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Mar 17
2009
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Choosing a Web BrowserPosted by sasha in web browsers, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox 3 |
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I have been hearing a lot of buzz recently about all these wonderful new web browsers. People around me have full blown arguments about their preference of web browser, and it mostly ends up in shouting with no result. So like the little explorer that I am, I decided to look into it and maybe take someone's side. I checked out Google's infant Chrome, Microsofts's upgraded Internet Explorer 8, and Mozilla's new Firefox 3.
The most wonderful thing I found is that they are all FREE for download. Score! Firefox is open source to begin with, and it's good to see that Microsoft (not so much Google) finally catching on.
I'm a huge fan of Javascript and Google's Chrome marvels itself on being primarily Javascript orientated, which racks up the points on my list. Chrome also apparently makes web browsing faster, more fun and open. More open..? That raises questions in my mind about it's security. When I browse I'm rather open but there is a certain level of security that I like to maintain online.
Keeping to the norm, most people use Internet Explorer. Now apparently the new IE 8 is compatible with websites that were designed for older browsers, which as a web developer I think is really awesome. I surf old sites and new ones, and I really enjoy having the comfort of doing so without being prompted for upgrades to my browser so it can handle web content. On a more broad perspective, IE 8 makes web experiences faster, easier and safer. Safety is excellent from my point of view, as I don't like to be probed unexpectadly and unknowingly while browsing.
Jumping to Firefox 3; it is the latest upgrade to Mozilla's very popular Firefox web browser. The latest installment brags about being faster, safer and smarter. Smarter is a plus as I like my browser to do some of my work for me. The one aspect I have come to enjoy about Firefox is that is is highly customisable, allowing for a browsing experience on your terms. I dug further and came to realise that Firefox 3 has infact got the FASTEST response times out of all of the web browsers.
Overall, each browser has it's ups and downs; but they are all upgrades of their predecessors; and it obviously comes down to the kind of person you are. Personally, I would only use Google's Chrome late at night, to test it, seeing as it's still in it's infant stages and has a long way to go. For those of you who are accustomed to mainstream products and surf the web down a similar wave every day, then IE 8 will offer a slightly better surfboard and free wax. Yet for the indulgent person who engulfs in the new things on the Internet, and loves online exploration their own way, then Firefox 3 is your browser for the ultimate online experience.
Download them for free, check them out for yourself. Me... I'll stick to my customised Firefox browser. 
