Which Browser is Best?

Software innovators have been hard at work developing the latest and greatest in Web browser technology. A flood of new browsers have hit the market; Microsoft unveiled Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), Google released Chrome 10, then Firefox and Safari introduced updates, after the underdog modernizer Opera 11.

IE9 is the most popular browser on the market and holds the largest client base but bigger is not always better. Microsoft equipped IE9 with the finest privacy tool to keep marketing sleuths from following your every move on the web and increased download capabilities for graphic dense sites. On the downside, only users with Windows 7 and Vista are able to use IE9 and there are still a few incompatibilities glitches. Firefox 4 ranks high in user customizations and syncs bookmarks, history and settings but it lacks the tracking protection offered by IE9.

Safari is synonymous with Mac, but it should not have such a limited market. Actually, there are few differences between Safari 4 and 5; it would not be a stretch to argue Apple just wanted to have a big browser launch to keep up with competition. It is a beautifully designed browser that offers a “Reader” view, which cuts all unnecessary ads and has increased speed.

In just two and half years Google’s chrome has gone through 10 evolutions and gained a huge market share of Internet users. Chrome is fabulous for several reasons; it has built-in Flash player and PDF reader, themes, easy installation and excellent security. It has many positives but some users are still reluctant to give “Big Brother” Google any more tracking data. Even though it has Chrome Instant, which loads a site before you finish typing it. Chrome is a force to be reckoned with.

Few people know that tabs, search boxes and zoom were all created by one rarely acknowledged browser called Opera. Only about two percent of the market share uses this innovative browser, but with Opera 11 that number might be growing. It has a Speed Dial setting that gets you to your favorite sites quicker and Turbo for boosting slow connections; also, it has tab stacking and mouse gestures. There are still a few compatibility issues but overall Opera is fast and clean browser that more people should take advantage of.

All of these browsers are well performing entities and it comes down to the personal taste of individual users. Pick a browser that works best for you!