Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0/4.01 |
Absolutely positively the best browser on the market. It is loaded, and I mean loaded with features that make any other browser seem completely feeble in comparison. The way it transforms your desktop and soups up your File Explorer makes it a plus too. Say you are downloading something and you get disconnected. No problem! You can reconnect with the click of a button, just the way you can with certain FTP programs. It is also much more easily integrated into the Windows shell. The upgrade to 4.01 is the icing on the cake and it is definitely worth the download. The topper is that it is easy to use and setup. However, it has some major flaws that are too great to ignore. For instance if you ever try to uninstall it your operating system is toast. Some people find that they don not like to view their desktop as a webpage with Active Desktop. I have to agree with the critics that is too ambitious and wants to take over. The last thing Microsft needs is more power over my computer. Get rid of the bugs, make it more stable and I might be back. |
B- |
| Netscape 4.04 | I got fed up , made the switch, and never looked back. Once you have had to reformat your hard drive a couple of times you will begin to appreciate programs that are stable.The composer is a bit limited but at least it is small, fast, and can do targets. Its features, while good, don't even compare to those of Explorer, but it does the job. And above all it is stable, small, and fast. | A |
| FTP Explorer | In case you don't know FTP stands for File transfer protocol and is used for getting files around on the net. It is alot better than using a web browser to access an http site because it is more reliable and does not take up precious bandwidth that people need to view the webpage. This one is free, easy to use and has an attractive interface. | A+ |
| Microsoft Office 97 | I am not sure if I like all the frills. It is not as stable as Office 95 but is easier to use. What can I say? Its the best word processor out there. Nuff said. | A- |
Microsoft FrontPage 97 |
Compared to Adobe Pagemill it is more powerful. It is equiped with numerous wizards and templates that automate some simple functions. It has some disappointments though. For instance some of the plugins it includes dont work in anything but Explorer. There is an advanced toolbar that don't deliver what they seem to. In other words, when I click on a button that says java I expect it to show a list of java applets I can drop right into my page - not gonna happen. Its still otherwise a good ap. Its really their fault for making these functions seem as easy as the click of a button. | B |
| Microsoft Plus | I guess I am a stickler for a good desktop theme. A theme transforms your desktop with a background image, icons, animated cursors, and sound effects that correspond to some theme. The Microsoft Plus pack comes with a set of well designed themes as well as some visual enhancements for your desktop. The theme I currently use is called "Inside My Computer". If you want a theme of your own you can download them from Softseek among others. Note: you either need the Plus pack or another themes reader. Refer to themes Plus if you don't have it. | A+ |
| Themes Plus | This great little program that lets you read themes. In addtition it adds editing capabilities to fine tune or change a theme the way you want. In the only downside to it is that it does not come with any themes itself. You can get it at Soft Seek. Please note that this is shareware. | A+ |
| Microsoft Golf Theme | This is a freeware theme from Microsoft. Use it and you will be in the mood for some golf - Four! You can get it here. | A |
| Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller | The concept is alright. Hell comes to earth in the form of virtaul reality. The game is an interactive movie with such stars as Dennis Hopper doing voices. A highly absorbing adventure with and an interesting vision of the future of the internet. The animation leaves a little to be desired, but the backgrounds are excellent. | A |