Netscape (web browser)
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Netscape is the general name for a series of web browsers originally produced by Netscape Communications Corporation, now a subsidiary of AOL. The original browser was once the dominant browser in terms of usage share, but as a result of the first browser war it lost virtually all of its share to Internet Explorer.
AOL has announced that it has discontinued Netscape and will cease support on February 1, 2008.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Netscape Classic releases
[edit] Netscape Navigator (versions 1.0–4.08)
Netscape Navigator was the name of Netscape's web browser from versions 1.0 through 4.8. The first beta release versions of the browser were released in 1994 and known as Mosaic and then Mosaic Netscape until a legal challenge from the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (makers of NCSA Mosaic), which many of Netscape's founders used to develop, led to the name change to Netscape Navigator. The company's name also changed from Mosaic Communications Corporation to Netscape Communications Corporation.
The browser was easily the most advanced available and was therefore an instant success, becoming market leader while still in beta. Netscape's feature-count and market share continued to grow rapidly after version 1.0 was released. Version 2.0 added a full mail reader called Netscape Mail, thus transforming Netscape from a mere web browser to an Internet suite. During this period, both the browser and the suite were known as Netscape Navigator. Around the same time, AOL started bundling their software with Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
Version 3.0 of Netscape (the first beta was codenamed "Atlas") was the first to face any serious competition in the form of Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0. Netscape, however, easily held off Microsoft's challenge and remained the number one browser for the time being. Version 3.0 was also available in a "Gold" version which featured a WYSIWYG HTML editor (later added to Netscape Communicator as a standard feature). Netscape 3.0 introduced many new features such as new plug-ins, background colors for tables, the archive attribute and the applet element. Netscape Navigator 3 was a huge success and the undisputed Web Browser giant in its time. The latest version is 3.04.
[edit] Netscape Communicator (versions 4.0–4.8)
Netscape 4 addressed the problem of Netscape Navigator being used as both the name of the suite and the browser contained within it by renaming the suite to Netscape Communicator.
After releasing five preview releases from 1996–1997, Netscape Corp. released the final version of Netscape Communicator in June 1997. This new version, more or less based on Netscape Navigator 3 Code, updated and added new features (such as support of certain CSS1 elements, minimal dynamic font support and the proprietary object element). The new suite was successful, despite increasing competition from Internet Explorer 4.0 and problems with the outdated browser core. The Communicator suite was made up of Netscape Navigator, Netscape Mail and Newsgroups, Netscape Address Book and Netscape Composer (an HTML editor, which later became Mozilla Composer and eventually was split off into a completely separate product, Nvu). In October 1998 version 4.5 of Netscape Communicator was released. This new version featured various functionality improvements, especially in the Mail/News component, but did not update the browser core (which, in its functionality, was basically identical with version 4.08). Only one month later, Netscape Communications Corporation was bought by AOL. A standalone version of Netscape Navigator was still available, but this was discontinued after version 4.08 for Windows. However, standalone versions for other operating systems such as Unix/Linux were maintained up to version 4.8.
In January 1998 Netscape Communications Corporation announced that all future versions of their software would be free of charge and developed by an Open Source Community (Mozilla). Netscape Communicator 5.0 was announced (codenamed "Gromit"). But there were significant delays to the release of Netscape's next major version and Communicator therefore aged badly over the many years it was still used. As a result of this, and a more advanced support of HTML 4, CSS, DOM, and ECMAScript by Internet Explorer starting with version 4, the more up-to-date Internet Explorer 5.0 became the market leader. In November 1998 work on Netscape 5.0 was cancelled in favor of developing a completely new program from scratch.
[edit] Mozilla-based releases
[edit] Netscape 6 (versions 6.0–6.2.3)
In 1998, an informal group called the Mozilla Organization was formed and largely funded by Netscape (the vast majority of programmers working on the code were paid by Netscape) to co-ordinate the development of Netscape 5 (codenamed "Gromit"), which would be based on the Communicator source code. However, the aging Communicator code proved difficult to work with and the decision was taken to scrap Netscape 5 and re-write the source code. The re-written source code was in the form of the Mozilla web browser, which, with a few additions, Netscape 6 was based on.
