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There is now a
number of browsers available for Macs other than the big two of Netscape
and Internet Explorer. Apple has just recently released a beta version
of their Safari browser, however there has been a very capable browser
developed by two university students in Germany and regularly updated
and improved for the last few years. Below is a listing of the features
included in iCab that do not appear in other browsers.
1. Blocking advertising
iCab can block undesirable images (using the Filter Manager), it can
also prevent pop-up windows containing advertising from opening automatically
(using unique "InScript filters"). It is very easy to modify
these filters. Simply control-click on any image you wish to block in
the future (or inside the pop-up window itself). The domain, or (if
you choose) the specific file name will be blocked thereafter. The contextual
menu automatically opens, where you can choose either "Image/Filter
Image" or "Page/InScript Filter.
2. Kiosk mode
While in Kiosk mode, iCab will cover the whole screen and all other
applications are blocked. The Kiosk mode is the ideal environment when
the computer is accessing a public place (like fairs, exhibitions, hotels
etc.) where users should be able to obtain information, yet prevent
any external access to your system. Additionally, the access can be
restricted to certain pages (even refusing referrals, if you choose).
3. Error protocol (Smiley)
iCab records all HTML errors of Web pages. A smiley-face will indicate
if the HTML code is OK (has no HTML errors, or hazards). In such sites,
the smiley face will be green (and smiling). Errors make the smiling
face red and sad. By clicking the red smileys iCab will open a window
where all the errors are identified with a small description. At http://validator.w3.org/
you can also test web pages using the official validator of the W3C.
4. Portable web archives
HTML pages can be stored in a compact ZIP-file, including all images
of the page. The advantage of the ZIP format is that you can use it
under DOS/Windows, Unix/Linux -and nearly all other operating systems
as well. The ZIP archive uses highly efficient compression, to save
hard disk space.
5. Download manager
HTML pages can be downloaded automatically. This allows you to access
the content off-line at your convenience, without having to go online
again. The download specifications are highly configurable: The path/depth
of downloaded files can be configured to get (only) the specified file,
all linked files, all html, all images, all files on the same site,
or even all linked files from all external linked sites. Additionally,
you can exclude any specific file type(s)
6. Link manager
When selecting this handy menu utility, a convenient split window opens
with all page links identified and listed on the left side. Pick any
link, and the respective site appears on the right side of the window.
Using the link manager you can comfortably search through long lists
of links (for example the result of a search engine) without the need
to open any new windows. This way you can avoid sites you do not wish
to visit, or information sources which are not be useful to you.
7. Source code manager
When selecting this handy menu utility, the source code of a page will
be displayed in any (chosen) editor, or directly in iCab. iCab can automatically
reload and re-display the entire page whenever the HTML code is saved
in the editor.
8. No system extensions
iCab doesn't install any system extensions, does not create any "invisible
files", and iCab doesn't modify the system or any system settings.
9. Open web page in new window
With this command, a link can be opened in a new window with Command-Click.
With Shift-Command-Click, this window is opened in the background so
that the main page remains on top and can be read first. When you are
finished with the main page you can switch to the underlying pages,
which will be fully loaded. This saves you time, allowing your next
page
10. Highly configurable
iCab is highly configurable. You can configure which Cookies should
be accepted and which should be rejected. You can select which menu
items are displayed in the contextual menu. Utilizing Apple "Text-to-Speech",
web pages can be read aloud.
11. And much more
iCab's unique and thorough cookie controls, Java scripting controls,
and filters offer you a broader range of control about your privacy
and safety on the internet. You can choose to "allow or refuse"
any illegal HTML/HTTP or security practices you encounter. iCab allows
you (if you choose) to have convenient warnings about any dangerous
sites you visit where your computer or security are threatened by rogue
code, or important data exchange that is conducted in an insecure environment.
iCab removes or restrains many annoying things from web pages: like
scrolling text messages in the status-line (which disable its reporting
function); windows that alter their size or position automatically to
interfere with your organizing preferences; web pages that switch off
all the navigation toolbars, etc. All this is done without completely
disabling the technology used by these features, unlike all other browsers
where you have only an "either/or" choice (or no choice at
all).
Many more convenient features exist, and more unique features are planned
in future releases.
Certainly, iCab has much more features than you can examine in one day.
Try it once, and you will see it has addressed all your needs, and iCab
can grow with you, to fully meet your personal tastes and preferences
-with much wider choices and options than any other browser!
New in iCab Preview 2.9
• Many internal changes, many parts of iCab rewritten (new cache
management and other internal changes). because of this iCab is now
much faster.
• New search features. You can now easily call any search engine
from within the URL input field
• Some fixes, workarounds and new features for MacOSX 10.2 (Jaguar)
What's coming next
The next larger update will be iCab 3.0. This release will
include much better CSS support and much better integration of Mac OS
X. The better CSS support will require larger internal changes in iCab.
Parts of these changes are already part of iCab 2.9 even if these are
not directly visible (besides iCab 2.9 is now faster).
System Requirements
• Minimum 5MB free RAM
• System 7.0.1 or 7.1, if ThreadManager and DragManager are also
installed
• System 7.5 or newer (including Mac OS X)
• MacTCP or OpenTransport
• InternetConfig 1.2 (or Mac OS 8.5 or newer)
• G4, G3, PPC, 68020, 68030 or 68040
Download: http://www.icab.de
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