What Is The Best Browser?
88Browser Review 2009
What Is A Browser?
A browser is a program that enables you to view the Web on the Internet. If you need to view a site like the one you're at now then you are using a browser (which is not to be confused with the "search engine" your using with your browser such as Yahoo, ask jeeves, Bing or Google's search engine.... Regarding your browser, you may not even know which one you're using! It will proberly be "Internet Explorer" which is that little blue "e" icon on your desk top or/and in the quick launch bar. This particular browser is the most common browser used because many people think there are no other! But there is! and much better ones!...
Test drive each browser and observe it's performance, features and styles and compare them to others.
Google Chrome
For more Information, tips, tools and tricks, click Here
Browsers are like vehicles. You want to travel fast, with lots of cool features, security and in style, just like President Obama (Right image)
There are many browsers available on the market which are free and will help make life easier while your using the Internet! and when it comes to browsers, variety IS the spice of life especially having an arsenal of browsers installed on your PC! - You will find below (including links) all the browsers currently on the market, but I will talk only about the top three!
I have used almost every browser available, but have settled on 7 that include the top 3. Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer. Because no matter how good your vehicle is, another one will have some features, styles, add-ons, etc, that are better!-- I could have written thousands of words here to describe all the differences among browsers, as well as the pros and cons, but it would be pointless because browser versions and updates are so regular, with newer features, tools and gimmicks added all the time. My advice is: Take them for a spin and see how they handle during your usual Internet activities! Observe the differences in speed and the tools you regularly use, and If you like, keep it! if not, you can either un-install it or keep it for a rainy day just in case you have problems with your existing browser!: Just editing this page and my blogs with various browsers all performed differently! even scrolling the pages! I cannot and do not juse just one browser. because I know which ones has the features I need to do the job as efficiently and as quickly as possible!
You can use as many browsers simultaneously as you like without any conflict. If you decide to use other browsers, I would not recommend you un-install Internet Explorer from your PC! It is an integral part of your computer and it's best to keep it!
How To Make a Browser Faster! Disable programs running which are not needed. Use Perfect Un-installer to remove unwanted applications that windows or you cannot remove! Reduce your browser Plug Ins, Spy-ware and Ad-ware.- Disable images within the browser settings especially if your only using it for script based searches. Turn off flash, Java, images etc! Turn off sound! Close tool bars when not in use! Clear your Internet cache files regularly. Or, Instead of turning off each individual features from your favorite browser, try selecting another browser (Full browser list below), Great for just script based searches. This will enable faster page load giving you more time to research and switch to your existing browser when you need to view certain things on-line. - Depending where I'm going (browsing-surfing) will depend on the vehicle (browser) that will be the best for that particular journey! Even just changing your browser can give you better performances!
What Is The Best Browser For a Mac: Camino, Firefox, Flock, OmniWeb and Opera all perform well on Mac Machines but overall, the best browser for Mac users is Safari. This is due to its seamless integration with iCal (Calendar) and address book. It offers the truly handy feature of date and address recognition so that information sent to you in an email can be used to generate events directly into your calendar. It's very handy and well thought out. The web history is elegantly shown using the cover flow style (like itunes on the iphone). This is particularly helpful when you can remember what a web page looked like but can't remember its URL. Again, its all about user preference. I would say try them all and see which you prefer! The best excuse is, they are all free. links below!
Here's my 'quick' review - The Top 3 - Firefox Vs Internet Explorer Vs Opera.
Internet Explorer 8
3rd place Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer 8 was a major improvement..It has a new navigation bar and is a much better design. it has the tabbed browsing, the addition of the Zoom function at the bottom of each page to instantly zoom in and out of the current page is very useful. The "find next" tool is still weak. Yet it still has an impressive range of plug-ins. I.E 8 is a great improvement for security and new features compared to it's predisessor I.E.7, and a very good browser which should never be underestimated.
Supports: Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) - vista compatible.
More Informations & DOWNLOAD Internet Explorer 8 Beta HERE
Opera 10.00
2nd place: Opera 10,00
Opera is a highly respected, quality Web browser from Norway that offers many unique features including great magnification tool, thousands of cool widgets, text to speech, 3rd party extensions. You can do everything from home PC to mobile, Surf the full Web on your smartphone or PDA. It's very cool. The progress bar on the address bar lets you see pages loaded from the site. Overall, it's a very good looking browser, performs very well, and is a must have to you're arsenal of Browsers.
