I wrote back in 2008 about this new browser that was released by Google called Chrome. Its speed and simplicity really made it attractive. Since then I’ve settled on Chrome as my default browser. There are a few sites that don’t work with it, so I still have to use IE8 from time to time. That has happened less and less over time.
A couple weeks ago, Google released a new “stable” (as opposed to the “test”) version that included:
- Themes – Visual changes the browser submitted by Google and others.
- Extensions – Add in modules that provide additional functionality to the browser.
- Bookmark Synchronization – Keep your bookmarks the same on multiple computers.
Of the new features in the latest version, bookmark synchronization has been my favorite. I can now add or remove bookmarks at home or at work and have them take effect on other machine next time I use that browser. The first time I used them was the most painful as I had to remove all of the duplicate links. The next task was to clean up my outdated and longer useful bookmarks. To do this I basically deleted anything I hadn’t used in the last month or two. This by itself was been awesome. Can you say that about a web browser feature?
I’m not particularly interested in the themes, but some of the extensions are nice. In particular, I’ve enjoyed having the Weather.com and Google Voice extensions. Both of them add a new button to the right of the address/search box and allow quick access and notification of new information. Extensions aren’t unique to Chrome, as FireFox and IE has had them for some time. It’s just nice that my preferred browser now supports them.
If you’ve been thinking that your web browser has gotten really slow, give Chrome a chance. On Connie’s machine, it made things fast enough that I was able to delay an upgrade of her computer hardware. The only real downside is that it is made by Google and I’ve gotten more hesitant about using them for everything (same as I do/did for Microsoft). Aside from that paranoia, I’ve enjoyed my new browser. For more tips on using Chrome, check out the Chrome blog.
I really like Firefox – have you ever tried that one? I can’t say it is noticeably fast, but it has many features I really use.
I have tried Firefox (I try a lot of the new software just to get a look at the design and learn from it). Don’t get me wrong, I think it is a fine browser with a lot of features (just as you said). My preference is for Chrome because it has a minimalist look and feel to it. What I mean is that it doesn’t use a lot of screen space and is fast. Most people never even try a different browser, so I applaud your diversity.
I may try Chrome, but Keith may shoot me. He dislikes Firefox, I have no idea why…. If I move his beloved “favorites” folder again, it could be war.
Well, if Firefox is working for you then please don’t change it. I’m not trying to win converts for Chrome, just sharing some observations. I can certainly understand Keith’s point of view. Tell him hello for me.