Should I Netscape 7.02?

I just saw the bulletin re: 7.02.
Currently using 4.79 and afraid to upgrade for fear of starting an avalanche of settings and tweaks (see signature) that I won't be able to dig out of.
Is there any real reason to upgrade? I don't use any of the 'bells and whistles' kind of stuff, so if upgrading is window-dressing only then I wouldn't need it.
Is it dumbed down enough for the casual user to make the change?
Right now we have 4 profiles set up.
WIN98SE
Thanks!
P.S. Please, no IE vs Netscape arguments.

 

pro's

security is much improved over 4.x
Support for new web scripting
faster than 4.x

con's
large install file
confusing gui (IMO)

seriously, if you're not an avid IE user then I would pull for Opera7.01. You couldn't pay me enough to use NS. But that's my personal preference. I found Opera to be WAY better than NS and if I had to choose between the two.. opera.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/article.php?sid=559

if you're curious about the download size being 12.9 MB, that's because it's downloading with JAVA. If you already have the java kit installed, then the download is under 4MB at www.opera.com

 

Netscape 4.x is very old, I remember using it in school 4 years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if many webpages come up wrong because you haven't updated in so long. I would use opera because the newest netscapes (at least 6.x) are real resource hogs. You definetely need to upgrade to a new browser.

 

things like the iframe and colored scrollbars won't show up in NS 4.x, but if you're happy with it ......

 

Thanks everyone.
The only real problem I'm having with Netscape is the frequency of "Netscape caused an invalid page fault" crashes. Generally I can just start the browser again and all is well, though recently the crashes come in succession for a few minutes.
Maybe I'll look at Opera, but again, it will have to be practically idiot-proof to get it going or I'll wimp out.
You see, things like "gui" and "IMO" are a foreign language to me. Hell, I can't even install games without the bad mojo jumpin' on me.
Anyhoo, I'll scope it out and see how the karma is. HA!

 

gui= graphical user interface
IMO=in my opinion

 

On a side note, what version is your operating system. I find that many users who stick with old browsers also stick with outdated OS's, not using Windows Update, not performing a clean install for years on end. The list goes on. I've tried all browsers for months at a time, and IMHO Internet Explorer is still KING. Yes, lots of updates, etc, but for overall Web compatibility it performs best for me.

Cheers

 

I also prefer NS 4.79 over IE. I tried NS 6.0 when it first came out and didn't like it because it was slow and reminded me too much of AOL. Later I found out that AOL bought Netscape and that answered that question. I have never been a big fan of IE but I did get tired of all the clashes between NS and windows. Since I set up this new computer, I have been using IE although I did break down and load Netscape 6.1 on it. I have discovered that MG looks different and is much easier to read with IE. the biggest reason tho is that I haven't figured out how to make IncrediMail open NS when I click on a link. I will also admit that I haven't worked toooo hard on that little problem. Therefore, I have not even downloaded 4.79 or given 7.1 any thought.

I also have NOT downloaded any Windows updates. My 98SE is exactly the same as when I loaded it off the disc. Everytime I have attempted Windows updates, my computer was screwed up for months at a time.

 

If you don't want the full versions , here are some options .

Mozilla is also another alternative , best if you remove all of Netscape ( including the profiles ) if you choose it .

http://www.hmetzger.de/net7comp.html
Netscape 7.01 Compact
So what special features does Compact have?
I want my Netscape AOL-free - that was the initial thought and starting point - that's why I
called it Compact: it's free of all the AOL-additions that I don't want and don't need. Then I
thought about all the hassle i go through when installing addons - why not just include them in
the Netscape package? And so I did. Compact contains the addons I think are best for a complete
Netscape Suite. The following addons are included: Calendar, Mouse Gestures, ROT-13 En-/Decoder,
Message-ID-Finder and Beatnik Audio player. In addition, Compact restores all Mozilla
functionalities (plaintext tags, Imageblocker, full access to script and windows). It also
contains many more enhancements such as different colors for the different quoting levels in
Mailnews. A detailed chart can be found at the end of this page. See some screenshots of Compact.

