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Latest Netscape beta a peek at browser's future
It's almost a tradition with software companies -- particularly those companies that create Web browsers -- but releasing "beta" versions of software is a way of life. "Beta" means the software is still in development and testing. In fact, software developers (like those at Netscape Communications) release potentially "unfinished" software so that other users can use it and point out flaws in design and function. Netscape Communications recently released Netscape 6 Preview Release 3, which is the most complete and function beta version yet. Much of the functions that were contained in older versions of Netscape Communicator are found in Netscape 6. The difference is in how well integrated these applications have become in the new browser. Netscape 6 contains the Navigator Web browser, e-mail client and newsgroup browser, Web page editor and instant messaging software. All of the functions appear to work more seamlessly. For example, the instant messenger no longer seems like a separate application. Netscape's e-mail now can give AOL users the ability to check their AOL e-mail accounts without leaving the Web browser. A new feature for Netscape 6 is called My Sidebar, and it allows you to customize a small tabbed window that a user can "pull" out from the side of the screen. The content depends on the user. Sidebar can be used to track stocks, keep an eye on news, weather or whatever interests you. Another neat feature that should be interesting to watch is Netscape 6's ability to change "skins." By changing "skins," Netscape 6 can completely change the appearance of the browser. For example, two skins are included with Netscape 6 when you install it. The first is the new-fangled, futuristic and streamlined browser interface. The alternative "skin" is the "classic" Netscape Web browser look -- which makes Netscape 6 look nearly identical to Communicator. I vote for the new streamlined look, but to each his own. Remember that this is "beta" software. As the third Preview Release, it works very well -- but I wouldn't recommend installing it over your existing Web browser. Fortunately, you can install Netscape 6 and have it will automatically copy your old Netscape profile -- including bookmarks. Netscape 6 is available for free download at the Netscape Web site, http://home.netscape.com. Click on the "Download" link and scroll down to find Netscape . DISNEY MEMORABILIA. In the wake of the Great Internet Company Shake Up of 2000, eBay.com is one of the few "dot-com" companies left that remains strong and at least nearly profitable. The Disney company has noticed this, too. Disney has signed a four-year deal with eBay that will list auction items from the Magic Kingdom on the eBay.com Web site. Items from Disney movies, like an old entrance sign from Disneyland, and costumes will be sold online. The deal with eBay.com also includes auction items for other Disney-owned properties, including ABC, ESPN. YOU'VE GOT E-MAIL! It doesn't take a researcher's experience to determine that e-mail is the most popular application of the Internet. A new report from market researcher IDC underscores just how important e-mail has become to personal and business communications. IDC estimates that the number of average e-mails sent will hit the ten billion mark by year's end. According to IDC's "E-mail Usage Forecast and Analysis" report, the number of worldwide e-mails will hit 35 billion in five years. NET HOAX ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL. It's easy to think that old e-mail hoaxes disappear from site permanently after they circulate a while, but you might be surprised how often they get recycled. For example, during the recent debate between candidates for a New York seat in the U.S. Senate, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican Rick Lazio were asked a question about a bill that would tax e-mail in order to raise revenue for the U.S. Postal Service. The moderator, Marcia Kramer of WCBS-TV in New York, asked if either candidate would support "Federal Bill 602P" that would bill e-mail users five cents for each e-mail they send. Of course, "Federal Bill 602P" is a hoax that traces its origins back to Canada before it cross the border nearly two years ago to panic a lot of U.S. e-mail users. And wisely, both Clinton and Lazio said they wouldn't support such "legislation." Kramer's question was based on e-mail suggestions from viewers, according to the TV station. According to the Washington Post, this isn't the first time politicians have addressed this hoax. In May, Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) introduced H.R. 1291 to block any proposal to tax e-mail messages. The bill had more than 140 co-sponsors and passed the House in May and awaits action by the Senate. Comments and questions about this column may be sent to jbrooks@myoldkentuckyhome.com, or visit www.myoldkentuckyhome.com on the World Wide Web. | HOME | |