Guide to Web Browsers

Popular Browsers: Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, Firefox

Sep 3, 2008

The launch of Google's new web browser,Chrome, is challenging older browsers to improve and increasing choices for Internet users.

The most popular Internet browsers are constantly updating their software to lure users with promises of faster surfing and improved privacy settings. In a market where all the products are free, browsers must distinguish themselves with special features.

Chrome

Chrome is tailored to support modern applications like videos, web-based games and messengers. Stability and increased speed and security in a "clean, simple and efficient" package are the promises offered by Chrome.

To stop the entire browser from crashing if one tab goes bad, each tab uses separate processes and separate JavaScript threads. The detachable tabs are located on top of the page and each have their own controls and address bars that double as a search boxes. Pop-ups are confined to the tabs from which they originated and can be pulled out to a separate window if desired.

This new Internet browser does not use bookmarks, as the computer automatically recalls visited pages based on search terms. The nine most common pages visited and pages searched for most often are displayed on the default page. Privacy settings can be added to any window so that none of the info on that screen is logged on the computer and all cookies are erased after the session.

Internet Explorer

With nearly 70 percent of the market share Internet Explorer is the most used browser. The newest version of the software displays pages designed for older browsers, offers faster speeds and keeps users updated on information like stock quotes, weather and sports scores. Additionally, the product ensures private browsing, protection against deceptive and malicious websites and provides detailed search suggestions.

Firefox

This popular browser has won awards for its user experience, performance, customization and security. According to Mozilla, the newest version of the browser includes more than 15,000 improvements like a smart location bar that auto-completes search terms based on browsing history, bookmarks and tags. Firefox 3 also uses less memory and is two to four time faster than the previous version. In July 2008, Mozilla set a new Guinness Book World Record for the most software downloads in 24 hours with Firefox 3.

Safari

Safari makes the bold claim of being "The World's Fastest Web Browser." According to Safari developers, it is 1.9 times faster than Internet Explorer 7 and up to 1.7 times faster than Firefox 2. The browser prides itself on a variety of features like an "elegant" user interface, innovative web standards for audio, video and applications, and the ability for users to return to where they started surfing with a single click.

Opera

System Requirements: Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X, Linux, QXN, OS/2, BeOS, Free BSD

Clean lines and clear icons embody the new "sharp" look of Opera. Other modern updates include Speed Dials, visual bookmarks for most used sites, and Opera Link, an application that keeps users synchronized between Opera 9.5 and the Opera Mini mobile phone browser. To keep users secure Opera offers fraud and malware protection.The Nintendo Wii game stystem features a Opera-powered Wii Internet Channel.

From faster speeds to tighter security and privacy, consumers win as web browsers try to top each other with better products.