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On a Windows system (any version):
Go up to the Help menu and choose the About Netscape Navigator or
About Internet Explorer (depending on your browser).
On a Macintosh: Go up to the Apple
menu and choose About Netscape Navigator or About Internet
Explorer (depending on your browser).
That is an impossible question to answer. There is an ongoing war that we call the 'Browser Wars' on the Internet right now. Netscape's Navigator software swept the Internet off it's feet with it's graphical interface. (See the History of the Internet) Ever since then, it's dominated 90% of all of the browsers out there. Two years ago, the choice was clear. Now though, with the introduction of Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Netscape and Microsoft are dueling it out trying to put together a more impressive array of features.
Right now, each browser supports the same basic features. But when web pages start using advanced features like Java Applets, or ActiveX the line gets very fuzzy, and even turns back on itself a few times.
Netscape's browser has better support for Java and JavaScript functions. Netscape Plug-Ins are also much more common and easier to keep track of than Internet Explorer's ActiveX controls. The newest version of Netscape (Netscape Communicator) is available now and has all the functionality of both browsers.
Internet Explorer does support Java Applets fairly well, but is incapable of performing the latest JavaScript. Netscape beats them in this field. But, recently, Microsoft has introduced a new language called VBScript. VBScript is very similar in functionality to JavaScript, but claims to be easier to learn. I'm still learning it. ActiveX is something else that's new on the web. ActiveX is very similar to Netscape Plug-ins, but can be used in other programs besides Internet Explorer. They aren't yet very common, but they will be soon.
Overall, I think it depends on what kind of system you're using. If you have Windows 95 or NT, then I would recommend using Internet Explorer until the new version of Netscape is made available. If you're using a Macintosh or Windows 3.1, you're best to stick with Netscape. Internet Explorer for the Macintosh is not a good browser. Do not use it.
Check your version against this table of choices. Clicking on the links below will download the specified version in English, with all of the optional components. You can choose not to install any components during the installation process.
| Netscape Communicator(1st choice) | Microsoft Internet Explorer |
|---|---|
| Netscape Navigator (2nd choice) | |
Installation is easy. All of these files are self-extracting or self-installing. That is, after you get them, remember where you save it. Then for Windows, choose either Run in the Start or File menus and select the file you just downloaded. Mac users will just double-click the file on their desktops.
Not all users will want to install all of the Options, but we recommend that they do.
If you're installing Internet Explorer for Windows 3.1, you'll have a lot of options. You might not need to install a TCP/IP stack, Dial-Up software, and might not want to use Microsoft's Mail program. Hell, it's 3.9 megs, why not download it all? If you just want Internet Explorer to browse the World Wide Web, just install the Browser portion of it.
Back to thelast edited by: eric
on: Thursday, July 31, 1997
©1997 ThinkQuest Team 10492