This decision meant that Netscape's next major version was severely delayed. In the meantime, Netscape was taken over by AOL who, acting under pressure from the Web Standards Project, forced its new division to release Netscape 6.0 in 2000. The suite again consisted of Netscape Navigator and the other Communicator components, with the addition of a built-in AOL Instant Messenger client, Netscape Instant Messenger. However, it was clear that Netscape 6 was not yet ready for release and it flopped badly. It was based on Mozilla 0.6, which was not ready to be used by the general public yet due to many serious bugs that would cause it to crash often or render web pages slowly.
Later versions of Netscape 6 were much improved (especially 6.2.x was regarded as a good release), but the browser still struggled to make an impact on a disappointed community.
[edit] Netscape (versions 7.0–7.2)
Netscape 7.0 (based on Mozilla 1.0.1) was released in August 2002 was a direct continuation of Netscape 6 with very similar components. It picked up a few users, but was still very much a minority browser, one of the problems being that Mozilla itself was a worthy adversary. In addition, AOL had decided to deactivate Mozilla's popup-blocker functionality in Netscape 7.0, which created an outrage in the community. AOL learned the lesson for Netscape 7.01 and allowed Netscape to reinstate the popup-blocker. Netscape also introduced a new AOL-free-version (without the usual AOL addons) of the browser suite. Netscape 7.1 (codenamed "Buffy" and based on Mozilla 1.4) was released in June 2003.
In 2003, AOL closed down its Netscape division and laid-off or re-assigned all of Netscape's employees. Mozilla.org continued, however, as the independent Mozilla Foundation, taking on many of Netscape's ex-employees. AOL continued to develop Netscape in-house, but, due to there being no staff committed to it, improvements were minimal.
One year later, in August 2004, the last version based on Mozilla was released: Netscape 7.2, based on Mozilla 1.7.2.
[edit] Mozilla Firefox-based releases
[edit] Netscape Browser (version 8.0–8.1.3)
Between 2005 and 2007, Netscape's releases became known as Netscape Browser. AOL chose to base Netscape Browser on the relatively successful Mozilla Firefox, a re-written version of Mozilla produced by the Mozilla Foundation. This release is not a full Internet suite as before, but is solely a web browser. Other controversial decisions include these versions being made only for Microsoft Windows and featuring both the Gecko rendering engine of previous releases and the Trident engine used in Internet Explorer.
AOL's acquisition of Netscape years ago made it less of a surprise when the company laid off the Netscape team and outsourced development to Mercurial Communications.
Netscape Browser 8.1.3 was released on April 2, 2007, and included general bug fixes identified in versions 8.0–8.1.2[2] [3]
[edit] Netscape Navigator (version 9.0)
Netscape confirmed on 23 January 2007 that Netscape Browser versions 8.0-8.1.2 was to be succeeded by a new stand-alone browser release, Netscape Navigator 9. Its features were said to include newsfeed support and become more integrated with the Propeller internet portal [4], alongside more enhanced methods of discussion, submission and voting on web pages [5]. It also sees the browser return to multi-platform support across Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. [6] Like Netscape version 8.x, the new release was be based upon the popular Mozilla Firefox (version 2.0), and supposedly have full support of all Firefox add-ons and plugins, some of which Netscape is already providing.[7]. Also for the first time since 2004, the browser was produced in-house with its own programming staff. [8]
A beta of the program was first released on 5 June 2007[9]. The final version was released on October 15, 2007.
In December of 2007, AOL reveled plans to discontinue the Netscape web browser because of the 0.6% of marketshare and the defeat from Microsoft Internet Explorer. AOL has plans to end it life in Feb. 1,2008. After this date AOL will no longer offer support nor offer updates. AOL's excuse was that its company was devoting and spend money to revive the web browser. Netscape fans are now given the option to use Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer.