Supports: All Windows OS including windows Vista.. Solaris Sparc.. Solaris Intel... QNX... OS/2.. MacOS.. Linux Sparc.. Linux Power PC... Linux i38..6 FreeBSD i386 ...BeOS
Mozilla FireFox
Winner in 1st Place Firefox
The new Firefox 3.5 has a tabbed interface: pop-up blocker/built-in multiple search tools: and built-in RSS reader, it handles nice and is always stable. The spellcheck for text boxes uses the familiar dotted colored lines under words . although the others has this feature. If you need an Extension for something, the Firefox extension capabilities are powerful, and easy to use. It's also offers many theme's. I have been using Firefox since day one and compared to the other's, it is in a class by itself although Opera does come extremely close...
Firefox, as well as all other browsers, can be downloaded, installed and run in conjunction with any existing browsers you have. Note: Firefox does not currently support ActiveX.
Supports all Windows 98 to XP & Vista: Mac OS X and several varieties of Linux and Red Hat Linux 8.0.
More Information & DOWNLOAD Firefox 3.5 HERE:
Browser Use Statistics
Browser Download Centre
Quick Links To All Download Browsers
Amaya: AOL Explorer: Arachne: Avant: Camino: Crazy: Dillo: ELinks: Epiphany: Firefox 2 & FF3.5: Flock: Galeon: (Google Chrome) : iCab pro $25: Internet Explorer 7 & IE8: K-Meleon: Konqueror: Lightning: Links: Lynx: Maxthon: Mosaic: Netscape:Nexus: Omniweb: Opera: Phoenix: Safari: SeaMonkey: Shiira: Sunbird: (The new Sleipnir)- Thunderbird.
keep coming back for all the latest and NEW browsers available! Page updated October 8, 2009:
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The free! Award winning "Mozillas Firefox" browser. Proven to have better security feature's than Internet Explorer to combat spyware, hackers, phishers, scammers, spammers and annoying pop-ups!
Which Browser Do You Like?
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can i use this on my blog? www.executionists.com/blog thanks!
I was one of the few people who used to use Opera in 2001. It had an ad at the side (you had to pay for the full version). Everyone used to look at me and say "What in the world is Opera" with a puzzled look.
I used to love it because it was probably the first browser with tabbed windows, page zoom, built in email client, and it saved windows and let me continue where I was.
I know firefox is quite good for those who like to download extensions, but I still think Opera is the # 1 browser because it has everything built in, is quite speedy, and even has support for widgets which is simply awesome!
I think I'm in love with Opera browser lately. Very good hub here, awesome.
firefox offcourse
I use and like Firefox much better than IE. I've never heard of Opera. Thanks for the info!
As an IT Software Support Professional I recommend Fire Fox rather than IE. Since Jan '09 Microsoft has issued over a dozen security patches to keep ahead of the hackers targeting Microsoft users through IE. However the security issues are only limited to IE. So with any other browser you are good to go. With proper security software of course.
Oh yes john!
Thanks for your contribution!
I wrote an article about Google Chrome and all the chrome tips and tools here.. http://hubpages.com/_www/hub/Google-Chrome-Googles
I find a disturbing lack of Google Chrome, which is disturbing because, in my opinion, Chrome outstrips all other browsers with ease. It is much faster than any of your top 3, looks much cooler, has an inbuilt spellcheck for forum-goers, incorporates Opera's Speed Dial, obscures as little of the webpage as possible, has an omnibar, Incognito Windows, a full (and deletable) history section... need I go on?
I'd advise you to give it a try - the only problem I can find is the lack of a "set as background" option on the left-click menu.
I agree with your top 3, I also like mozilla over the other browsers, but I've heard that there's a battle between Microsoft, Google and Apple for taking the control of browsers market, and that Google, had financed Mozilla somehow in order to stop Microsoft and Apple power. even though I still like Mozilla.
Totally agree. Firefox is my preferred browser. I use 3 browsers and sometimes I notice problems when building a site with IE or Safari. Firefox always seem to be the browser without flaky problems.
Thsi is an excellent review and I have bookmarked it.
DIAL UP!! I never thought this word still existed!!
I would try various browsers and do as suggested above to increasse the speed which in your case will really help! Some browsers do perform better than others which will depend on each pc users settings, toolbars that are open, browser skins etc etc etc...
Good luck!
I am still on dialup. (Live in the boonies) so, is firefox an advantage over explorer in my case or does it matter?
Swear by firefox, especially because of the tool add on's like the SEO tools, hello etc. I have used opera and like that too, but it kind of lacks the feature add on's of firefox, as for IE what can i say -well nothing too nice.
It did prompt me to look at our blog stats, and in the last 10k of hits, over 85% are from IE browsers and less than 5% from Firefox.
