With a pair of feature-rich browsers readily available, you've got to wonder why anyone would use a less sophisticated application. Apparently, the two largest online services have asked that question. Both CompuServe Information Service (CIS) and America Online (AOL) are abandoning their proprietary browsers and incorporating Internet Explorer (IE).

Until recently, the two services' proprietary browsers lacked many features the sophisticated surfer expects. For example, neither supported HTML 3.0 or Netscape and IE extensions. And Java, you say? Forget it.

But those days are over. By the time you read this, CompuServe and the interface for the company's new family-oriented WOW service should have already integrated IE 3.0. AOL 3.0, which debuted this summer, offers some HTML 3.0 support within its proprietary browser. And AOL will replace its proprietary browser with IE 3.0 when that debuts this fall. AOL will also provide Navigator to users who prefer that over the Microsoft offering.

If you're not thrilled with Internet Explorer, you can still have it your way online. AOL and CIS both have interface software that works with Windows Sockets (WinSock), which means you can use any other browser you like instead.