Test by @Macarlo
Windows 2000 Professional Beta Tester
(Screenshots by Embellish)

Great news, surfers!!
Finally Netscape releases a decent version for his new browser 6, the release 6.1. I was tired and scared with some versions of this new browser that I tested on Windows 2000, because all of them are excessively heavy, slow, complicated, not intuitive and buggy. But I decided try this crap for the last time and now I'm very surprised! Finally a fine piece of software.

I tested this one on my Windows 2000 Professional Web IDE (Workstation) and it is running just fine here. I installed it quickly and without problems and started this new browser immediately, without reboot. The only problem I saw at my first look on this new browser installed in my PC was just a lot of unsolicited icons on my desktop: <Net2Phone>, <Real.com Guide>, <Real Player Basic>, <WINAMP> and <Get $$$ - Refer a friend>. I sent all to Recovery Bin (the Undelete version of Recycle Bin. Another problem I saw, after few minutes using Netscape 6.1 is that this version, like the version 6.0, deforms the Altavista searchbox with the code I'm using (this searchbox appears absolutely normal if the page is loaded by all of another browser: Netscape 4.71, Mozilla, MS IE (all versions), Opera (all versions). In the photo below you can see how Netscape 6.1 shows this searchbox.

  Photo above shows the Altavista searchbox deformed by Netscape 6.1

But I saw not more problems in this new Netscape release. I downloaded the giant update on Netscape 6.0, including Winamp (see photo below), because I chose the Complete Installation option. This download is very simple and fast; Netscape offers pause and resume if you need it.

 Photo above shows Netscape 6.1 update on 6.0 being downloaded

Also the Install process is secure and fast. Netscape start it automatically when the download of the update is completed. Here you can see the Install running over Windows Commander file manager.

 Photo above shows Netscape 6.1 install process after the complete download update

 Introducing Netscape 6.1

Do more online with Netscape 6.1

Netscape 6.1, the latest update to the Netscape browser suite, greatly enhances the performance and stability of Netscape 6 while improving functionality and adding a number of key features. Netscape 6.1 lets you accomplish more online with efficiency in completing tasks, power through more choice and safety with more control.

  Photo above shows Netscape 6.1 displaying the window Select User Profile

Netscape 6.1 Lets You Do More Online With Efficiency, Power And Safety

• Efficiency in Completing Tasks
• Power Through More Choice
• Safety With More Control
• Why Upgrade
• System Requirements

Netscape 6.1 includes Netscape Navigator, Netscape Mail, Netscape Instant Messenger, Netscape Composer, and Netscape Address Book. Netscape 6.1 also delivers cutting-edge add-on applications that help you get more from the Internet. Netscape 6.1 offers Java for running web applets, Nullsoft Winamp for audio playback, RealPlayer8 for streaming media, Marcromedia Flash for high impact web content, Net2Phone for FREE PC-to-Phone calls anywhere within the US*, and Print Plus from Hewlett Packard for easy access to printing supplies, services and features.

* Free calls placed within the U.S. from your PC to any phone are currently limited to 5 minutes, then rates are 2¢ a minute on any given call.

To get more detailed information about Netscape 6.1 features and benefits, please download a combined PDF version of the Highlights and Reviewer's Guide. Click Here

Get a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF version

Photo above shows Netscape 6.1 Setup configuring Sun Java 2 environment

Netscape 6.1 System Requirements

You can run Netscape 6.1 on computers with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems.

Operating Systems

Windows
      Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows ME,
      Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000
Mac OS *
      Mac OS 8.6 or later, Mac OS 9
Linux
      Red Hat Linux 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 7.0 with X11 R6

Minimum System Requirements

Windows and Linux
      Pentium 233 MHz
      64 MB RAM
      26 MB hard drive space

Mac OS
      PowerPC 604e 266 MHz, G3, G4
      64 MB RAM
      36 MB hard drive space

If your system does not meet the minimum requirements for Netscape 6.1, you may be able to download and use an earlier series of browser software called Netscape Communicator.

