You may not even be aware of which browser you're using, yet a very fierce "browser war" is being waged between Microsoft and Netscape, and both companies care desperately about which browser you're using.

Ironically, you may not be using either, particularly if you surf the Web via AOL or Compuserve... Both of these online services incorporate a proprietary browser with their software.

Both of these browsers are adequate, but neither offer all the features of Netscape Navigator (currently the leading browser software) or Microsoft's Internet Explorer (coming on fast). These browsers incorporate "plug-ins" which enable the Websurfer to more easily view animations and video, listen to audio, and receive Webpages with more sophisticated layout and formatting.

Compuserve is expected to release version 3.0 of their software in August, which will include your choice of either Netscape's or Microsoft's browser (and will also be very Windows 95-friendly). These browsers can also be added to your basic AOL software.

--t.borst