Thanks for sharing this information
Great hub. I love firefox.
Stuck with Firefox since v2. A nice-looking theme with a bunch of extensions make surfing an enjoyable process by itself! Also Thunderbird is my preferred email client for home use.
Dias, Sometimes it's best to stick to the devil you know!.
You have nothing to lose trying other browsers and everything to gain!!
;)
Hmm... I guess I'm the only one who still uses Netscape. Even though updates have been discontinued for it, this is still my favorite browser. I've been using Netscape ever since my first computer as my main browser, and I know it like the back of my hand.
But if I would be forced to switch, Firefox would be my second choice. I never liked Internet Explorer, all I use it for is the Windows Updates. As for Opera, I gave it a try and it looks like a good browser, but I still prefer Netscape and Firefox.
Explorer is terrible and I am still not sold on Chrome yet. So that leaves me using Firefox.
Couldn't agree more. I personally roll with Firefox. I love that thing. Great addons etc
I have use Advant, Opera, IE7, Firefox3, Flock.
I am now currently using Flock and like it very much.
It would be good If Flock having a Online Storage for the Bookmarks.
Thanks jmichaels59.
I look forward to reading it!
DUDE, great hub, Have used all three, the best being Firefox. I am currently using FLOCK, I like some of the features better than the others. Am working on a Hub now on why I like it.
Use Opera or Firefox, or even Chrome, but do keep a copy of IE for those sites that simply don't work in any other browser than IE... (for instance, my bank site is IE only...)
Hey joer4x4, thanks for passing by and commenting! i really like Operas style and always use it for certain online work! as with the other, they each have something that's so much better than the other!
I don't use Google Chrome~ apologies Google as its still problematic for my work! which i detailed in the Google Chrome link above!
It looks like Firefox is the number one favorite!
I wish i could take all my favorite features from each, and make my own browser!! Hmm, my own browser....:D
Good hub!
both firefox and opera are the best browsers ever..
firefox that have lots of addons to it, opera for the speed of browsing the web.
Great Hub! I personally use firefox!
I think Opera is the best. Opera's problem is lack of marketing thus its low usage. Good for use at home but doen't always work with cloud computing and corporate websites.
I've been using Firefox ever since it was Netscape. Opera is the innovator. Many features that were unique to Opera are now in Firefox and IE.
Watch out for Chrome if they can get it preloaded on machines. I think Google made a good choice using the Webkit engine as it is the best engine (my opinion). Safari is based on webkit.
Thank you for the information, I like FireFox however I have found one I like a bit more and it is not on your list. It is Flock.com. I use Flock, FIreFox and IE depending on what I need done. Thank you for your insight.
I have been using FireFox for as long as I can remember. This is by far the best and love the fact that MS has had to run for there money recently. Although IE is still the most common it is quickly losing popularity. FireFox is my crush <3
Hi,
Besides your hub I got very useful info from the people who commented on it.
Compared to modern computers my unit is from the age of dinosaurs but I
can still crawl using IE6.0 and FireFoxV3.0.
Many thanks.
I will also try out other available browsers from your hub.
Hi MR Nice.Apologies for the delay!:D I am actually looking for a very small laptop now..when i first was looking, i wanted a huge screen!, but a huge screen equals a huge keypad and it take so long navigating from one end to the other!!
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Hi Scott! lol at mud's! That is way longer than me!
Yes, you make some good points about Internet Explorer that i hear all the time and have experienced myself! I would suggest anyone who does use-like-prefer IE, to make sure they ahve all the latest security tools installed, running and updated!
Firefox is the best browser I have ever used. I have been on the internet ever since Mud's were the only online game and have tried every browser out there. I do not think Explorer even belongs in the same running at Firefox. Due to the explotive nature of Explorer, I can't imagine any reason other than ignorance that someone would risk their computer to that browser.
Scott
ff the best
It's me again compu-smart that is very useful option but unfortunately my Pen 4 don't have that I guess you are very lucky just kidding.
Hi Mr Nice..compu-wiz as as good as smart!;)
The System Resume feature is part of my new laptops software...
Although Opera is not as fast! although it does perform better when i use as a script based browser, meaning i turn off java, images, animation when im doing research and i need it fast!! lol Compaq 6715b
I am not a Compu-Smart just a little Compu-Wiz & I am not aware of "System resume" as far as I know there is an option in hibernation where computer can return to previous state. There is another option in Start up & recovery where Computer will automatically restart in case of system failure. I downloaded Opera again although it's a bit faster but when you want to search you need to enter can't use mouse click. No import & export option for bookmarks. I think Firefox is the best with so many add ons, bookmarks import export. bookmarks sync & restore option. Also which software or option you are using for " System resume" ?