[edit] Release history
| Key: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Old final version | Current final version | Pre-release version | Current pre-release version |
| Browser Name | Series | Version | Based on | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netscape Navigator | 1.x | 1.0 | Netscape | December 15 1994 | First release |
| 1.1 | Netscape | ||||
| 1.22 | Netscape | ||||
| 2.x | 2.0 | Netscape | September 18 1995 | Including JavaScript support, Java support, plug-ins, integrated Messenger / Collabra, Auto-dither, Live3D. Support for font colour, div, wrap and textarea tags. Superscript / subscript, Animated GIF | |
| 2.01 | Netscape | ||||
| 2.02 | Netscape | ||||
| 3.x | 3.0 | Netscape | August 19 1996 | Added support for LiveAudio, LiveVideo, QuickTime, POP3, HTML 3.2 and extra tags. | |
| 3.01 | Netscape | ||||
| 3.02 | Netscape | ||||
| 3.03 | Netscape | July 31 1997 | |||
| 3.04 | Netscape | October 4 1997 | |||
| Netscape Navigator / Communicator | 4.x | 4.0 | Netscape | June 11 1997 | Suite version marketed as Netscape Communicator included Navigator, Messenger, Composer, Collabra, Netcaster and Conference. |
| 4.01 | Netscape | June 18 1997 | |||
| 4.01a | Netscape | July 19 1997 | |||
| 4.02 | Netscape | August 18 1997 | |||
| 4.03 | Netscape | September 14 2004 | |||
| 4.04 | Netscape | November 14 1997 | |||
| 4.05 | Netscape | April 2 1998 | |||
| 4.06 | Netscape | August 17 1998 | Added Macromedia Flash plug-in, "Smart Browsing" and NetWatch. | ||
| 4.07 | Netscape | October 5 1998 | |||
| 4.08 | Netscape | November 9 1998 | last release for 16-bit Windows and 68k Macs | ||
| Netscape Communicator | 4.5 | Netscape | October 19 1998 | Added integrated / Internet messaging, enhanced SmartBrowsing | |
| 4.51 | Netscape | March 8 1999 | |||
| 4.6 | Netscape | May 18 1999 | Added AIM, RealPlayer G2, NetHelp | ||
| 4.61 | Netscape | June 14 1999 | |||
| 4.7 | Netscape | September 30 1999 | Added Netscape Radio, Shop@Netscape, AIM 3.0, Winamp and PalmPilot. | ||
| 4.72 | Netscape | February 22 2000 | Removed Calendar Client feature | ||
| 4.73 | Netscape | May 5 2000 | Added new 128-bit strong encryption | ||
| 4.74 | Netscape | July 22 2000 | |||
| 4.75 | Netscape | September 17 2000 | |||
| 4.76 | Netscape | October 25 2000 | |||
| 4.77 | Netscape | April 16 2001 | |||
| 4.78 | Netscape | July 20 2001 | |||
| 4.79 | Netscape | November 10 2001 | |||
| 4.8 | Netscape | August 22 2002 | Final Communicator-based release | ||
| Netscape 6 | 6.x | 6.0 | Mozilla Milestone 18 | November 14 2000 | First Netscape release based on pre-release Mozilla Application Suite. Included Sidebar, customisable installer size, integrated search, themes, privacy protection and multiple e-mail accounts. |
| 6.01 | Mozilla 0.7 | February 9 2001 | |||
| 6.1 | Mozilla 0.9.2.1 | August 8 2001 | Added new default interface, searching from location bar, Mac OS X support on preview release. | ||
| 6.2 | Mozilla 0.9.4.1 | October 30 2001 | Improved QuickLaunch, AutoComplete. Full support for Mac OS X and Windows XP | ||
| 6.2.1 | Mozilla 0.9.4.1 | ||||
| 6.2.2 | Mozilla 0.9.4.1 | ||||
| 6.2.3 | Mozilla 0.9.4.1 | May 15 2002 | |||
| Netscape 7 | 7.x | 7.0 | Mozilla 1.0.1 | August 29 2002 | Based on final Mozilla Suite releases. Added tabbed browsing, pop-up blocker, full-screen mode, download manager, P3P support. |
| 7.01 | Mozilla 1.0.2 | December 10 2002 | |||
| 7.02 | Mozilla 1.0.2 | February 18 2003 | |||
| 7.1 | Mozilla 1.4 | June 30 2003 | Support Windows Media Player ActiveX control, web services by JavaScript API's. | ||
| 7.2 | Mozilla 1.7.2 | August 17 2004 | Improved password manager, vCard support, Palm Sync. Added Netscape Toolbar and table editing in Composer. | ||
| Netscape Browser | 8.x | 0.5.6 | Firefox 0.9.3 | November 30 2004 | Stand-alone Windows-only browser based on Firefox, beta version. Uses both Gecko and Trident layout engines. Added site controls, multibar, password auto-fill and advanced tabbed browsing controls. |
