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Netscape 8.0 Released
Mr. Christmas Lights writes "CNet is reporting that Netscape Navigator Version 8 has been released. The 8.0 Beta debuted back in March, with the final version being based on Firefox 1.03, and includes Trust Rating, a feature which identifies sites as safe or unsafe. Netscape 8.0 also includes a toggle which allows switching between Mozilla and Microsoft's rendering engines as needed. The Main Netscape 8 page has more info, and the 'Download Now' page is already serving up the new browser."
So do we actually need a netscape now? I used too use it untill they released 7. It was probably the worst browser I have ever used.
From article: site rating system called "Trust Ratings" which is driven by lists of sites provided by our trusted security partners.
Who are these "trusted security partners" and why should I trust them?
So we have come full circle again looking at the source code on which the various browsers are based:
(Mosaic->)Netscape->Mozilla->Firefox->Netscape
Too Microsofty. Yuck. TFA says they have a database of sites that are either good or bad. I hope the phishers don't learn how to use disposable domains! (What's that you say? That's what they do now?)
But this may appeal to someone. Let's see: they have to be clueful enough to want something other than IE, and clueless enough not to want Firefox or Opera. Pretty slim pickings.
I guess there's still something left to the Netscape name as a brand, but they're quickly killing it.
Raise your children as if you were teaching them to raise your grandchildren, because you are.
I personally appreciate the release because the BHB's I work for all happen to like Netscape, but balk at having me install something called "FireFox" that they have never heard of. Now I can say "New Netscape version is here" and all of the sudden they are off either 4.x or the bulkier Mozilla and can now be basically on the browser I wanted them on in the first place.
Then I rendered a site known for unwanted installation of spyware using the IE engine. Guess what, ladies and gentlemen? If you use the IE rendering engine on a non-trusted site known for installing spyware w/o permission, it gets in. And the pop-up/pop-under blocking is still ineffectual.
*sighs and wipes Nutscrape off the computer*
Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
When visiting Netscape.com, I got a nice message saying that my current browser, Firefox 1.04, is out of date. They said I should download Netscape 8. Which is based on Firefox 1.03. Does anybody else see a problem with this?
Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
BTW, the first sentance was originally "The Wall Street Journal is reporting that AOL will release Netscape 8.0 - also being reported at BetaNews and a growing number of sites." ... but he changed that to CNet which has the 5 page review ... the Firefox 1.03 reference is from BetaNews.
Finally, I had added this closing statement/question "While Netscape was the dominant browser years ago, it has faded dramatically ... does this release have significant enough features such that end-users will give it another try? Time will tell." ... and I personally think it's a bit too little too late - Firefox works darn well for me, and with the iview extension, I have one-click access to IE if need be. But the browser wars are far from over as IE7 appears to be copying many of Firefox's features, plus Opera and Safari continue to get good press ... so time will tell!
Hulk SMASH Celiac Disease
For me, the best feature is the per-site controls of various technologies like Java, Javascript, and Active X. That and the engine switcher are two very compelling features.
Now if I could only use the Web Developer extension...
Dissolve... Resolve... Evolve...
Believe me, this is a GOOD idea. I've tried converting tons of non-technical people to Firefox, but many of them end up switching back when they can't use a few sites that was designed to only work with IE. Yahoo's LaunchCast and Messenger avatar customization sites come to mind quickly, as do a few online banking and eBay auction tool sites.
They certainly aren't instilling a lot of confidence in their own code base. Netscape 8 switches to IE rendering when visiting www.netscape.com.
Karma: Excer..ex...excellahhh...realll good (mostly affected by drinking not done in moderation)