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Fully featured web browser based on Internet Explorer

Fully featured web browser based on Internet Explorer

Vote: (2 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: GlobalCAD

Version: 2.0

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(2 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

GlobalCAD

2.0

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Highly customizable interface with themes and skins
  • Convenient sidebar with multiple tools and features
  • Support for Internet Explorer add-ons
  • Integrated pop-up blocker and RSS feed support

Cons

  • Basic bookmark management system
  • Lacks certain common keyboard shortcuts

A flexible alternative browser with customization at its core, Visual Explorer offers a familiar yet enhanced experience for users rooted in Internet Explorer's engine. It aims to address the preferences and requirements for internet users who wish to maintain some consistency with traditional browsing while incorporating new and useful functionalities.

Customization and User Interface

One of the standout features of Visual Explorer is the breadth of customization it provides. Users can choose from a variety of themes and color skins to personalize their browsing experience. Such aesthetic adjustments go beyond mere novelty, offering a level of personal touch that brings comfort and familiarity amidst hours of web interaction.

The user interface extends this personalization with its sidebar functionality. Here, users can access their favorites, peruse browsing history, jot down notes in a basic notepad, and browse through the Windows folder structure. For web developers or the simply curious, it also offers the ability to view the source code of the current website, thereby aligning utility with learning and exploration.

Enhanced Browsing Tools

Visual Explorer is not short on tools designed to improve your browsing experience. The browser includes a pop-up blocker to keep unwanted distractions at bay and supports RSS feeds for those who like to stay updated with the latest posts from their favorite websites. An integrated search tool allows for comprehensive searches across multiple sites directly from the browser, indicating an emphasis on efficient information retrieval.

Another significant inclusion is the support for Internet Explorer add-ons. Given that Visual Explorer shares Internet Explorer's base engine, this compatibility ensures that users transitioning to Visual Explorer can maintain their preferred add-ons, bridging the gap between the old and the new.

Bookmark Management and Keyboard Shortcuts

The bookmark management system in Visual Explorer, however, presents itself with more simplicity. While it manages to cover the basics, users who thrive on complex organizational systems for their bookmarks may find Visual Explorer's offering relatively rudimentary.

A somewhat surprising shortfall is the lack of support for basic keyboard shortcuts that have become second nature to users of more mainstream browsers. This gap could affect the workflow of users accustomed to navigating the web with quick keystrokes, although it may not be a deal-breaker for everyone.

Performance and Stability

In terms of performance, Visual Explorer rides on the reliability of the engine that powered Internet Explorer, ensuring a degree of stability and compatibility with web standards. This foundation is advantageous for users seeking a consistent browsing experience, with the added benefits of Visual Explorer's enhancements.

Conclusion

Visual Explorer stands as a compelling choice for users looking for an Internet Explorer-based browser with modern enhancements. Its customization features and additional tools offer a satisfying level of control over the browsing experience. As with any alternative browser, there may be some trade-offs, such as its basic bookmark management and the omission of certain keyboard shortcuts, but the overall package is a robust web browsing solution.

Pros

  • Highly customizable interface with themes and skins
  • Convenient sidebar with multiple tools and features
  • Support for Internet Explorer add-ons
  • Integrated pop-up blocker and RSS feed support

Cons

  • Basic bookmark management system
  • Lacks certain common keyboard shortcuts