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Wednesday, January 18, 2006 10:25 AM PT Posted by Edward N. Albro

Design a Browser

There's no doubt this is a gimmick, but at least it's an interesting one. Browster, an alternative browser that works as a plug-in to Internet Explorer, is holding an open design contest.

As opposed to open source software, in which volunteers actually write the code, Browster's concept of open design involves people trying the software, then making suggestions for features and interface improvements. Users vote on the nominations and the folks who made the winning suggestions get a prize.

Lots of companies incorporate suggestions from users in their software, of course, but they don't always make it easy to contact them with ideas or make it clear they're listening. I know I have lots of suggestions for improving the software I use each day. How about you? What would you change in your favorite programs?

Comments

It should be mentioned that it also plugs in to Firefox 1.5, which is significant considering how much of a mess IE has become.

Anonymous
January 18, 2006
11:24 AM PT

It's not that much of a mess.

Grayson Peddie
January 18, 2006
11:59 AM PT

Compared to Bush's Iraq debacle you're right: it's not much of a mess.

But as usable software it is.

Anonymous
January 18, 2006
12:19 PM PT

First off Iraq isn't a debacle. It's so sad that all you liberals have left is to show how idiotic you are by posting flaming remarks such as this on message boards totaly unrelated to politics.

Second, what is your point in even bringing that up? It has absolutely nothing to do with the topic...so do everyone a favor and SHOVE IT!

IE isn't that much of a mess so long as you surf smart...still firefox is a lot better

Ryan
January 18, 2006
1:07 PM PT


Edward, thx for your comments on the Browster Open Design program. With prizes on the line, it may feel a little gimmicky, but we truly want this to work as a community based product design method, like open source, but for feature design.
we'd love to get your input on our feature forum!
Scott, CEO, Browster

Scott Milener
January 18, 2006
1:18 PM PT

wow Ryan is a little touchy I should say... maybe Anonymous was getting a little too close to the truth... huh fun how 'conservatives' can't stand a little criticism also interesting that when the conservative ideology is critiqued all conservative can do is yell and scream like a little baby?

Anonymous
January 18, 2006
1:49 PM PT

hey isn't this pcworld? all politicians are corrupt liars and not worth speaking about on this web site.

Anonymous
January 18, 2006
1:57 PM PT

The anonymous poster (save the most recent one) is obviously in the wrong place if he wishes to continue with this discussion on Iraq.

Incidentally, I don't like IE or Firefox. AOL Explorer takes them both to school (I've got plenty of RAM, so I don't care if it hogs it).

Josh
January 18, 2006
2:24 PM PT

It's still a pity that people degrade IE6. Show me another browser that has the auto hide feature where I swing the pointer to the left - there are my favorites!

When the pointer moves to the right, the favorites folder closes and I'm back to full screen viewing using 800 x 600 screen resolution. I like the bigger font sizes.

This is a super convieneince that I haven't seen in any other browser except Internet Explorer.

Bob
January 18, 2006
9:50 PM PT

I'm sorry Bob but which browser did you say you use? I have never seen that feature in IE6 and couldn't find it just now. As to bigger fonts, that is a feature of all browsers. Just go to the view menu and change the font size.

Anonymous
January 19, 2006
3:56 AM PT

Here is how it's done in IE6. First move pointer to stop right hand corner of browser.(grey area) Right click and you will see the where you can choose "auto hide". In ths same grey area then click on "customize".

From that new window you can set up your full screen icon so it's visible when IE6 isnt in full screen mode. Clicking on the full screen icon gives you the full screen mode.

Now to get the favorites to show when you move the pointer to the left.

1) Have IE6 set to standard size and click on the "view" button.
2) Put the pointer where it says "explorer bar" and when the other window opens up reight click on "favorites"

That's it! This feature works on using a screen resolution of 800 x 600.

I have found no other browser out there that has these features.

The auto hide feature with the addition of just moving the pointer to the left of your screen to happily open up your favorites folder and scroll up and down the selections with your the middle mouse wheel simply can't be beat!

I like having a full screen when I'm reading a web page. I have no need for tabs when I use these features mentioned above.

Bob
January 19, 2006
10:22 AM PT

Sorry for bad spelling in previous post. I was in a hurry. I think you will be able to figure it out.

Those IE6 tips work well and I was surprised that not everyone knew about those auto hide features.

Bob
January 19, 2006
10:29 AM PT

Ahh......we're going way off-topic here. This topic is about Browster, that works as a plug-in to Internet Explorer.

Grayson Peddie
January 19, 2006
10:36 AM PT

Who cares? :)

Bob
January 19, 2006
8:35 PM PT
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