What is the best browser to use?
There are the major contenders in internet browsers. Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. In Windows 10 Microsoft has replaced IE with Microsoft Edge. We test all of them side by side on a daily basis using a wide variety of websites in a heavy multitasking environment. Here is the breakdown based on stability and functionality along with our current top pick
Internet Explorer – Internet Explorer version 11 is the most recent version available.
To check which version of Internet Explorer you are running, open your browser and click on the HELP menu and About Internet Explorer. If you are running IE version 8 or less it is time to upgrade your computer now. There are many security holes that have been fixed since v8, you must be on Windows 7 or higher to be secure on the web.
Google Chrome – Although it had a rough start, Chrome has finally become the most stable browser out there as of this writing. I have to say that Chrome does handle “responsive” (mobile, tablet format) layouts better than the other two browsers. On top of the fact that Google pretty much rules to roost on searching the web so adhering to Googles SEO rules is a must. Couple that with using their own browswer and your chances are better at being organically ranked is much higher.
Web designers usually format websites based on the the popularity of the browsers, regardless of personal preference. We are still not a fan of the way bookmarks are managed in Chrome which makes it difficult to find them quickly. Also, the missing File, Edit, View, Help style menu structure is a bit inconvenient. Be Safe! Don’t forget to use Incognito Mode.
FireFox – Although it has been a browser of choice for a long time may have switch becasue they dropped support for the Norton Identity Safe toolbar (for securely storing your passwords). I believe this has more to do with Norton not updating things on their side more so that FireFox.
I do like the streamlined way FireFox manages bookmarks and a simple right click to save a bookmark. The star icon on the top right of the menu bar allows you to quickly save a bookmark but does not give you a choice of where to save it. That is until after is is already been saved as a bookmark. A little annoying but easy to get used to it.
Microsoft Edge – Microsoft’s Edge is the browser that comes with Windows 10. Microsoft Edge browser runs only in Windows 10 currently. It is completely integrated into Windows 10 & a standalone version is not available. Microsoft has no plans of releasing the edge browser on other versions of windows or any other platforms for that matter.
Using other browsers in Windows 10. If you are not a fan of MS Edge, download and install Chrome or FireFox. They both work well in Windows 10.
Internet Explorer v11 is included with Windows 10 but not easily accessible (click on Start and search for ‘iexplore‘). Microsoft sets their new Edge browser as the default browser in Windows 10 and makes an attempt at blocking Chrome. So your choice of browsers in Windows 10 is : Edge & Internet Explorer v11 (both included with Windows 10) or FireFox.
The Bottom Line:
Right now, Chrome is our browser of choice since it is more modern and up to date than the other 3. My browser has to keep up with me, not the other way around! Not only does a good browser need to have very efficient search capabilities, but it must perform well on all types of websites. From media rich websites, online banking, video playback to online printing. Your browser should not hold you back.
Keep in mind, that all of the browsers have some little quirk or content that it refuses to play, but that is to be expected. It is nothing more than software remember so none of them can be perfect all of the time. All three browsers now have solid security features which has leveled the playing field there, so it comes down to the user experience. Does your browser crash on the websites that you use? If so it might be time to try one of the others and let us know about your own experience.
Also remember that plug-ins such as Flash, Java, ActiveX etc are all used in conjunction with your browser to display content. So if suddenly you are no longer able to play an MSN video clip for example, you may need to update one of your plug-ins.
We are currently pre-installing Chrome on all of our QuadStation systems by default. However you certainly have a choice, so if you would prefer a different browser just let us know. If you have any questions about this article please feel free to give me a ring I will be happy to talk to you about it.