I have finally managed to get my web browser to a semi-usable state, of which I am now releasing for feedback. This project of mine has been in the works for about five years, of which I have restarted about three times. This version was started in 2007 and as of now is still very very unfinished, however usable. Building this software has taught me many things, one of which is that you should always plan out your programs. Always! I have had to delete reams of code due to this simple arrogant mistake. However I’ve also learnt that I refuse to learn from mistakes. I have never planned a single module of Skout, and I probably never will. That’s called laziness, and that is my middle name (along with awesome).
Skout is a web browser that I have been developing. Whilst packed with features, it retains a lightweight customisable interface to prevent the bloated look and feel of many web browsers today. It could be thought as feel of Chrome with the functionality of Firefox, or at least will be. At the moment it is unfinished, yet I’m releasing it as a pre-alpha version to gain feedback on the current features and to use the general public to get a comprehensive list of bugs.
You can download the MSI installer file through one of the following mirrors. Once downloaded and opened, the file will self-extract and install the browser on your computer. Please use this at your own risk. While the risk to your computer is minimal, you should be made aware that I will not take responsibility for any damages this software may cause. This is unsupported and unfinished, do not expect a fully-functioning replacement to your default browser.
Download Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?gyyrtiozzdm (7.18MB) Updated
System Requirements:
CPU: 1GHz
RAM: 512MB
OS: Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista SP1 or Windows 7
Storage Space: >30MB
Prerequisites:
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 pre-installed (click here to download)
Please visit http://skoutbrowser.blogspot.com/ for regular updates for Skout and development news.
(And thanks to Sandmonkey for his contributions to the Verco theme, logo and search page)
Renegade
Every century, there is a defining point that is remembered forever. In the case of the 21st Century, that may come early this time round. That’s right, by the end of July, you get to try out Skout, the new web browser created by geeks, for geeks. Well actually, probably by a geek. And its mainly for everyone to use. But the point still stands. Right?
The main target for the software is to achieve the middle ground between minimalistic browsing and customisability. The half way point between Firefox and Chrome if you like. Whilst containing the usual features of the a web browser and some extras, it does so without compromising the effectiveness and ease of use. It is based on the powerful Trident engine and has one major advantage in comparison to other web browsers on the market:
It was designed and programmed by me.
Skout is my own creation to do as I please. I’m working towards the fully functional beta copy and hope to have it ready and released by the end of July. I’m hoping for it to be a success, however it will be a small fish in an ocean of sharks. I need a defining feature to set it apart from the rest. That’s where the internet comes in, I have asked in several places over the web for inspiration. What do you want in your browser? I’m talking about inbuilt features, not add-ons or plug-ins. What is it that you wish your browser could do?
Skout currently includes:
- A built in music player
- A basic HTML editor
- An FTP browser
- A notepad/rich text pad
- Web page screenshot
- Three browser themes, Teal, Black and Verco (latter was designed by Sandmonkey)
- A bookmark bar
- Search box for all popular search engines, also including Wikipedia, news sites and YouTube
- Webmail manager
I’d offer user opinions, but the only testimonial I’ve managed to get so far is “Wow…it loads my anime 20 times faster that Opera”. Needless to say I wont be using that officially. The alpha tester in question was removed from the program due to violation of my browser (ie. using it to watch anime).
I have the shell of a browser. A clear slate. What’s next is up to the incredible ideas that I know the internet community is capable of. If you have an idea, no matter how stupid of seemingly impossible. Let me know and I’ll see what I can do with it. Maybe then this will go places.
Renegade
