Netscape 8 beta

[Sirber]

The browser is sleek and cutting-edge, with top-notch password management and protection against spyware and phishing. However, it's probably still too buggy for most users.

http://browser.netscape.com/nsb/download/default.jsp

[Arachnotron]

Does it offer anything beyond being a Firefox mod?

[Neo Neko]

Of it's own? Nope. Usually it is just repackaged moz/firefox with things like pop-up blocking disabled and hidden. It does however usually come with all sorts of aplications bundled from Netscape partners.

If you are using Firefox you have no real reason to switch. The only thing this is good for are the people that are unsure about trusting Mozilla etc. While most of them will be to thick to have heard of Mozilla etc they generally unquestioningly know and trust Netscape. After all Netscape was in that browser war thingy. The newest version of Netscape browsers will always be behind the newest Firefox versions. It will also generally be cripled in comparison.

[Sirber]

It's based on Forefox 1.0, and comes with no shit. It has all firefox features plus better site password management, sub sections in the bookmark bar, phishing protection and more!

http://betanewscache.ord.cachefly.net/betanews/articles/1109870204/netscape8beta.png

[Arachnotron]

From the release notes:6. The deficiencies noted in FireFox 1.0 are inherited in Netscape 8 BETA in most cases. Patches to the FireFox code base will be imported into Netscape 8 BETA as they become available and are tested for compatibility. The recently released 1.0.1 patch has not been imported into Netscape 8 BETA. No offence, but since these security updates in firefox are already over a month old, I'm not so sure I would want to add to the waiting period by waiting for Netscape to incorporate them. Reading through the rest of those release notes, netscape looks more like a skin for a previous version of Firefox. Because they rely on Firefox, they will always lag behind as far as security is concerned.

Nevertheless, it is nice to see Netscape back, no matter what form it takes. Having several browsers to choose from is important, and something M$ did it's darnest to try to take from us.

[edit] the build date of firefox 1.01 is 23 feb 2005. So it is not a month old yet. Nevertheless, it is a point to take into consideration.

[Elias]

I've been trying it out, and it's pretty great. But it feels a little too commercial for me. I'll stick with Firefox :)

[Sirber]

I'm sticking for firefox for sure. Was just pointing out the infos :D

[Elias]

I take it that Netscape 8 doesn't support the Firefox plugins?