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The good: Free; integrates with Hotmail and MSN Messenger; supports multiple users on one PC; powerful search tools; integrated media player streams radio and plays movies; easy to set up.
The bad: Cluttered, confusing interface; weakened Hotmail won't check POP email accounts; browser lacks navigation tools, such as a refresh button.
The bottom line: This AOL-like browser-cum-ISP is swell for Internet novices who have low expectations, especially since it's free. If you're looking for an alternative to AOL, MSN Explorer is the way to go.
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CNET Review
(10/25/00; updated 11/1/00)
By Molly Wood
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| MSN Explorer--a browser, an ISP, an email client, and an instant messenger all rolled into one--is Microsoft's opening salvo in a war against AOL. It's cartoonish, slick, easy to use, and full of tricks and cute gimmicks, and it has one major advantage over AOL: the download is totally free. While AOL forces you to sign up for its ISP to use AOL software, MSN offers you a choice. You can either use MSN with your current Internet access provider or sign up for MSN's fee-based dial-up, broadband, or satellite access. (NorthPoint is MSN's DSL provider, and StarBand Communications provides the satellite connection.) If you're a Web newbie or you're frustrated with AOL, try MSN Explorer. It's flexible, fun, and easier to use than AOL. But if you use the Web and email for more than shopping and forwarding jokes, keep moving. MSN Explorer lacks essentials such as POP mail integration that expert users will crave.
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| Quick Facts |
| Software requirements and specs: |
| Platform: | Windows 95/98/2000/Me |
| Processor: | 90 MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB |
| Disk space: | 100MB (or IE 5 and 30MB) |
| Display requirements: | 800-by-600-pixel resolution VGA |
| CD-ROM required: | No |
| Downloadable full version: | Yes |
Molly Wood is an associate editor for CNET. Got a question for her? We'll pass it on! |
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