While Microsoft continues to keep Mac users waiting for the final release of Internet Explorer, Netscape is offering further enhancements and refinements to their Internet suite with the release of Communicator 4.04. This latest version attempts to speed up your Internet experience by starting more quickly and loading Java faster. The browser now displays image dimensions in the title bar and smoothes problems with redirected animated GIFs. The update also squashes a few bugs that were crawling around the Message Center.

For you privacy lovers out there, Communicator now supports the Fortezza security module, which is not a component of this download but available separately. Fortezza technology was originally developed by the government, so if it's the Feds you're worried about, this probably won't help. However, the algorithms Fortezza uses are complex enough to keep your information secure from garden-variety hackers. With this separate module installed, the browser can offer additional encryption options.

For most users, this update is worth the download just for the faster operation; for others, it represents a significant new direction in security. Who said the browser wars were over? Choose your strategic alliance:

http://www.browsers.com/?brw.mba

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