While for most individuals browsing the web is a daily activity, the individual browsing choices and browser options have become more and more diverse. Unlike the early days of the web when one browser suited all, now there are many different interfaces, each offering a variety of features.
For the main three providers this has meant keeping up with the latest developments, such as faster upload and download speeds. This has led to more options for social networking, additional applications and better security.
For those considering which browser might be best for their needs, here is a summary of the pros and cons of three main contenders.
Google Chrome
Chrome is known to be a fast browser which is able to render pages quickly and without freezing. This means browser crashes are less likely, especially since Chrome will open and run alternative windows when one fails to open.
The Incognito mode is another great option within the Chrome toolbox, making it possible to open links without any activity recorded within the browser history.
If you’re looking for a thoughtfully designed interface Chrome will again satisfy, with a combined address-bar and site-search area. With this design, users type the address or search string required into a single box and Chrome will suggest real-time options based on previously visited addresses.
Of course, it’s important to remember that there are a few differences between Chrome and other browsers. For instance, the right-click option to view image properties is not available and this may deter some users who wish to know more about the images they see online.
Firefox
If you’re looking for a wide range and variety of add-ons Firefox may well be a good choice. With Firefox it’s possible to ‘build your own browser’ and add extensions specific to your surfing needs. You can even modify your browser window to a more unique colour and shade.
Enhancing the browsing options further, the ‘Back’ button only appears in the address bar if there has been a page viewed to go back to. The button is bigger too, making it far easier to click.
Image and text size can also be changed, as can the size of the search box when typing in more than one word.
The browser is also equipped with stronger filters, which protect users against malware and phishing sites. By checking against Google’s blacklist of phishing sites, Firefox will give a warning if a site is considered potentially dangerous.
On the downside, Firefox does use pop-ups to alert browsers about new builds. This can get a little annoying but can be disabled in order to update when it’s more convenient.
Internet Explorer
While Internet Explorer has always been a popular browser, this doesn’t mean that Microsoft hasn’t been quick to improve the latest version. For instance, with ‘Enhanced Tabs’ users can look at two different web pages side by side.
With images or texts appearing in the same window, editing and writing work becomes easier and quicker. To make things even simpler, users have the option to add icons of websites to the task bar, which makes going to favourite sites a more efficient process.
Ensuring the search experience is just as efficient as the reading and display experience, IE allows searches to be made directly from the address tool bar. This means a new search-engine page is no longer needed, saving both time and display space.
Whilst Microsoft has enhanced these user options, it hasn’t neglected data protection. It has improved security with additional tracking protection. This feature makes it possible for users to control who can access their browsing data and which third parties are given permission to receive information.
With all this on offer, there’s much to be said for using Internet Explorer. However, it is worth weighing up what you want your browser to do and why.
With IE thought to be less equipped with additional features compared to other browsers, such as a wide range of right-click options, the type of browsing you do should always be the main consideration.
Assessing these pros and cons can be a frustrating process when all you want to do is get online. However, making the right choice for your work and leisure needs is important if you are to enhance and enrich your online experience.
Just a little time researching and a few trial runs should be enough and before you know it you’ll have a customised and efficient broadband browser, ready to run.
Article by Ben Hughes