Netscape has officially launched the latest version of its browser, Netscape 8.0, according to reports. Although the browser is based on Firefox, it also supports the Internet Explorer engine, and so will be able to render more sites than will Firefox alone.

The final version also comes with a heavy emphasis on security, with built-in anti-phishing safeguards. The browser adjusts its security settings automatically, based on a regularly-updated blacklist of dangerous or malicious sites.

Recently, Firefox's security message has been slightly tarnished, after a spate of vulnerabilities were identified in the open source browser. It remains to be seen whether this will have an impact on the uptake of the new offering from Netscape. ®

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