Software Download

Download Instructions

This page provides detailed instructions on how to download Netscape's browser suites and servers.
 
Browser Suites

  1. Determine which Netscape product is best for you. Go to the overview of all the products available from Netscape to view a comparison of the system requirements, features, and prices for those products. To see information about a product, click on the product's name. You will be taken to a short description of the product that includes information links.

  2. After you've decided on a product, click the Get Software button above the information links. You will be taken to a download page.

  3. On the download page, identify the version of the product you need. Use the pulldown menus at the top of the page to choose:

    • The operating system of the computer on which you'll install the software.

    • The language in which you want the menu bars, buttons, and help text to appear.

    • The version number of the software. Base your choice on whether you want to get the latest finished version or try a preview release.

    Not all products are available in all languages or for all systems. If you are uncertain whether a particular product is available on the download page, click the product name on the Overview of Products page to get to a short description of the product that includes a link to the download specs for that product.

    If you want to download a 16-bit version of any Netscape product, choose Windows 3.1 as your operating system. If you are using Windows 95, download the 32-bit version for Windows - unless you are using Netscape Navigator Personal Edition. For Netscape Navigator Personal Edition, download the 16-bit version. For more information about Netscape Navigator Personal Edition, see the read-me file that comes with the software.

  4. Depending on the installation options available for the product version that interests you, you should check the boxes below the pulldown menus to add components or enhanced security to the product you've chosen. Strong U.S./Canada-only encryption is useful only if you use the Internet to view or send sensitive information such as credit card or bank account numbers. If you decide to download a browser suite with strong U.S./Canada-only encryption, you will be asked to fill out a declaration that you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident before downloading can begin. Add components downloads all the parts of Communicator at one time. You should use this option only if you have a high-speed Internet connection. You will also be given the opportunity to add components when you install Navigator 4.0 for the first time.

  5. After you've chosen the product version that interests you, decide whether to download a copy for evaluation or one for which you pay. There is no difference in the product itself, but Netscape offers limited support for evaluation software. The evaluation period is limited to 90 days for business and government organizations. After the evaluation period, Netscape asks that you purchase a license.

  6. If you elect to purchase the software, you will be taken to a checkout page in the Netscape Store to supply your billing information.

  7. If you elect to download the software for free, downloading begins as soon as you click the Download For Free button. As you are downloading, take note of the directory or folder that contains the file you are getting. You will need to find this file to install the product.

Hints About Downloading

You can find out the average time it takes to download each product by looking it up in the download specs for each product on the Overview of Products page.

If you lose your connection while downloading a file and you are running Netscape Communicator, click the Download For Free button again. This may activate new functionality in Communicator that will pick up downloading where it left off.

Servers

  1. Determine which Netscape product is best for you. Go to the overview of all the products available from Netscape to view a comparison of the system requirements, features, and prices for those products. To see information about a product, click on the product's name. You will be taken to a short description of the product that includes information links.

  2. After you've decided on a product, click the Get Software button above the information links. You will be taken to a download page.

  3. Now identify the version of the product you need. Use the pulldown menus at the top of the page to choose:

    • The version number of the software. Base your choice on whether you want to get the latest finished version or try a preview release.
    • The operating system of the computer on which you'll install the software.

    Not all products are available for all systems. If you are uncertain whether a particular product is available on the download page, click the product name on the Overview of Products page to get a short description of the product that includes a link to the download specs for that product.

  4. Depending on the installation options available for the product version that interests you, you should check the boxes below the pulldown menus to add components or enhanced security to the product you've chosen. Strong U.S./Canada-only encryption is useful only if you use the Internet to view or send sensitive information such as credit card or bank account numbers. If you decide to download a browser suite with strong U.S./Canada-only encryption, you will be asked to fill out a declaration that you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen before downloading can begin.

  5. After you've chosen the product version and any options that interest you, decide whether to download a free copy or one for which you pay. There is no difference in the product itself, but Netscape doesn't offer support for free software. If you are evaluating the software for free, you will be asked to join the Test-Drive evaluation program. As part of this program, you will be asked to provide information about you and your company and to agree to a license that requires payment after 60 days.

  6. If you elect to purchase the software, you will be taken to a checkout page in the Netscape Store to supply your billing information.

  7. If you elect to download the software for free, you will be taken to the Test-Drive login screen. If you have not downloaded a Test-Drive product before, you will be taken to a registration form. After you fill out the registration, you can begin downloading the software by clicking the Register button. As you are downloading, take note of the directory or folder that contains the file you are getting. You will need to find this file to install the product.

Hints About Downloading

You can find out the average time it takes to download each product by looking it up on the Overview of Products page.


ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD INFORMATION
Instructions: How to Download | How to Install | FAQ
Program Terms: Preview Releases | Licenses | Educational Users
Product Info: Installation Options | Overview of Products
Subscriptions: Server Subscription Information
Browser Subscription Information | Subscriber Download Area


If you have any problems downloading, please read the Software Download FAQ or email us.

Copyright © 1997 Netscape Communications Corporation