Netscape 8.1 offers built-in spyware and adware protection that scans files that Web users try to download as well as those that are sent to them without their interaction, according to a spokesman for Netscape, a division of Time Warner's America Online subsidiary. The updated browser will also allow consumers to run complete memory and disk scans.
Other security features include an updated blacklist of potential phishing sites and a security centre that people can access to see if they need to take action on their computer.
Netscape's move to increase its security features comes at a time when malicious attackers are increasingly targeting browser flaws, including those found in Netscape last spring.
The latest version of the browser also offers updates designed to enhance its RSS (Really Simple Syndication) support. RSS feeds, for example, can be viewed within the browser rather than requiring a separate viewer.
In addition, a new profile manager is designed to let multiple Web users share the same browser but maintain different bookmarks, passwords and other customisations.
