a script filter, and expanded importing functionality.
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