Netscape today announced that the Netscape browser will be distributed with all new HP and Compaq consumer desktop and notebook PCs starting in early 2006. Under an agreement between the companies, Netscape will be pre-installed on all new HP and Compaq consumer PCs.

HP and Compaq consumer PC users will be able to choose Netscape as their default browser during the computer set up process, as well as being able to start the Netscape browser through icons on the desktop and in the Start menu. Netscape also will customize the browser for HP and Compaq PC customers with tabs that direct customers to key HP or Compaq web destinations.

"Netscape 8.0 was designed to give consumers a choice, and we are delighted that consumers who buy new HP and Compaq consumer PCs will be able to choose the Netscape browser for a safer and highly compatible browsing experience," said Jeremy Liew, Senior Vice President of America Online, Inc. and General Manager of Netscape.

"HP is pleased to offer our customers a choice with the addition of the Netscape browser to our consumer PC line up," said Nick Labosky, Director of Worldwide Consumer PC Beyond-the-Box group at HP. "By including Netscape 8.0 on our PCs, HP is providing people a more secure computing experience via the browser's cutting-edge security features and other functionality that make being online safer for our customers."

Netscape 8.0 is based on the Firefox code base, and it automatically adjusts safety and security settings to help protect users as they explore the Web. The browser helps ensure maximum compatibility and safety by switching seamlessly between the rendering engines used by Firefox and Internet Explorer. And the Netscape Browser makes it easy for users to discover and use features like tabbed browsing, integrated RSS feeds, enhanced privacy settings, multiple toolbars, and more.


About Netscape An Internet technology pioneer and an America Online, Inc. brand, Netscape reflects a decade of expertise in developing interactive products and Internet technologies that have played a key role in shaping and influencing the direction of the online medium. In addition to the Netscape browser and the Netscape.com portal, Netscape offers the Netscape(R) Service, an affordably priced dial-up Internet access service for consumers who want an easy, reliable and low-cost way to get online. Netscape continues to be the first choice of the Internet's savviest users -- providing them with innovative, flexible and intuitive digital tools and services.

Source: Wired News