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You've come to a crossroads in your computing life. Is it time to upgrade to a new browser--namely, Internet Explorer 5, with its sporty features and visible acceleration--or should you stick with the old (somewhat) reliable browsing software you currently drive? That depends on how much time you spend day in and day out needlessly typing or waiting for pages to download. If those laborious tasks annoy you, you may appreciate IE 5's offerings, including improved AutoComplete for summoning URLs and passwords, a smaller download size, and faster rendering (in our informal tests).

But before you shift gears, a word of warning: For months, the second beta of IE 5 we've been testing has performed admirably. We've seen no major bugs, just lots of little ones. Other users, however, have reported more substantial headaches, including difficulty uninstalling the program. Though we haven't been able to duplicate these problems on our own systems, a Pentium II-300 and a P-133, the notoriously buggy history of last year's model--IE 4--and of browsers in general warrants caution.

Once you know your risk tolerance, it's time to comparison-shop. Here are our recommendations about whether to switch from your current browser (or suite, as in the case of Communicator and its embedded Navigator browser) to IE 5. The bottom line: IE 5, which is free and should be available by the time you read this, is a fine upgrade for certain folks, while other users should simply stay put.

If You're Running Communicator 4.0x

You've got a reliable old workhorse. With IE 5, you'd get a smaller footprint and time-saving features. Should you upgrade? Yep.

Communicator 4.0x had a honey of a browser when it shipped, but times have changed. Space-hogging features like push channels and conferencing tools have gone the way of tail fins. By comparison, IE 5's slim size and customizable features make it worth the upgrade.

To shrink IE 5's footprint, you can instruct it during install to skip components such as the Java Virtual Machine. (The basic install uses just 6.5MB of disk space, compared to 40MB for IE 4.) Later, when you first come upon a Java applet, IE 5 asks if you want to install tools to make the page display correctly.

To reduce repetitive clicking, IE 5 has a feature called persistent states. With it, the program recalls a Web page as you saw it, frames (extra windows) and all, rather than returning to the page's default frame set as both Navigator 4.0x and IE 4 do. As a result, when you use your bookmarks or history list, you won't waste time clicking links and icons to retrieve the exact page you want to see.

The combination of speed, size, and features make IE 5 the browser to beat. Even so, if you're a die-hard Netscape fan, you might want to hold off until the second quarter of 1999 for Communicator 5 before you download--it has what looks to be a fast new page-rendering engine.

If You're Running Communicator 4.5

You've got fast searching and a reasonable download size. With IE 5, you'd get new search features and AutoComplete tricks. Should you upgrade? Yes, unless you're a committed Netscape enthusiast.

Moving from Netscape's stable Communicator 4.5 is a stickier question. Navigator's Smart Browsing includes such attractive features as keyword searches via the address bar, plus it recommends sites similar to the one you're viewing. You can even refine these features without updating the whole program, since they come from a Netcenter database.

On the flip side, IE 5's AutoComplete is unique. IE 5 stores data from any field you've completed before--such as a password--and brings it up when you revisit the field. You can also summon a drop-down menu of previously visited sites when you type in your address bar.

Microsoft has other tricks up its sleeve. IE 5's new Search Assistant narrows search queries by allowing you to find a Web page, an e-mail or postal address, a company's information, a map, an Encarta encyclopedia entry, or a Dejanews newsgroup posting. The program accesses nine engines when searching, and stores your searches so you can resubmit them later.

So, should you upgrade? As it stands, IE 5 is the better browser. Communicator 5 could surpass IE, but it's been delayed. Even if you're an unrepentant Netscaper, IE 5 should tempt you--at least until Communicator 5 arrives.

Communicator 5 Coming Your Way

Communicator 5 is the best-kept secret on the Net. Netscape has shown its Gecko Browsing engine, which should be faster than version 4.5's engine. It's small--when compressed, it fits on a floppy--and supports Web standards such as HTML 4.0 and extensible markup language, as IE 5 does. The new revision is modular like IE 5, so you can choose which elements to support. Netscape is designing an improved, more intuitive interface but won't say whether it will be a radical change. And because Netscape made its source code publicly available, Communicator 5 will incorporate contributions from developers worldwide. As a result, no one knows what the final version will include, though it should have lots of popular features, such as a version of IE 5's AutoComplete. Sources say a public beta could be available as early as May.

Netscape's merger with America Online probably won't change Communicator anytime soon. Analysts say Netscape will be integrated into the AOL client--as soon as AOL's savvy CEO can make a case for it.