Web Hosting Talk : Other Forums : Web Hosting Lounge : IE & Netscape Freely Distributable?

[Benjamin]

I'm an Internet Service Provider and will be distributing CDs with our dialer software (available from http://www.dialupconstructor.com). We will also include the newest editions of both major browsers, Internet Explorer & Netscape.

Is Internet Explorer and Netscape freely distributable to send to our customers or do we need to go get some sort of license? If you know anything regarding this, let us know.

I don't feel like calling any of the two companies, because I'll just be put on hold for a long time, then the representative won't know what I'm talking about.

[Akash]

I'd assume so, as both companies want to grab a bigger marketshare while spending the least amount of money on advertising....

best answer will come from the creators themselves...

[Benjamin]

I don't think "able" is even an actual possible ending to "distribute." That's what my dictionary implies.

[Akash]

check the licensing agreements of the software...search for the word distrubute and you should find your answer

[Acronym BOY]

Google is your friend:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/iea...sv/default.asp

You can also redistribute Internet Explorer. By using setup scripts or command-line switches, you can reduce or eliminate the user interaction required to install Internet Explorer and Internet Tools. This helps ensure smooth installation when users set up your custom program with Internet Explorer.

http://wp.netscape.com/partners/dist...ndard/faq.html

What is the Netscape Standard Browser Distribution program?

The Netscape Standard Browser Distribution program is a program that allows companies to redistribute Netscape browsers free of charge. Members must register, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit quarterly reports. Netscape Communicator and Netscape Navigator Standard Edition browsers may be distributed on many platforms and in many localized languages.

How much does participation in the Standard Browser Distribution program cost?

The Standard Browser Distribution program is free of charge to registered program members.

[Acronym BOY]

Originally posted by akash
I'd assume so, as both companies want to grab a bigger marketshare while spending the least amount of money on advertising....

True, but Netscape wants you to place their browser in the prominent position if you do distibute both on the same medium.

[Benjamin]

There aren't too many opportunities to freely distribute software. I'm very very happy.

[filburt1]

Good luck distributing IE; the only installers I know of require Internet access to install. It took me weeks looking for IE4 in a non-web-based setup package, and I had to end up using a branded version and ripping out all the brand information.

[davidb]

you can distribute it. There is something like an IEAK 6, free and very nice, setup for ISPs and corporate users. You can customize it and make a nice install package. Search at microsoft.com, its something like I wrote aboue, internet explorer admin kit or something

[Acronym BOY]

IEAK is what you want, though watch out for some DLL licensing issues. You cant distribute those alone, but if its included with IE you can or something to that effect. All that nifo is found at the link I posted. Also google but add site:microsoft.com to your query, it wokrs very well.

[Rich2k]

Yes you can redistribute Internet Explorer using IEAK. Just read the license carefully as there are certain copyright notices and logos you need to put on your cds.

[whatever]

You just have to fill out a form to distribute netscape (its on their site) and they'll even customise it with your logo in it!