A Mess of Web Browsers – Which One to Use?

We all know that you need a browser to view websites. There’s quite a choice now of available web browsers.

Should you use the one that is already installed on your device, or would a different one be better?

You don’t have to pick one, you can install a number of them on the same device and use them as you need.

What are the options?

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Honourable mention only.

This is now out of support from Microsoft and doesn’t work with modern websites.

Recommended to upgrade to one of the other options listed.

Google Chrome

Currently one of the most popular options.

Available for:

• Windows
• Mac
• iPhone
• iPad
• Android Phone

Download Chrome

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft’s successor to Internet Explorer.

Available for:

• Windows
• Mac
• iPhone
• iPad
• Android Phone

Download Edge

Mozilla FireFox

A popular alternative web browser.

Available for:

• Windows
• Mac
• iPhone
• iPad
• Android Phone

Download FireFox

Apple Safari

Default web browser for all Apple devices.
Note: Not available for Windows.

Available for:

• Mac
• iPad
• iPhone

Download Safari (already installed on Mac)

What’s the difference?

The honest answer is not a lot at first glance.

All of them read and display the page as it was designed with text, formatting and images.

The main difference is behind scenes and is based on

• Compatibility – how it keeps up with the changing web standards
• Speed/Performance – how long it takes to display pages and run sites
• Memory use – how much of your RAM will it use?
• Size – how much space does it take up on your computer (hard drive)

There are also some minor differences, like the names given to the options – favourites, bookmarks etc.

Choosing from the web browsers?

Windows

The Microsoft browser used to be installed automatically with your operating system (Windows), however they were told off.

Now you have a choice of installing any browser you want – although the new version ‘Edge’ (from Microsoft) is still the first option offered to you.

In the tests Google Chrome came out the top overall, however Microsoft Edge did have the smallest memory requirements.

You can download and install which ever you want.

MacOS

Based on the tests, you should be using Safari, and a lot of people do, as it’s the pre-installed option.

The most popular alternative is FireFox, although it seems Chrome would be a better choice.

But today all of the web browsers can be downloaded and installed on any Apple device.

If you want more information and ideas about other considerations take a look at the source article:

https://uk.pcmag.com/browsers/131976/chrome-edge-firefox-opera-or-safari-which-browser-is-best

Take a look at the Translator page for some explanations around the technology used on the internet.

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