[Navigate] [Back] [<<] [>>]

Where Can I Get Browsers?
Before you grab your checkbook and start writing away your money for the latest browser, take a look at what�s already on your computer. If you bought a computer with Windows 95, chances are that you got a copy of Internet Explorer with your system.

If you�re connecting to the Web through an Internet Service Provider, ask them about the browsers they offer. Kai Pan is the marketing director for Clarity Connect in Ithaca, N.Y. He said that they provide Netscape Navigator for free to their Internet subscribers. Most national ISPs have a browser embedded in the software that you install when you subscribe.

If you like to do your own thing, you can buy browsers at a local computer software vendor. They range in price from $40 to $100.

Don�t be afraid to try out several browsers. With the various features, you may find a Web site looks like a Degas exhibit on one browser, while the same site looks like a kindergartner�s scribbles on a different browser. Check out the Web sites for browser companies because many offer free downloads of their browsers. If you have the space, you can load browsers until your hard drive is stuffed. The following table lists available browsers and URLs from which you can obtain them.

Web Browsers:
Netscape Navigatorhttp://home.netscape.com
Microsoft Internet Explorerhttp://www.microsoft.com
NCSA Mosaichttp://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/SDG/Software/Mosaic
Lynxhttp://www2.crl.com:80/~subir/lynx
Cellohttp://www.law.cornell.edu/cello
SpyGlass Mosaichttp://www.spyglass.com/products/smosaic
NetCruiserhttp://www.netcom.com
Air Mosaicftp://ftp.spry.com
SlipKnothttp://plaza.interport.net/slipknot/slipknot.html

Tip:How to Get Freebies Without Dumpster Diving
  
Keep your money held tight if you are part of an educational institute or government agency. At the Netscape Web site (http://www.netscape.com), you can download and use Netscape for free. It�s easy, and Netscape only asks for the name of your school or agency.

Another trick of the free trade is to become an active member of Netscape�s beta program. In the beta program, you can try out copies of new applications while they�re in test phase. Giving a browser the ol� test and retest is a sure fire way to figure out whether the browser suits you. Check out Netscape�s home page at http://home.netscape.com to learn more about which applications are in beta.