Many PC buyers assume there is one way to get onto the Internet — Internet Explorer. It’s already on the desktop, it seems to work, so why mess with a good thing?
But these days there are many choices when it comes to browsers, and even casual Internet users should be aware of the alternatives.
Beyond Microsoft’s Explorer, the roster of major players now includes Safari (from Apple but usable on PCs), Firefox (from Mozilla), Chrome (a new entrant from Google) and Opera (from Opera Software). And there are relatively obscure choices such as Camino, Epiphany and the cute-sounding SeaMonkey. The list goes on.
Here’s a fairly complete roster: http://tinyurl.com/eed8b.
Most of us don’t want to spend a lifetime sampling browsers. All we want is one that’s fast, doesn’t crash often and offers some protection against malware and hackers.
Unfortunately, seldom does a week pass without a news story about a new security flaw or breach in Explorer, the most commonly used browser. No doubt, Explorer’s popularity has made it a prime target for hackers. It isn’t fair, but it’s reality. I hear from more and more users who get queasy about using Explorer.
So I’ve spent some time with each of the major browsers to find my favorites.
Before I tell you what I think, let’s be clear: The test lab at Technobuddy Ranch and Spa is limited to an old tube tester and a glow-in-the-dark Batman decoder ring. So, where needed, I will steer you to sites that have made extensive efforts to test browsers side by side. My impressions are mainly just that — impressions. I’d love to hear yours.
Speed
Explorer seems — and tests back this up — downright slow vs. the others. Here’s one of the many speed tests from the Web that, like most I saw, rates Explorer last in many…