Review For: Avant Browser Site Link: http://www.avantbrowser.com/   Compatibility: Windows* License: Freeware Date Reviewed: March 20, 2004 Written By: Webmaster Christopher Beley Rating:

     I have mixed feelings about this browser, both good and bad, but I have to admit this is one great browser!

Exactly What Is It?
     Well, it's a browser...LOL.  Anyways, basically it isn't a browser, but more of a ad-on for internet explorer.  You see the program is based on and uses internet explorer to run.  This means only windows users are able to use it:-(

So what is the point of this browser if it is just Internet Explorer?
     Well, it may be Internet Explorer "in disguise", but this disguise seems to be a lot better than it's original form.  The one main thing I like about this browser is the tab-browsing.  This is where instead of having tons of internet explorers in your task bar, you will see all the pages you are viewing in the program it self in one window.  Additionally, you can just click the page you want to bring up and it will come up.

     Still not impressed?  Well, Avant Browser allows you to quickly turn things off such as pictures, flash, sound, videos and more.  As for why you would want to do this, it is because a lot of people don't like some music to suddenly start playing in the background, or the person wants to turn off pictures, so he or she can surf the web faster.

     If you thought that was it, you are wrong!  There are other features such as a pop-up blocker, easy removal of browser history, a built in search bar with google search, and more!

New tricks...same old dog...
     No matter how you look at it, it is still internet explorer.  It uses Internet Explorers history, temporary files, settings, homepage, favorites, and other Internet Explorer stuff.  Basically, all this is, is a spiffed up, skinned internet explorer, however that doesn't provide a reason to not download this and try it out...

Some Problems
     Technically there are no problems with the software itself that I have found, but the more "techy" of us is going to notice something when they install this software.  After the first time you run it, and then close it...it actually doesn't close.  You will notice that it will remain as a little icon by the time in your taskbar.  So, you may be wondering, "Well, now it will load faster", and you are completely right, but at the same time it will take away your system resources.  This is why some of you may want to consider some other browser such as Mozzilla, because a browser like Mozzilla won't run in the background after you close it (from as far as I know).

     In conclusion, this is a great browser, or should I say Internet Explorer in disguise, that I will probably end up using, myself, a lot.  So, unless you are worried about system resources, or hate Microsoft (I couldn't possibly guess why...LOL), I highly recommend you give this program a try.

EDIT: After playing with it some more, I have realized that if you go to file and exit you can completely shutdown the program, but if you just click the X in he corner, it will just minimize to an icon by the time.