The inside line on Netscape's new browser is that the beefed-up Communicator 4.5 is actually a smaller download (6MB) than the preceding 4.05 version, thanks to some serious housecleaning by Netscape's programmers. They have integrated Collabra newsreading functionality into Messenger, and removed Conference and Netcaster entirely. Communicator 4.5 supports byte-level patching, so you update only those portions of the code that have changed, rather than entire files.

Communicator 4.5's improved management tools also help system administrators set up and maintain multiple business machines. When version 4.5 launches, it automatically installs updates; administrators don't have to track down every user's system to make sure they're all up to date. Even better, Communicator's Mission Control Desktop lets system administrators manage all installations of Communicator on a network, regardless of platform. Mission Control supports more than 300 new customization options, so administrators can set user options, security, and preferences from a single machine.

If you're reinstalling Communicator, it'll be a breeze, as version 4.5 now lets you store your profile on a server and access it remotely. Remote access is especially helpful for telecommuters and road warriors, but even the office-bound will benefit: if your system dies, your bookmarks, settings, and address book live on. You can also log in from any workstation and automatically resume your last session. Ooooooh.

http://www.netscape.com/

(? Ninfomania)