Need a browser? You have good choices beyond the big two

Article Abstract:

Opera Software's Opera 3.2.1, Bigfoot's free NeoPlanet and MediaLive's Surf Monkey are Web browsers that provide alternatives to leaders Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Opera 3.2.1 lacks many fancy features, such as customizable toolbar icons to represent favorite sites, and fails to meet its promise of working faster. Advantages include downloading and displaying multiple Web pages simultaneously in multiple adjoining windows. NeoPlanet's main feature allows users to adjust around 500 channels of preselected and organized Web sites. Surf Monkey appeals to preteenagers while shielding their contact from vulgar and unauthorized sources. Youngsters can destroy their kid-friendly Web pages with a ray gun or slime. Opera 3.2.1 costs $35 after a free 30-day period. The free Surf Monkey software limits user capabilities, such as visits to only 50 preselected Web sites, but Surf Monkey membership costs $30 annually. NeoPlanet and Surf Monkey require Internet Explorer for downloading.

Opera Software A/S, Bigfoot, Custom Designs Technology Inc. MediAlive Div., Opera 3.2.1 (Web browser), NeoPlanet (Web browser), Surf Monkey (Web browser)

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Netscape inches ahead in the race to build a better Web browser

Article Abstract:

Netscape's Navigator 4.5 adds some new wrinkles in an attempt to hold the company's Web browser market share against Microsoft. A so-called Smart Browsing feature contains two main elements designed to let customers search the Web. The first element, keywords, makes an intelligent guess on desired Web sites, based on a user's entry of a company or organization, and transfers to the destination. What's Related comprises the other Smart Browsing option. This button presents a list of Web sites considered similar to a viewed page. Both elements rely on an invisible database to consult names and Web addresses. Smart Browsing occasionally makes odd choices but overall is an effective feature. Navigator 4.5 also has been designed to complement Netcenter, an Internet portal. Netscape created Netcenter to boost revenue, but there is no evidence that Netcenter pressures customers into patronizing its business partners' sites.

United States, Product quality, Computer software industry, Software industry, Product introduction, Software single product review, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP, Netscape Navigator 4.5 (Web browser)

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Two PC programs offer inexpensive help with tax headaches

Article Abstract:

The 'deluxe' versions of two leading PC tax-preparation programs, which are Intuit Inc's TurboTax and Block Financial Corp's Kiplinger TaxCut, are evaluated. The deluxe versions contain more text help than the basic versions, and they include audio and video clips in which experts offer advice. The products are similar in functionality and design, and both are inexpensive, usually costing between $10 and $35. Windows versions were tested, but Mac versions are also available. Either product is a good choice for working with moderately complex tax returns, but neither is recommended in situations where professional judgements or legal advice is wanted. Overall, TurboTax is judged best because it has a somewhat nicer interface.

Software Publishers, Financial, Acctg Software Pkgs (Micro), Software, Financial software, Taxation, Intuit Inc., INTU, Tax preparation software, Block Financial Corp., TurboTax Deluxe (Tax preparation software), Kiplinger's TaxCut Deluxe Multimedia (Tax preparation software)

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