Alternate Browser Mozilla 1.6 Released

Mozilla.org late Thursday released the final version of Mozilla 1.6, its suite of open-source Web tools that includes a browser and e-mail client.

In beta since December, Mozilla 1.6 boasts cross-platform support for Microsoft's NTLM (NT LAN Manager) authentication scheme, and improved integration with the popular GNOME desktop for Linux. The code has also been cleaned up, and numerous bugs fixed, said the development group.

Mozilla 1.6, which also includes a Web designer and chat application, is available in versions for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. It can be downloaded from the group's Web site free of charge. CDs containing the suite will be available in February for those who don't want to retrieve the software electronically.

While 1.6 had been rolled out, development continues on next generation stand-alone editions of the Mozilla browser, code named 'Firebird,' and an e-mail client dubbed 'Thunderbird.'

Neither are quite ready for prime time. Firebird is currently at beta version 0.7, while Thunderbird is at 0.4. Preview editions of both can be downloaded from the Web site.