With the introduction of Internet Explorer (IE) 3.0 Microsoft has caught up with Netscape by incorporating its HTML extension for frames. In regards to HTML tags, there are currently few differences between Netscape and IE. These differences will be discussed in the next section. But HTML is only a small part of the picture. Web browsers have evolved into full-fledged application platforms, with such components as browser extension APIs, scripting languages, browser objects, and JAVA. The concept of the browser as an application host was first introduced by Netscape and since cloned by Microsoft. The Microsoft clone is reasonably compatable and also improves on some of Netscape's technology, primarily with the introduction of ActiveX which competes and is complementary with Netscapes plug-ins and JAVA. The table below contrasts the Netscape and Microsoft approach to the components of the platforms. (PC Magazine, Dec 3, 1996)
| Plug-ins | Allow streaming of audio broadcasts and other multimedia, best know Navigator extension standard is API | Supports most major plug-ins, however, some do not work reliably |
| Java applets | Tests of Navagator JAVA VM found to be buggy and slow | IE's implementation found to be stable and fast |
| Scripting Lanuage | JavaScript - code transmitted to browser in text form as part of the HTML page | Jscript - very close clone of JavaScript VBScript - native to IE |
| Browser Objects | Comprehensive set of browser objects, including text fields, buttons, radio buttons, and check boxes | Implements Navigator browser objects and also uses ActiveX controls |
| Integration of Elements | LiveConnect - set of browser services for creating compound applications | Comparable environment based on ActiveX |
| Point-to-Point Telephone | CoolTalk - consumer oriented with somewhat sketchy audio quality | NetMeeting - business oriented, high quality audio and Windows application sharing |
| Have many common features and deliver basic functionality | ||