| 0.6.4 | Firefox 1.0 | January 7 2005 | Pre-beta version | ||
| 0.9.4 | Firefox 1.0 | February 17 2005 | Pre-beta version | ||
| 0.9.5 | Firefox 1.0 | February 23 2005 | Pre-beta version | ||
| 0.9.6 | Firefox 1.0 | March 3 2005 | Beta version | ||
| 8.0 | Firefox 1.0.3 | May 19 2005 | Final Netscape Browser release | ||
| 8.0.1 | Firefox 1.0.3 | May 19 2005 | |||
| 8.0.2 | Firefox 1.0.4 | June 17 2005 | |||
| 8.0.3.1 | Firefox 1.0.6 | July 25 2005 | |||
| 8.0.3.3 | Firefox 1.0.6 | August 8 2005 | |||
| 8.0.3.4 | Firefox 1.0.6 | August 17 2005 | |||
| 8.0.4 | Firefox 1.0.7 | October 19 2005 | |||
| 8.1 | Firefox 1.0.7 | January 25 2006 | Added spyware and adware protection, new Dynamic Security Centre, profile manager, new options panel and enhanced RSS controls. | ||
| 8.1.2 | Firefox 1.0.8 | September 27 2006 | |||
| 8.1.3 | Firefox 1.0.8 | April 2 2007 | Last Netscape Browser release | ||
| Netscape Navigator | 9.x | 9.0b1 | Firefox 2.0.0.4 | June 15 2007 | Stand-alone browser based on Mozilla Firefox 2, total re-write from Browser 8.x. Gecko-only support. Added Netscape.com integration, enhanced FTP listing interface, customisable link-pad, multi-platform support, greater Firefox add-on compatibility and new user interface. |
| 9.0b2 | Firefox 2.0.0.4 | July 12 2007 | Added greater tabbed browsing options | ||
| 9.0b3 | Firefox 2.0.0.6 | August 15 2007 | Removed Propeller integration. | ||
| 9.0rc1 | Firefox 2.0.0.6 | October 1 2007 | Re-added optional splash screen | ||
| 9.0 | Firefox 2.0.0.7 | October 15 2007 | Final Navigator 9 release | ||
| 9.0.0.1 | Firefox 2.0.0.8 | October 22 2007 | |||
| 9.0.0.2 | Firefox 2.0.0.8 | November 1 2007 | |||
| 9.0.0.3 | Firefox 2.0.0.9 | November 2 2007 | |||
| 9.0.0.4 | Firefox 2.0.0.10 | November 27 2007 | |||
| 9.0.0.5 | Firefox 2.0.0.11 | December 11 2007 |
[edit] Criticism
Since being acquired by AOL support for Netscape Navigator 9.0.0.1 is only available to AOL subscribers. The community message board is regulated and questions can be cancelled if the administrator determines that the question has been answered, even if the answers provided are not correct. AOL "help" page from Netscape site
[edit] References
- ^ Drapeau, Tom (2007-12-28). End of Support for Netscape web browsers. Netscape, AOL. Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
- ^ Netscape Community - Netscape 8.1.3 Retrieved on 8 February 2007.
- ^ Netscape Community - Netscape 8.1.3 released Retrieved on 8 February 2007.
- ^ Netscape 9.0 confirmed on Netscape's community support board Retrieved on 2007-01-24
- ^ Netscape 9 - 20 February Announcement Retrieved on 2007-02-20
- ^ Netscape 9.0 30- Jan 07 announcement Retrieved on 2007-01-30
- ^ Netscape 9 - 6 February 2007 announcement Retrieved on 2007-02-06
- ^ Netscape announces cross-platform Netscape 9 to be developed in-house - Mozillazine Retrieved on 2007-02-05
- ^ Netscape 9.0b1 released Retrieved on 06-05-2007
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Download latest Netscape browser
- Netscape.com home page
- Netscape Browser Archive
- Netscape Blog Post announcing the end of Netscape support and development
Netscape | |
|---|---|
| Browsing software | Netscape Navigator · Netscape Communicator · Netscape 6 · Netscape 7 · Netscape Browser · Netscape Navigator 9 |
| E-mail clients | Netscape Mail & Newsgroups · Netscape Messenger 9 |
| Other components | Netscape Composer |
| Server software | Netscape Enterprise Server · Netscape Application Server · Netscape Server Application Programming Interface |
| Web services | Netscape.com · Propeller · Open Directory Project · Netscape ISP |
| See also | Gecko · Mariner · Netscape 5 · Netscape Public License · Mozilla · AOL |
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