Other Sites
It's worth repeating: Classilla isn't finished. WaMCoM's last update was in 2003, and that means six years of Mozilla patches and updates to catch up on. While Classilla has a lot of critical patches applied (which is why it's being released, even in unfinished form, since WaMCoM is now not present on its mirrors), there are still security, stability and compatibility issues yet to be fixed and many sites still won't work, or worse. You will be using software that is still in evolution. Exciting, right? Yes. And quite possibly unstable. Know what you're getting into. Using Classilla is at your own risk. There are still many bugs!
Remember: the Classilla maintainers and administrators are not responsible for any damage to your computer, data or operating system that Classilla may do. Again, you use Classilla at your OWN RISK. We eat our own dog food, but that doesn't mean it always tastes good.
Classilla is exclusively for the classic MacOS
While Mozilla is a cross-platform environment, and Classilla is based on its XPFE system, Classilla's highest priority is whether it works on classic Macintosh, and any features that get added all have the same requirement. If it'll work and it'll help, it'll be in Classilla. If Mozilla's code won't work as is and Classilla needs that feature, it'll be rewritten, even from scratch if possible. Classilla isn't designed as an application where MacOS support is an afterthought; it's built to be Mac first and always.
Classilla isn't a replacement for other browsers or iCab
Classilla doesn't replace, and isn't designed to replace, the excellent iCab. While it will of course replace Mozilla and WaMCoM if that's what you're using, and has much better support than Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator, there are still many sites you may need to use a combination of browsers to view. Classilla is much faster, and its JavaScript is much more robust, but iCab still has the edge for CSS and layout. And at least for awhile that's how it's going to be.
Support those who still support the classic Mac; if you're serious about using the Web on an OS 9 system, let Alexander know by registering iCab. Then use Classilla where you can, and iCab where you must, and get all your bases covered.
Classilla is a browser with a future
Classilla has two purposes: first and foremost, to get a modern web browser running again on classic Macs. But secondly, it's a seed: not only does it get a process established for building itself, it establishes a template for other free open-source projects to follow. By putting the ability to maintain our own software in our own hands, as users of classic Macs, we ensure that OS 9 will continue to survive. Classilla has a path for maintenance and a means to improve based on a solid foundation. It's not a dead end.
Classilla isn't going to get there without your help
Classilla sure needs users: users appear in server logs, and remind site owners that the whole world isn't using Windows or Internet Explorer. But to continue to advance, Classilla needs contributors -- and you can help out even if you don't know the first thing about developing for OS 9.
Can't code in C or OS 9, but you know a lot about HTML and CSS? Become a distiller and help turn malfunctions into test cases, so that coders can devise specific, targetted fixes. Find out how on the Classilla Wiki.
Know enough C/C++ to be dangerous? Become a coder and help integrate Mozilla patches into Classilla, or even write completely new features. You don't even have to know much about Mac programming to be helpful -- if you know CodeWarrior at all, come help out. Find out how on the Classilla Wiki.
For more information, visit:
http://www.floodgap.com/software/classilla/
Tags: Software Updates ď Internet ď Software News ď
I’ve given it a try under classic in OS X and so far so good. Nice classic look and feel. Responsive. My gmail is readily accessible using imap or the browser. Doesn’t scroll with my mouse wheel. Some plugins are a problem (at least Flash under classic is). I intend to load it onto my old BondiBlue and give it a whirl on an honest to goodness OS 9 machine and see what kind of mileage I can get.