* Special Note: Netscape is offering Netscape 6.1 for Mac OS X as a Preview Release. Preview Release software is software that is not in its final form. We are interested in getting feedback and suggestions from advanced end-users or testers to help solidify the final product. Your support of this program is greatly appreciated but no technical support is offered. If you are using Netscape 6 as your current browser, install this version of Netscape 6.1 to a different directory. Installing Netscape 6.1 should not interfere with Netscape software prior to Netscape 6 or other browsers. As with any preview release, back up your system prior to installation. Download Now! See the Release Notes for known issues.

About Net2Phone

Photo above shows Netscape 6.1 starting on @Macarlo's Win 2000 with Net2Phone

Netscape 6,1 Install icludes Net2Phone Version 10.6 installation.

Read here about this innovative tool for Netscape surfers:

1. Features and Services Summary
2. Setup Wizard Instructions
3. Customer Service and Help Support
4. Minimum System Requirements
5. Your Account
6. Full and half duplex soundcards

1. Features and Services Summary

Net2Phone version 10.6 includes the following services:

• PC2Phone
• PC2PC
• Voice Message

Net2Phone version 10.6 PRO also includes the following services:

• Net2Fax
• Netword
• Outlook Integration

You'll benefit in so many ways from Net2Phone's array of services. Net2Phone Internet Telephony will become an effortless part of your daily communications routine.

Net2Phone version 10.6 also provides:

• full duplex capability to carry on real-time, two-way conversations
• an exciting, intuitive graphical user interface

During registration you will designate a Personal Identification Number (PIN, which provides a level of security on your account), a username (so you can send and receive calls on your PC) and an individualized question/answer set (so that Customer Service can confirm your identity if you should forget your PIN). Once you complete the registration process, an account number is automatically generated and entered into your Net2Phone. You can view your unique account number from your Net2Phone: Click 'My Account' on the Selection Strip; then select 'Account Number' and your account number will be displayed. In order to make a toll-based PC2Phone call, you must place funds into your Net2Phone account. Follow the instructions by clicking 'Add Funds' on the Selection Strip.

PC2Phone
Net2Phone's PC2Phone service allows you to call a regular telephone, anywhere in the world. Domestic calls (calls that begin and terminate in the U.S., Canada or Caribbean Islands) are FREE, as are calls to 1-800 and 1-888 numbers.

To Place a PC2Phone Call:
Close any open applications before using Net2Phone to insure the highest quality. Click the PC2Phone button on your Net2Phone. Enter the phone number of the party you wish to reach. The "ENTER PIN" screen will appear: Enter the PIN you selected when you registered. (In order to avoid the need for PIN entry every time you place a call, click the SAVE PIN TO DISK box and press the YES button to save your PIN to disk). Note that you will not be asked for a PIN number for toll free 1-800 calls. If you are making an international (or other toll-charged) call and you have not purchased time for your Net2Phone account, a dialogue box will pop up inviting you to place funds into your account. To proceed with the call you should select "Yes." This will take you to our secure server where you can place funds in your account and then proceed with your PC2Phone toll call.

Once you have purchased time for your Net2Phone account, you will be prompted on screen regarding your remaining balance and talk time available for the call, along with a YES or NO prompt to place the call. Note that the maximum time limit shown on the pop-up screen is 500 minutes per call, even if your balance is greater.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Calls within the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean Islands are dialed: area code + number (even for calls within the same country/area code). Calls to destinations outside the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean Islands, including calls within the same country, are dialed: 011 + country code + city code + number. Note: You can set a default country code in the Preferences settings so that calls to that country will only require the city code + number.

PC2PC
FREE PC2PC calling is included with version 10.6. Both parties must have Net2Phone version 10 up and running in order to have live PC2PC conversations. The username you selected at Registration enables you to receive PC2PC calls. To initiate a PC2PC call, just click on the PC2PC button and enter the other party's username/nickname (or virtual number) in the Display Area.

