This week continues my experiences with Avant Browser, a fast, free Web browser based on the same software engine as Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 7, but loaded with great features. Several weeks of steady use have reaped only praise for what has become my official browser of choice.

Among the many things I mentioned last week about Avant Browser was its aggressive product support. Since then, the publisher has already issued another update, taking the program now to version 11.5 build 16. You can download the latest version absolutely free at www.avantbrowser.com. Even if you’re not sure about switching, it doesn’t hurt to give it a try.

Avant is one of many browser alternatives based on Internet Explorer 7’s Trident engine. So even though you use Avant, you still need IE7 installed to ensure full compatibility with all IE7 functions, like Cookies, ActiveX Controls, Java Script, Real Player, Macromedia Flash and Google Toolbar. Comparisons to IE7 end quickly, as Avant easily outpaces Microsoft’s newly revised but still outdated browser.

First and foremost, a good Web browser has to feel good. It has to sport an intuitive interface, with easy access to all the features used on a regular basis. Of all the browsers I’ve road-tested, only FlashPeak’s SlimBrowser comes close, but it’s currently too buggy to recommend.

Things that impress me most about Avant Browser are its speed, stability and the ease with which tabbed Web pages can be opened and closed. Practically everything about the program can be customized or tweaked because when it comes to Web browsing, it’s OK to be a control freak. Avant gives it to you, with URL aliases, advanced privacy controls and much more.

Here are some additional features that make Avant Browser worth investigating:

● The Safe Recovery option will save all open Web pages in the event of an improper shutdown of Avant and automatically reopen them when you start the browser again. It’s a handy feature: Although you could do the same using the browser history, this saves you the hassle.

● In addition to Avant’s built-in pop-up blocker, the program can also be set to block unwanted ads and banners, as well as disable sounds, videos, ActiveX controls, scripts and Java applets.

● Privacy control features include the ability to wipe out all your browsing tracks, including typed URLs, auto-complete passwords, cookies, history of visited Web sites, temporary files and search keywords. Delete all or some with the click of your mouse, or set it to automatically clean this information every time you exit the program.

● Avant comes with extensive setup options for mouse control within the program, like opening a link in a new tabbed window when clicked with the middle mouse button. The program also utilizes something called Mouse Gestures, which gives you an impressive array of 16 browser functions that can be performed with simple mouse movements. Note that programmable mice, like Microsoft or Logitech, can interfere with Mouse Gestures.

● Tired of trying to remember logins and passwords for myriad sites? Weary of filling out online forms? Avant supports the AI-RoboForm plug-in that stores this type of frequently used information securely stored in your computer, protected by a master password. From that point forward, all saved logins and passwords are filled in automatically. Likewise, AI-RoboForm stores your personal information, enabling you to complete an entire online form with just one click.

● Avant was programmed using MDI, or Multiple Document Interface technology. With MDI technology, fewer system resources are used, Web page loading is faster, and all tabbed pages can be easily controlled by the user. Keep in mind that the more tabbed browser windows you have open at the same time, the more memory resources you will be using. So if you are short on system RAM, you might experience some performance issues.

Even if you’re perfectly happy with your present Web browser, give Avant a try - there’s no harm having multiple Web browsers installed on your computer. Take the time to configure it for your needs - the list of user-defined options is staggering - and then really work it hard. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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