The first two things most users will notice about Netscape 6's new interface are the rather basic buttons for navigation and the overall streamlined look to the browser. Users will find fewer toolbar buttons and less clutter overall, which results in a larger viewing window (when the My Sidebar feature is minimized) for browsing sites. And although the new browser no longer carries the Communicator moniker, the interface for Netscape 6.0 is similar enough to Communicator that users won't face a significant learning curve with the new release.
The new interface also features a taskbar at the bottom of the window with quick access to other functions of the suite, including the Netscape Messenger mail and newsreader, Instant Messenger client, Composer editor, Netscape Address Book, and a Netscape Calendar utility. There are also menus on the taskbar for finding Web sites in business, recreational, shopping, software tool, and similar categories.
One new feature in Netscape 6.0 that should be a boon to inexperienced users is the ability to search directly from the Web URL bar. All you need to do is type in one or more keywords, and Netscape will automatically contact its search engine and then display a list of results in the browser window. The URL bar also includes other cool new tricks for advanced users like being able to get localized information by typing in a zip code preceded by the keyword "zip".
Overall, the new release of Netscape is perhaps the best browser we've encountered in terms of catering to new and inexperienced users. Internet Explorer, on the other hand, is arguably better suited for experienced users who need quick access to advanced configuration options and a bevy of customization capabilities.
Advantage:Netscape 6 over both Netscape 4.72 and IE 5.5 for new and inexperienced users, and both Internet Explorer 5.5 and Netscape 6 over 4.72 for advanced users.