Mr Nice, The FF feature you mentioned has been extremely valuable to me too! lucky for me, when im using other browsers that don't have this, my PC has a "System Resume" which also does this and for all browsers and word documents etc!
I love Opera. IE is definately the worst!
Great hub very well researched. I used several browsers in the past & recently even the Google chrome but I love Firefox it has great add ons that no other browser offers. I option I love most in the Firefox is restore windows where you left. It can be accidently or I usually turn off my computer with all the winows open. When I turn on windows again I just select the restore option that way all my windows restore to previous session.
Thanks David for your constuctive and kind comment! You are! a gentleman!
Firefox is currently my favorite
I was disappointed as I started to read your article. Right off the bat, in the paragraph stating: "What is a Browser", the same WRONG word kept slapping me in the face (so to speak)! The word you keep using is "your" when you mean "you're". I can understand once, but three times bothered me. I thought that if the article was done with the same kind of indifference to correctness, then how much is the article really worth?
However, putting you grammar/ spelling aside, I decide to read further.
Thanks for your review.
David
A faster browser is very nice to have. Since the world today is getting smaller and smaller with the use of technology having a better browser is essential. If you want to do research on someone and find information about someone or locate someone you must have the best browser possible in order to do research. That is what my site is all about, using technology to find people free. visit www.People-Hunters.com to find out more free.
Hey Foxy lady;) I agree,,its all about the F Word!;)
I used to hate Firefox because I was so used to IE, now FF is all I use.
Lorenzo,
It looks good!, I will have to give it another test later and if the results work, i will add the link to this article!
Thankyou,,
try my website www.browserchange.com it gives you the result which browser is best for you! let me know your feedback please
Lorenzo
hi
Firefox is one of the best browser and here I have seen most of people have voted for Firefox.
Well. Google is also in competition with it's new browser Chrome.
My exact same sentiments I'm not touching Vista with a Barge Pole.
I've just got the free discs from "ubuntu" but to busy to try yet.
I'm using Thunderbird now which I find is miles ahead of Outlook.
I just reverted back from Vista to XP..Long story....I have heard of Ubuntu and if i was not too bizi with things, i would love to take Ubuntu and every other O.S for that matter for a tour, but yet again, its all about having the time which i dont have to experiment with all the various OS, thats one of the reasons, i am on XP! Im sticking with the devil i know!!!
Glad I dropped in. I've already picked up some great tips. You did not mention above which new O.S. you installed. Have you tried "Ubuntu" yet, I've heard its very good?
02Smith, It is a must have and just like the coats you wear for all different wethers, you will find each browser will have something for each surfing occasion;)
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G.day 2u2 agvulpes, I keep forgetting about Thunderbird! and yes, thats a smart move you made, I am currently using K-Meleon, while im typing this page as i have just installed a new O.S, so i can now get a chance to experiment each browser before they are full of tools-junk! lol and its pretty fast in comparison and well worth trying although limited in various areas!..
thanks for stopping by.
G'day C-S, I'm using IE 7 with no problems. I've just changed over to Thunderbird and I'm allready in love, fantastic, saves so much time. Guess I should keep it in the family and try Firefox.
Nice hub. I have never tried firefox yet and I continue to hear about how great it is. I'm going to have to give it a go.
There is nothing better than variety!;)
I'm trying to get used to Flock but still prefer Camino really.
Got to love Opera. IE is definately the worst!
I experimented with FF3 and i dont have time to detail all the positive/negativespoints with its predecessor. but lets just say, im sticking with FF2, just as much as im sticking with XP over Vista- nuff said. peace
I have picked the best then because whilst I have Internet Explorer it hardly ever gets used anymore and I stick with Mozilla Firefox.
I would have to agree, firefox hits the top. theres still a lot to be done but its not doing too bad. Internet Explorer could have so much more and could work much better but it doesn't.. Safari usually does the job but theres still things firefox will display that it won't.
Hiya ripplemaker, FF and IE are fine..I would try Opera at some point!, its a very sleek browser and has so many cool features and widgets you would love!
PS..I love getting all down n dirty looking inside all computers i can get my mitts on! lol
The Best;)
YOu have 5 browsers on your PC? I only have 2..FF and IE. These computer thing makes my head spin. Hehe My friend is the one who installed it all here. Hmmm...maybe I should ask you to "look" into my computer too. :)
colin, i agree that the plugins are very sweet, and yes, once you start adding more, including toolbars from the various companies will always slow down any browser...!!