Voice Message
Voice Message allows you to send a voice message to any e-mail address.

2. Setup Wizard

To use Net2Phone, your soundcard, microphone and Internet connections must be working properly from the beginning. Verify your sound and network connections by running our Setup Wizard, which will pop up the very first time you click on your Net2Phone. (Alternatively, you can click on Menu -> Setup Wizard.)

Setup Tests
The PLAYBACK TEST tells you whether or not your sound card and speakers are working properly and whether you should adjust the volume. First, select which sound card you want to test by choosing it in the "Preferred Net2Phone Device" window. If you want Net2Phone to choose which sound card to test (in case you have more than one), select "None" which will tell Net2Phone to use whichever device is available. When you click the "Test" button you should hear a female voice say, "Welcome to Net2Phone." If you don't hear her voice, use the volume control or press "Adjust" to bring up the Media Manager and raise your Playback Volume. Once you've increased the volume, press "Test" again. If you're still unable to hear the "Welcome," it could be your soundcard; check with your soundcard's manufacturer to make sure it is installed and functioning properly. Click on "Next" to go to the RECORD TEST. If you want Net2Phone to choose which recording device to test, leave "None" in the Preferred Net2Phone Device window. Otherwise, select the preferred device from the list. Now, press the "Test" button and record a short message by speaking into your microphone. (Just a few words will do.) Once you record your message, you should immediately hear your message played back. If you do, continue the SETUP WIZARD by clicking on "Next." If you don't, press "Adjust" to bring up the Media Manager and increase the Recording Volume. Then press "Test" again. If you're still unable to hear your message, check with your microphone's manufacturer to make sure your microphone is properly connected to your soundcard and that your sound card is installed and functioning properly. Next, run the NETWORK & FIREWALL TEST. This test makes sure you're able to connect to the Internet. When the message "Test Passed" appears, you can click on "Finish" and begin using your Net2Phone Version 10 software. If you are behind a firewall and fail this test, you can link to our Technical Support pages in order to learn how to resolve this. Of course, if any of the tests fail and you cannot correct them, check your equipment and/or accessories for installation errors or other malfunctions or contact our Customer Service department.

3. Customer Service Support

Net2Phone offers full customer service support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For technical questions please go to http://www.net2phone.com/net2phone/contact_us/tech_support.html. For billing questions please go to
http://www.net2phone.com/net2phone/contact_us/payment.html.

4. Minimum System Requirements

In order to use Net2Phone version 10, you must have Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, or NT 4.0 running on a Pentium 100 PC or higher; 16 MB RAM; 28.8 Modem; PPP Internet Connection; either Netscape Navigator 4.x+ or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x+ with Java VM 5.0 (MS IE4.x+ must be installed on your machine to get free calling but you can use either IE or Netscape as your default browser.); Sound Card; Headset (or Microphone and Speakers).

In addition, YOUR SCREEN SETTINGS MUST BE SET TO 800x600 OR HIGHER. Net2Phone 10.6 will not work with lower settings. Also, make sure you are logged onto the Internet at all times while you are on a Net2Phone call.

5. Your Account

As soon as you installed and registered your Net2Phone, a unique account number was automatically generated and entered for you. To view this account number from your Net2Phone, go to the Selection Strip and click My Account -> Account Number and your account number will display. This number is linked to your PIN and your username, which you designated when you completed the registration process.

In order to make an international (or other toll) PC2Phone call, you must place funds into your Net2Phone account. You can place funds into your account by credit card, check or money wire. To add funds by credit card, click "Add Funds" on the Selection Strip. After you have completed the online form, submit it with your credit card information for purchase verification within seconds. Once you have received verification, you can begin making toll calls immediately. To order by check, send your check to: Net2Phone, 520 Broad Street, Finance Department, Newark, NJ 07102 USA. To order by money wire, send your wire, in U.S. dollars, to: First Union Bank, N.A. 239 Main Street, Hackensack, N.J. 07601 (ROUTING # 031201467). FOR CREDIT TO THE ACCOUNT OF: 2079950019358. Make sure you include the Net2Phone account holder's name and Net2Phone account number when sending wires.

