Browsers on the Battle Field
What is the best browser?
Not that long ago users were limited in choosing what browser or browsers to use for navigating the web.
In 1990 the first browser “world wide web” which was developed by Tim Berners-Lee.
It was later named Nexus to avoid confusion between software and the www.
As you can image the features on offer were very basic, but was a leap into what we can do today.
As of today, there are many browsers that all have different settings and add-ons.
Depending on what devices are used it is possible to get the most out of whatever you choose.
What are the browsers and what can they offer?
IE/EDGE (Windows only)
IE (internet explorer) has always been the default browser for Windows, but it has always been a couple of steps behind the technology of other browsers.
Earlier versions of IE saw incompatible issues with advanced websites and had an effect on loading times.
Edge is the new browser to overtake the problems IE had.
It still very similar layout to IE but with added support and features that include markups, reading view and Cortana integration.
Safari by Apple (MAC OS only)
Safari, just like Edge comes as a default when using an Apple product Mac/iPhone. The browser can be used across all Apple devices such as iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
Safari claims to give you a better surfing experience by reducing the amount of battery life needed to run, which is essential for mobiles and tablets.
It also makes the use of Apple pay and other features, such as being able to play video through your Apple TV box.
The overall design of the browser is meant to be easy to use and look enticing for any user.
An added feature allows you to pin your favourite sites by staying active in the background but accessible to the left side of your tab bar.
Another great feature to use is Reader; this allows you to view articles and posts in a layout that are optimised for easy reading.
Reader focuses primarily on the text without being distracted by unwanted pop-ups and advertising material.
Firefox by Mozilla
Firefox has hovered in the background for many years and was at one stage a powerful browser for the classic HTML and flash sites.
Lately, it has fallen behind with technology.
It still is a robust application to use but lacks in the usability for mobile devices.
The layout is nice and simple and offers all the features and settings you need with added extra security. Firefox support is always on hand and is constantly updating.
Chrome by Google
The phrase “Just Google It” has become a constant saying on a day-to-day basis. Not only have they got a fully functioning and powerful browser but they also have a fair amount of applications such as drive, photos, and much more.
Just like Firefox you can sign up for a Google account and use this on any device possible.
Google by far is the most common browser to use and that is because of its speed and features that make sharing, editing, deleting and uploading anything to your account a breeze.
Google’s approach seems to be mobile first as more and more people surf while in transit.
It makes sense that Google has a powerful engine driving a light weight browser app for users to discover more without delay or compatible issues.
Overall
Every browser mentioned has their own little features and quirks which make them appealing depending on how users surf the web and the devices used.
It’s not really the matter of which one is the best as it’s up to you on how you manage your workflow and sync your data.
A recommendation is to try them all.
Below are stats from the beginning of 2017 that show browser usage across all devices and platforms. It’s clear that Google is gradually increasing with IE/Edge actually dropping slightly.
Although Safari has a low score it doesn’t mean to say that it’s a browser to stay clear of. The reason being, that Safari is only available on the Mac OS system and many businesses and organizations prefer using PCs.
- on May 8, 2017