What doesn't come with Compact?
To keep the download size small the following features are not included: Java, Realplayer,
Winamp, Viewpoint. See the chart below for more details.
Java for example can be downloaded separately at http://java.sun.com - and I recommend to
install Java this way to ensure you have the latest and greatest Java-Version. Realplayer and
Winamp can also be downloaded separately - both programs are available in newer versions than
the ones that ship with the official Netscape 7 version.

-----------------------------------------------

http://sillydog.org/narchive/sd/701.html
Netscape 7.01 Streamline and Stand-alone

IMPORTANT NOTICE
This Netscape 7.01 Streamline distribution (by SillyDog701) is a compact and complete version,
not an installer; you don't need internet connection during the installation. In other words,
you don't need to download any more components. There is NO modification to the Netscape logo or
default settings. No locking of any feature or preference. All the small modifications are
listed below. The creation of this Netscape 7.01 distribution is based on the complete package
of Netscape 7.01 from Netscape Communication Corp.


Streamline Features:
* one single file, no extra downloads needed.
* small filesize, only 42% of full package. Even smaller (33%) if choose Navigator stand-alone.
Reduces the downloading time and trouble. (Full package from Netscape is 30.9MB)
* no activation/registration.
* extra help resourse listed in Help menu. (more info)
* possible to install Navigator only or Navigator with Mail only without AIM. (notes)

------------------------------------------

http://www.mozilla.org/

Forums
http://www.mozillazine.org/forums/

Tips
http://www.vorstrasse91.com/moztips/
http://www.wfu.edu/~matthews/misc/browsers/mozilla/mozilla.html
http://guymcarthur.com/resources/web/moztips.xml
http://www.mandrakeuser.org/docs/utils/umoz.html
http://www.mandrakeuser.org/docs/utils/umoz2.html
http://www.geocities.com/pratiksolanki/
http://www.mozilla.org/unix/customizing.html
http://sandbox.pixelpoems.com/til/mozfavs/

MultiZilla
http://multizilla.mozdev.org/
Or ,
Preferences Toolbar 2
http://www.xulplanet.com/downloads/prefbar/

Mozilla nightly updates ( use at your own risk , best to wait until new release )
http://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla/nightly/latest/

Plug ins
Downloaders
http://plugindoc.mozdev.org/windows4.html
http://www.gemal.dk/browserspy/plugins.html
Other
http://www.mozilla.org/projects/plugins/
http://plugindoc.mozdev.org/windows.html

 

Why not try Mozilla (http://www.mozilla.org)? It's basically Netscape without all the garbage, and it's free.

 

jmatt + md2lgyk: I like the COMPACT idea; I will give it a shot. I don't believe it's a good choice for wetrat. Both NS Compact and Mozilla have constant updates. wetrat is already going through loops deciding whether to finally upgrade from an ancient version of Netscape, so I can't see wetrat being a good candidate for either Compact or Mozilla.

User needs to understand that both are constantly updated. IMHO, a Netscape/Mozilla enthusiast is the better candidate. - Erik

 

Thanks again for the input.
I'm using WIN98SE and regularly do the Windows Update (it's on my level...it does everything by itself).
I'll look around at some of the options, but I think I'll end up sticking with what I have. Pretty much all I wanted to get an opinion on was whether or not a low-tech rockhead like me could do the Netscape Update without getting stranded in the middle of it with no place to go.
Maybe some other newbie with more brass has made the update and could share the experience.
Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to help!

 

I went ahead and installed the newest Mozilla and made it my default browser. However, IncrediMail still doesn't seem to know that and keeps opening IE when I click links, even if I already have a Mozilla window open. MG now looks the same in either browser tho. That is good.

 

Have a look at either of these toolbar add on's for Mozilla , you may find they offer better choices .

MultiZilla
http://multizilla.mozdev.org/
Or ,
Preferences Toolbar 2
http://www.xulplanet.com/downloads/prefbar/