I-Comm - a web browser that doesn't require SLIP/PPP access

I-Comm -- I-Comm is Talent Communications' full-featured WWW browser that, like SlipKnot, doesn't require a SLIP/PPP winsock connection in order to surf the web. The basic requirements for running I-Comm are your PC, Windows, a modem, and an Internet shell, VAX, or Freenet account. You'll also need to ensure that several necessary programs are identified in your shell account search path (check the I-Comm page for more information on this). Once you have these essentials, you can get up and running on the 'net with a solid browser that, while not in the same league as Netscape or Internet Explorer, does include a solid collection of important features. Support for tables, background images, interlaced gifs, image maps (server side only), center and other advanced HTML tags, printing capabilities, and a built-in WAV player are just a few of the included features. I-Comm also includes a dial-up modem communications program, Zmodem transfer, and a phonebook utility in the package. Missing features include client side image mapping, support for multiple windows, font size tags, and additional Netscape tags (frames, sub/superscript, and div tags, for example). You might notice that the included and missing features for I-Comm are very similar to those of I-View. I-View and I-Comm are both products of Talent Communications and exhibit many of the same features. While I-View is designed for offline HTML browsing only, I-Comm extends the utility factor tenfold by giving users without a SLIP/PPP connection access to the most popular area of the internet. With only a few missing features, this is a godsend client for many of the previously forgotten netizens. SlipKnot runs a close second in this category, but I-Comm takes the crown for now due to its comprehensive collection of features and greater overall efficiency. SLIP/PPP, SLiRP, TIA, and Virtual TCP users, on the other hand, will likely find their needs best met by either Netscape or Internet Explorer, but I-Comm isn't very far behind. Pros: Web browser that doesn't require SLIP/PPP access; includes modem communications utilities Cons: Lacks some of Netscape's better features and its overall speed New: Mailto, transparent gif, tables, and null border support, more Version Reviewed: 1.20 Date of Review: 7/1/96 Reviewer: Forrest Stroud apps conference Main Menu