In my look at the beta code, I found that the most noticeable change is the browser s new design. Netscape has redesigned all of the standard elements, such as scroll bars, file menus and dialog boxes that most programmers usually let the Windows interface provide. The result is that Netscape 6 looks more like a Linux application than a Windows application. Also, the application is about two-thirds the size of previous versions, another result of better design. A much simpler navigation bar makes more room for browsing than previous versions, although Microsoft Corp. s Internet Explorer offers even a little more viewing space.
Large icons depict the important things, such as back, forward, reload and stop.
Gone are all the other buttons, demonstrating the cleaner look of good design. Another unmistakable design change is the addition of the My Sidebar window, which I have mixed feelings about. It looks like a sort of clearinghouse for a mishmash of features and marketing junk. For example, one of the tabs is the Buddy List, which shows you which of your friends are online so that you can send them instant messages. There also is a search tab and a What s Related tab that finds other pages related to the one you are viewing.