6. Full and Half Duplex Soundcards

Full-duplex communication enables you to communicate as on a telephone, with both parties able to speak and listen simultaneously. Half-duplex communication is similar to a walkie-talkie: you can speak or listen, but not at the same time. The best way to recognize if you have a full-duplex soundcard is to click MENU on the Selection Strip; then click Preferences --> Settings and see if FULL DUPLEX is checked. If FULL DUPLEX is grayed out, you probably have a half-duplex soundcard; you may actually have a full-duplex soundcard, but your soundcard drivers may not be up to date. In order to confirm whether or not you have a full-duplex soundcard, contact the manufacturer of your soundcard. If FULL DUPLEX is grayed out, Net2Phone will operate in half-duplex mode. When using Net2Phone in half-duplex mode, HDX will appear on the Net2Phone's blue Message Display during all calls; FDX will appear for full-duplex mode.

Using Net2Phone with a Half-Duplex Soundcard: When using Net2Phone with a half-duplex soundcard, you can choose between automatic (VOX ON) and manual (VOX OFF) modes of operation. Net2Phone will initially open in manual (VOX OFF) mode. THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED SETTING. The VOX ON setting can deteriorate the quality of a call. VOX OFF: Manual Mode
During half-duplex communication in VOX OFF mode, the Mute button on your Net2Phone Keypad will change to a Talk/Listen button. In order to talk to the person you have called, click and hold the TALK button. In order to hear the person you have called, release your mouse from the TALK button. The button will change to LISTEN. Net2Phone will remain in LISTEN mode unless the TALK button is clicked. When you click the TALK button, you must wait until TALK appears on the message screen to start talking. Do not release your mouse from the TALK button until you are completely finished speaking.

Photo above shows Netscape 6.1 Welcome page loaded at the first startup

What's New In This Release

• Improved performance and stability.
• New Quick Launch feature on Windows starts Netscape faster.
• New ways to initiate a search, such as within the auto complete URL bar.
• Improved Bookmark Management, "File Book Mark", and drag and drop bookmarking for easier bookmarking.
• New tabs for My Sidebar, including the new History tab for finding web pages previously visited.
• Improved My Sidebar lets you hide tabs using a mouse right-click (or delayed click).
• Improved History Management window now in chronological order
• New Modern theme, improved, streamlined interface and fewer main buttons.
• New download interface includes ability to see the path where files are downloaded.
• Improved Autotranslation now includes translations between French and German, as well as between French and Russian.
• New "emoticons" in Mail allow faces like smiling and frowning.
• Improved Instant Messenger is available throughout all the components of Netscape 6.1, and includes the ability to see if the sender of a message is online and available through Instant Messenger, and supports multiple screen names.
• New ability to launch an instant messaging session from a web page.
• New support for bi-directional text and Hebrew.
• New language packs let you switch your browser software to support the content and language of your choice without restarting or downloading new software.
• New support for LDAP in Mail.
• New Mail interface includes a startup view providing one click access to your inbox, account settings, email filters, and more.
• New ability to read IMAP email accounts and Netscape Webmail when not connected to the Internet.
• New feature to synchronize your personal address book with your Netscape WebMail address book.
• New Personal Security Manager (PSM) 2.0 has been fully integrated with Netscape 6.1. For more information about PSM, see the Personal Security Manager Project Page.
• Improved Form Manager lets you automatically fill out entire forms.
• Improved Password Manager includes a Password Quality Meter for selecting a secure Master Password.
• Improved installation lets you pause installation and recover from network disruptions.
• New online help includes easier tree-based navigation, context-sensitive help, index, glossary, and search capability (through Find shortcut key).

 For more information about specific issues, read the latest Mozilla release notes.

@Macarlo, Inc.
@Macarlo's Shareware & Web
OS/2
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