The Netscape Navigator Web browser is the most widely-used browser, followed in popularity by Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser. Either browser supports the advanced features found in many sophisticated Web sites, such as FSO. At FSO, we prefer the Netscape browser, but the Internet Explorer is also an excellent choice. If your Internet service provider has provided you with another brand of Web browser, check to see if you can use either Netscape or the Internet Explorer browser with your Internet access. Read on for more information...
If you wish to use the Netscape Navigator Web browser, this section contains information on:
I. Purchasing Netscape
II. Netscape Download Instructions
III. Netscape Installation Instructions
I. Purchasing Netscape
You can download a free evaluation copy of Netscape (explained below), or you can purchase a fully- supported version of Netscape online, at a local software retailer or by calling Netscape at (415) 937-3777.
II. Netscape Download Instructions
In order to download the Netscape Navigator software, click on the hyperlink below and follow the step-by-step instructions provided by Netscape.Download Netscape Navigator Software
This will take you to the section of Netscape's Web site with the Netscape Navigator software download. You may want to first scroll down and print a copy of Netscape's most current download instructions. Then, follow this simple process to begin the download:
- Select the product you want to download the most current version of the Netscape Navigator. (NOTE: The "Gold" version of Netscape allows you to create and publish Web pages. If this is of no interest to you, do not select the "Gold" version.)
- Select your operating system (e.g., Windows 95, Windows 3.1). (NOTE: If you have Windows 95 installed on your computer, but your Internet access software is Windows 3.1 16-bit software, you'll need to download the 16-bit version of Netscape. Do so by selecting the Windows 3.1 operating system.)
- Select the desired language (e.g., US English).
- Select your location (e.g., North America).
- Click on the 'Click to Download Sites' button. Then, scroll down and click on the download site nearest to you in the list that appears. (NOTE: If you get a message that the site you selected is too busy to accept your request, use your Web browser's 'Back' button and select another site. If nothing happens after a reasonable wait, click on your browser's 'Stop' button and then use the 'Back' button and try another site.)
Depending on the Web browser you are using for the download, a "Save As" (or "Save to Disk" or "Save Next Link As") window may appear. If it does, the Netscape software file name (e.g., 'n16e301.exe,' 'n32e301.exe') automatically appears, together with the directory to which the software download will be saved (e.g., 'temp,' 'aol,' 'netscape'). You may want to make a note of both the file name and directory. Then click on OK and the download will begin.NOTE: If you're already using Netscape but are downloading the new version, do not download the new software to your current Netscape directory. Instead, you should download the new software to another directory, such as 'temp.'
When the Netscape software has finished downloading, stay on the Internet and follow these instructions:Windows 3.1:
your Internet access software window (e.g., NETCOM's NetCruiser window).
- Minimize
From Program Manager, open File Manager.
On the left side of File Manager, click on the directory to which the Netscape software was saved (e.g., 'temp,' 'aol,' 'netscape').
On the right side of File Manager, double click on the software's file name (e.g., 'n16e301.exe').
On the left side of File Manager, click on any other directory and then click back on the directory to which you downloaded Netscape. This will allow the decompressed Netscape files to appear.
On the right side of File Manager, double click on 'setup.exe.'
Follow the Netscape installation instructions that appear.
Once Netscape is successfully installed, you may want to return to the directory that contains the temporary 'setup.exe' file and delete this temporary file so that it doesn't unnecessarily take up hard drive space.
Windows 95:your Internet access software window (e.g., NETCOM's NetCruiser window).
- Minimize
Open Windows Explorer.
On the left side of Explorer, click on the directory to which the Netscape software was saved (e.g., 'temp,' 'aol,' 'netscape').
On the right side of Explorer, double click on the software's file name (e.g., 'n32e301.exe') to start the program installation.
Follow the Netscape installation instructions that appear.
Once Netscape is successfully installed, you may want to return to the directory that contains the temporary 'setup.exe' file and delete this temporary file so that it doesn't unnecessarily take up hard drive space.
If you have Windows 95 installed on your computer, you have the Internet Explorer. To download the most recent version of Internet Explorer, click here and you'll be taken to Microsoft's download site.
If you access the Internet through an online service, you can use either Netscape or the Internet Explorer. In fact, the online services now provide software that integrates one of these Web browsers:
| America Online | AOL's software integrates the Internet Explorer browser. Netscape can also be used on AOL (Go To Keyword NETSCAPE). Generally speaking, you'll get better performance from your AOL Internet access with one of these browsers than with the AOL Web browser. |
| CompuServe | CompuServe integrates the Internet Explorer Web browser into the software it provides to its Windows 95 users. |
| Prodigy | Prodigy gives its members a choice between Netscape or the Internet Explorer. |