Browse without IE

Browse internet without those bulky, unmanageable and resource hungry browsers

The world of browsers extends far beyond IE and Netscape Communicator. This world is occupied by alternate browsers, which are leaner on resources, offer multi-platform support, and have built-in features like integrated multimedia that may suit your needs better, or are useful for people with disabilities. Here are 12 such browsers that can make your Internet experience more productive

As Internet users you are continually fed a dose of new and updated versions of IE (Internet Explorer) and Netscape Communicator. The latest versions claim to incorporate the latest technology, but these rarely result in improving your experience. Most of your searches for information don’t require such resource-hungry applications (geeks call these big two, Bloatware) and the multitude of plug-ins that load up when you start your browser.

Enter alternate browsers that are leaner on resources, and offer better tools, or at least, variety. For instance, they may have an integrated browser client for surfing, chatting, e-mail, and video conferencing. Some of these also offer multi-platform support, which, along with their small footprint, makes them lucrative candidates for small-footprint devices. Toned-down versions of traditional browsers may lose ground here because they may not incorporate all the required features.

The term alternate browser is also used for browsers for people with disabilities. These offer features like read-aloud or connection to Braille devices to generate output that the visually impaired can comprehend. Here are a few nuggets from the world of alternate browsers.

1. HotJava Browser

Features: Runs on its own engine, supports modern standards, is platform independent
Cons: Is unstable, really slow

Java being platform independent, gives Sun Microsystems HotJava browser platform independence. The browser supports tables and frames, GIF and JPEG image files, cookies, AU audio, FTP, SMTP and SOCKS protocols.

While installing, you may choose to install JRE that comes bundled with the browser or use an existing JVM on your machine. The browser has most of the standard features that you find on traditional browsers. You can configure the content display settings (like fonts or links). It also supports proxies for connection. It can be directed to handle Web content the way you want it to. The browser comes with an integrated SMTP client that can be configured to send e-mail.

It renders Web pages well, but they take some time to be rendered. Also, the refresh is slow and you can see substantial jerks if you scroll through a Web page. This may be because of the heavy code-crunching that it has to do to be platform independent. Its response to commands is a little sluggish and it takes a while for a button-click response to come through. Also sometimes when you click on a link, the application seems to freeze.

2. RapidBrowser

Features: Has good integration of multimedia viewers, supports MDI
Cons: Is resource hungry

Aimed at users with high-speed Internet access like cable or other broadband connections, this browser is based on the IE engine. Installating it is a breeze; when I installed it, it took up a little more than 4 MB of hard disk space (over and above the IE install). While downloading the application, you should have a username and password to connect to the RapidBrowser network to access features in the browser like video links, search, and chat.

It offers lots of multimedia, including a basic MP3 player with playlist manager and a media player for streaming video content on the Internet. This player window can also be viewed in a resizable TV mode. So you can watch music videos or newscasts in a TV-like always-on-top window while working on something else. The media player comes with a lot of presets and a quick video URL mail-to link, which works with your existing e-mail application.

RapidBrowser has an instant messenger client and chat rooms. This browser also features an integrated search bar that connects to a search through the RapidBrowser network. The browser offers an MDI (Multi Document Interface) that does away with Windows taskbar clutter of multiple instances of browsers.
In all, a welcome add-on to your existing IE.

3. Neoplanet

Features: Has customizable interface, features Channels
Cons: Is a bit heavy on system resources

Neoplanet could be the only desktop application that you need to load for all your Web-browsing requirements. This integrated suite comprises a browser, an e-mail client, an instant messenger client, chat, and a new concept of clubs. The browser has a slick rounded look and the interface is skinnable. The full-screen option, though, is not all that great. Apart from the regular navigation buttons, the interface also houses a channel bar on the right, which is akin to your favorites, the difference being that these are easily accessible. You can drag and drop a Web-link onto the channel bar to add it there. The navigation bar features an integrated search option that lets you search the Net using well-known search engines.

Neoplanet has built-in e-mail client can be accessed at the touch of a button. This e-mail client is complete in all respects with multiple-account support and filters. Its instant messaging client requires you to sign up for the clubs with a username and password. The downside to this messenger is that you can only chat with other Neoplanet users. All the features for customizing the browser can be accessed through the control panel, which also provides start-up options. Neoplanet has its own dialer, a modem booster, and even a link to adjust your IE specific settings. The application is a little hungry of resources and if you go on to open another browser window, the difference is all the more perceptible. It takes up around 6 MB of hard-disk space over and above IE.

With all the bells and whistles, this browser is for those who like a bit of spice in their Web browsing. Novices to the Internet will find the combination of common Internet functions into a single application an easier option. But this can still be improved upon.