Which is the easiest web browser to use?
Having trouble finding your way around the Internet? Then you might want to consider another web browser. Bay12 Design gives you a quick run down on Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome, the free alternatives to Internet Explorer.
I often get asked by clients about the different Internet software they should use. Whether it’s for e-mail, instant messaging, office applications or web browsers. Most people are just happy with the default programs that come with their computer, whether it’s a PC or a Mac.
If you own a PC, the choice was always very simple, you used Internet Explorer, which came bundled with your copy of Microsoft Windows. This is a fine program to use, but there are better options out there that might suit you better.
From a web designers perspective, I find Internet Explorer to be a bit of a pain, mainly because even newer versions such as IE7 have still been behind the times when it comes to the way it displays websites. But, because Internet Explorer has had such a uncontested time on the Internet, its no wonder it counts for 50 – 55% of the browsers in use. But because of this, most Internet viruses, and other nasties we keep hearing, about have been aimed squarely Internet Explorer. But over the past two years, this percentage has be dropping. Why? Because new contenders have sprung up to challenge Internet Explorers rein of power. The designers behind these new browsers have looked at Internet Explorer and improved upon what they have seen. Because of their relative ‘newness’ they are also less vulnerable to the various nasties floating out on the Internet.
The main advantage of all these new Internet browsers is that they are completely free, and getting something for free is never a bad thing.
Here are the Contenders
Mozilla Firefox
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
So far the biggest rival to Internet Explorer’s stranglehold on the Internet surfing community comes in the form of Mozilla Firefox. Counting for an average of roughly 40% of total browser usage, this is the one that has Internet Explorer shaking in its shoes.
Mozilla Firefox has found itself quite a fan base with the web design community because the browser can be customized with various plugins, from podcasting to web design tools. I myself use Firefox when designing my websites to double check that they are working and display properly.
The downside to Firefox is that for the less computer literate Internet user, they can find it to be quite a confusing program. When presented with too many options, some people struggle to decide on what they want to do.
Safari
Originally designed as the Mac version of Internet Explorer, Safari is a much more streamlined browser. Like everything else produced by Apple, the interface has been simplified and has fresh clean ‘Mac’ look to it.
Personally, I like to use Safari when showing off the websites I have designed. This is mainly because Safari is designed to make fonts look smoother by default. With other Internet browsers, smooth fonts are either an option, or disabled completely.
However, it is still not aimed for the casual user who may not be up to date with new technologies such as RSS news feeds and so on.
Google Chrome
This is the new kid on the block, and although it has received mixed reviews from the Internet design community, over the past couple of months, it usage has increased quite quickly.
The main reason behind this is Google Chrome’s simplicity. Most browsers now have Google search boxes hidden away in the top right hand corner of their interface, but because this browser has been made by Google, it has been built straight into the address bar.
I class this as a major advantage because it makes it a great deal easier for those who are not as web savvy as a person who uses the Internet on a prolonged basis.
How do I know? Being a web designer (or a lad who knows about computers as I am sometimes called), I am often called to aid relatives and friends with their computer woes. So, for example, they need to update some software, I tell them to load up Internet Explorer and type in the company’s website address. “Where do I type that?” is the usual response, and 9 times out of 10, they will type it in the wrong place, and then begins a magical mystery tour of the Internet.
With Google Chrome, there is only one place you can type into, and it will accept both web addresses (www.google.co.uk) or search terms (What is the state capital of Georgia, USA?).
Another advantage of Google Chrome is the homepage. Rather than whisking you off to your broadband providers website or whatever your home page might be, Google Chrome shows you pictures of the sites you visit most regularly, so for those who like to browse eBay or catch up with friends on Facebook, this idea is a god-sent.
The Verdict
So, to sum up, if your not as web savvy as your nephew who seems to spend his every waking hour on the computer, you may want to consider using Google Chrome. Its fast, its easy. Granted from my perspective as a web designer, I find Google Chrome a bit on the restricted side, but as a web browser for those who like to getting around the Internet with the minimum of fuss, Google Chrome is the winner.
To find out more, or to download Google Chrome, visit: http://www.google.com/chrome/