I have 5 browsers on my PC now and each one is used for specific things, ..Such as i would use K-Meleon, just for script based searches and make sure the images, java, animation etc are turned off and i turn on when necessary!!..I use Firefox for the obvious!
If you can tune-customise each browser to your needs , browsing will speed up again..
Also try running your PC through this free online scan!! its very good and will tell you how you can optimise your PC even more...
http://hubpages.com/_www/hub/The_Best_Free_Online_
I find FIrefox goes a bit slow these days... which is irritating when you have a quad core processor and loadsof ram : (
still browser of choice though.. couldn't do without all the different plugins it has
Mozilla firefox is the safe and spyware free browser.
Shirley, you will love Opera!! I have 5 browsers i now use and as i always say, they each have there uses, pros n cons and the only way you will find out is by downloading and using the top 3 above...;)
thx 4 stopping by..
Thx for the great info. I know Firefox is better than IE, but I still almost always use IE out of habit. I've never heard of Opera before, goodie - something new!
Thx, you've done it again, CS!
Hi NateRider,Thanks..
Most people want to download another browser and want to uninstall Internet Explorer but this is not recommended at all because Firefox covers about 98 % of the web and will soon become compatible with all soon so its good to have another browser/s to fall back on..
I use Firefox and recently downloaded the Firefox 3 Beta 5 program. I can vouch that it does have increased performance than the previous versions. I only use I.E.7 when there are compatibility issues with Firefox (which is incredibly rare for me to find any!)
Anyways, good hub!
I love Opera too, but eventually had to switch to Firefox because there are too many sites that don't work well with it.
Firefox seems just as good. I'd rate IE7 a long way third.
Great hub, Comp! I use IE but didn't like 7 so I went back to 6. I have been considering adding FF and Opera so I think now I will just add them and do a comparison to see which one fits my needs the best. Thanks for the boost! Should have done this a long time ago!
Bonnie
Firefox is great, but I also use a browser called Crazy Browser. It is older, but one of the most useful - especially in terms of how the tabbed browsing works.
Useful hub, thank you.
I use Opera, it takes care of many trojans and viruses unlike IE. Also have firefox, but am so used to Opera, that I don't use FF much.
rockinjoe
you Rock!
;)
Thanks Jose for your contribution..
You will still find many Internet-security firms would choose Firefox and others who prefer IE. Some of the above comments would rank I.E as numero uno!
As long as you have a good Anti virus-Spy-ware programs running you should have no problems browsing with either 3.
I always recommend have many browsers for different kinds of computing..
Example.. I have one browser which has java, pictures etc turned off for when im doing purely script based searches and so forth.
I think you'll find many internet-security auditing firms choose Opera over the other two. Opera is, by far, the most secure of the three browsers.
Furthermore, third-party extensions are also available in Opera, however once you start to load many, it doesn't get as bloated and as slow as Firefox.
I'm been having a love affair with Firefox for quite awhile now. Best browser on the planet. Thanks for the informative Hub.
pjdscott
Thankyou for your comments and for your contribution which is always good....
Of the three biggies I'd have to say that Firefox outshines the others. I use it on Mac and PC and it performs equally good on both platforms. Microsoft have stopped developing IE for Mac, so the main choice for Mac users is Safari or Firefox, and Firefox for Mac is eating into Safari's lead!
Really liked your hub - very well written.
Ps. Firefox has just reached it's 500 million download!!
Congrats;)
Thanks Peter, as i mentioned Opera is a very highly respected Web browser and looks very very sleek..It was a very close call and i should have chose joing second place!!
Your votes here..
Firefox? Opera? or I.E?
I agree with your choice of Firefox, but I would rank Opera above IE. Great hub.
Thanks William.
I was going to compare all the good points and bad points within each browser but whats good for the goose might just not be, whats good for the gander!!
Great hub, compu-smart. I agree Firefox is the best, and lots of other hubbers say the same thing. Good explanation of how the three big browsers compare.
Helen, i would always recommend having all the above 3 browsers..Then you will know which one is best suited for your browsing needs...
drbruce..Opera is soo much better than IE7..When IE7 arrived which was long awaited for but had nothing excitig to offer regarding it's features and i was very dissapointed....
I agree that Firefox is the best of the big three, but I prefer Opera to IE. But, then I haven't seen version 7 yet.
I love Firefox, too. Great hub! I've never used Opera, but Internet Explorer has given me many problems in my PC days...
Love you Firefox;)
compu-smart says:
7 days ago
ansone, More details please! If it's just a link back to this page, then yes..If not, please click my avatar for contact details.