Netscape 8 beta review

While beta code is rarely without problems, there are two particular issues worth bearing in mind if you're trying it out now. The fact that this Netscape 8 beta is based upon Firefox 1 rather than on the patched 1.01 source code means that it's at risk from the well-publicised International Domain Name protocol vulnerability, which could enable spoofing of websites through phishing attacks. This will naturally be dealt with in the release version, but despite Netscape 8 coming with updated blacklists to block known phishing sites it remains a risk with the current version. We also experienced some stability issues, particularly on Windows 98 systems. It was more stable on those with Windows XP, but it still fell over frequently.

Netscape incorporates enough innovation to be worthy of careful consideration once it reaches release code stage, but with Internet Explorer a dominating force and Firefox soaking up those looking for an alternative, it's hard to imagine how Netscape can avoid being marginalised in an increasingly competitive market. You'll also still need to have Internet Explorer installed to be able to use Netscape in IE mode.

Author: Davey Winder