Browsers are free to anyone who wants to download them. There are several popular Internet browsers out there, and each has its pluses and minuses.
Most are now being built to comply with web standards, so that those who surf the Internet will be able to access websites without problems and that any website or document published will remain accessible as time goes on.
Benefits of Each of the Popular Browsers
Internet Explorer was the most popular browser for so many years that most people are familiar with it and many websites are designed specifically for it. All of the popular plug-ins work in Internet Explorer, so the user is unlikely to experience a problem.
Firefox is becoming more and more popular; this browser renewed the browser wars when it seemed that Internet Explorer had won. It opened the door for other new browsers and for standards-based browsing. One great feature in Firefox is the add-ons that give it extra functions. So many add-ons are available for Firefox that it's hard to find two users who have the exact same setup.
Chrome is a new-comer that is fast becoming popular, because it is made by the well-known search engine company, Google. The biggest advantage Chrome gives its users is speed. It is also standards-based and designed to work well with popular websites and apps run by Google, including Gmail and Google Docs.
Opera is the little browser that didn't give up. Opera users are loyal and like the innovative features such as Speed Dial, the visual start page that shows the users favorite pages as thumbnails within easy reach. Opera is also a great browser for those with limited computer memory, because it uses less computer RAM than other browsers.
Safari is well-known to those who use the Mac operating system. Available for Windows and Linux as well, it is compatible with iTunes and QuickTime and is also standards-based.
Reasons to Use Multiple Browsers
Many users just pick one browser and use that. But there are good reasons to use two or more internet browsers. One person may like the add-ons offered in Firefox but also the speed of Chrome. Another person may like the innovative features in Opera but still rely on Internet Explorer when browsing sites designed for that browser. Website developers often have all of the popular browsers on their computer so they can test the sites they develop and make sure they work in all browsers.
Tricks For Browser Use
Computer users who use multiple computer monitors can have one browser open on one screen and another browser open on a different screen. Some users keep their favorite websites open in tabs in Firefox, and use Chrome to search because of its speed. Or someone might use Opera as their main browser for frequently-visited sites that they keep listed in the speed dial function, but use Safari to watch videos.
Which is Best?
The best choice is the one that is right for each individual, and that may be a different choice for each person. Using more than one browser on a regular basis is a great way to take advantage of the best features of each browser.
Melissa Worcester - Melissa Worcester is a freelance writer, blogger, graphic designer and stay-at-home homeschooling mom. She writes about computer and ...
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