SeaMonkey 2.53.20

Overview

SeaMonkey is basically a bundle of applications built on the Mozilla source code. In fact, it is probably the most extensive and fully operational application package for purposes of communication. In essence, SeaMonkey is a browser that incorporates an e-mail and IRC chat client. In addition, the web-browser enables the entrance to newsgroups and basic HTML reworking. SeaMonkey is an open-source freeware application that is constantly being improved by the online community. To put it simple, it is a very versatile utility that will change the way you see internet communication and is for both newbie and advanced users.

Installation

SeaMonkey is compatible with all the existing Windows operating systems, including the older versions, but also with the Linux and Mac OS X as well. For what it is worth, the 17.7 MB size of the program is rather trivial. Moreover, the system requirements for SeaMonkey are minimalistic, as a 500 MHz processor and 128 MB of RAM will do just fine. The installation is quite easy, as no settings are required on your part, except the location where you want to place SeaMonkey. However, it is worth noting that you will need to place it in the program files group and add the shortcut to the quick-link bar or desktop manually. For all purposes it is a minor inconvenience, as performing this action takes a couple of seconds at most.

Interface

In terms of interface, SeaMonkey is not very different from its predecessor, Mozilla Firefox. When you initially run the browser, you will be redirected to the webpage of the online community that has developed it in order to learn more about its features and enrich its capabilities with the help of add-ons. Whilst the basic features only include the IRC chat, newsgroup, email and address book, the add-ons can really enhance its capabilities. The aforementioned features can be accessed via the lower left side shortcut list, or via the Windows menu in the upper right corner. Truth be told, considering that these are the options, what really separates SeaMonkey from Mozilla, the developers should probably consider enhancing their visibility. However, the fact that they are simply presented more than makes up for the couple of seconds you spend browsing through the menus searching for them.

Pros

The greatest benefit associated with using SeaMonkey would clearly have to be access to a formidable number of applications within a single program. Moreover, you get all these powerful and fully active features for free. In addition to the conventional features mentioned, SeaMonkey is very versatile in terms of development, meaning that you can enhance it with several add-ons and personalize with themes (known as Personas) without putting too much of a strain or hogging the resources of the system. The mail feature, for instance, enables linking several email accounts, filter the unwanted mails and sort them using colors and tags. In addition, the chat is also easy to personalize, meaning that you do not have to get bored of the same old default colors. As far as web surfing is concerned, the potent pop-up blocker and smart searching systems allow users to locate all the content they need within a matter of minutes without aggravations from advertisement. Lastly, the sync feature of SeaMonkey ensures total browsing security, because the surfing history as well as the bookmarks and passwords are partially stored on different computers across their server. Overall, it is safe to say that SeaMonkey is versatile, powerful and safe to use, regardless of whether you are surfing secured or unsecure protocols.

Cons

Considering it is an open-source freeware utility, SeaMonkey still needs to resolve some bugs regarding random crashes, missing keyboard shortcuts and the help menu. However, these issues only occur occasionally and their causes are limited. 

Alternatives

At the moment, no real alternative that incorporates the same amount of features exists for SeaMonkey. However, you always have the option of installing add-ons for Firefox or Google Chrome.

Conclusion

To sum it up, even though there are still a few issues that need addressing with SeaMonkey, the program is portable, powerful, versatile and, best of all, free. Since it is able to deliver all that it promises and a lot more, there is no grounds to turn the application down before testing it. You will see that it was worth it.