Netscape 6 Preview Release 2 provides another look at where Netscape Communications next-generation browser is headed, showcasing improved user customisation options and messaging capabilities.
Our test labs was impressed with the features of PR 2, which is a significant step up from the first release of Netscape 6. However, while Preview Release 2 (download now) has improved functionality, its lack of stability and major feature holes also show how long the wait will probably be for a real beta -- never mind release code.
Among the most impressive new features are the improved capabilities of the cookie and password manager, and a much more functional, complete mail client. This release now also makes it simple for users to choose different "skins," or "themes" as Netscape calls them, for their browser, and for those interested in just a quick test run, it thankfully includes an un-installer.
All in all, we found Netscape 6 PR2 to be a much more usable release of the browser, with improved usability options such as URL history drop-downs, back and forward button histories, and better sidebar and bookmark management. The browser also now supports plug-ins and does a better job of properly displaying most Web sites, making it possible for use as an everyday browser for those with the patience to endure the many crashes and glitches typical of a pre-beta.
Improved cookie management
A new menu option called Privacy and Security gives users access to the new cookie, password and form managers, as well as the standard security manager. We really liked the cookie manager, which let us view detailed information on all cookies, choose to remove and reject individual cookies in the future, and define sites that we'll always accept or reject cookies from.
The password and form managers are similar to the Autocomplete feature in Internet Explorer 5.5, making it possible for the browser to automatically enter user name and passwords for sites and automatically fill in forms on sites.
In the past, we have been concerned about the security and privacy risks of these types of features, and although Netscape 6 PR 2 implements them better then other browsers, with encryption as an option, we still recommend not using these managers for any core sites until they have withstood some analysis by the Internet security community.
We also encountered several crashes when trying to use the encrypted password options.
The Mail client in Netscape 6, which lacked many core capabilities in the first release, is now much more capable, with improved address management, filtering, message searching and list controls. The client includes a very nice feature to define and use more then one SMTP server to send mail. Netscape has also added a feature that lets users access Netscape Web-Mail accounts from the client, but in tests it was unable to connect to the WebMail server.
In Netscape 6 PR2, the skins capability, called themes (though also called skins in some pop-up windows), makes it simple for users to change the look and even usability of their browser. By default, the browser includes the standard Netscape 6 theme as well as a classic theme that returns the browser to the Communicator 4.x look and feel.
Because Netscape themes are created using standards technology, Netscape is also sponsoring a contest to encourage developers to create new themes for users to download.
Netscape Netscape 6 Preview Release 2
Company: Netscape Communications
Price: Free download.
Rating: 4 Star
6%
1%
