Google Chrome 80.0.3987.149
Google Inc. – Freeware – Android iOS Windows Mac Linuxout of 1724 votes
A fast and flexible browser from Google
Chrome is a web browser developed by Google. It is characterized by its speed and many innovative features.
Just like Apple does with their Safari browser, Chrome builds upon the open source project Webkit to perform the HTML rendering. Webkit is known for its high performance and standards compatibility and also powers most mobile browsers. Starting with version 28, Google has used its own fork of Webkit called Blink in Chrome. In contrast to Safari, though, Chrome uses the V8 JavaScript engine which was developed at Google and has set a new standard in high speed JavaScript execution. This is not surprising since JavaScript performance is crucial to complex web applications such as Google's own GMail and Google Docs. Chrome itself is also an open source project.
Chrome has also introduced new paradigms in user interface design that have since been copied by the other players in the browser space. Among them is the space-saving layout of the tabs at the top, above the address bar. A separate menu bar does not exist, maximizing the space available for the display of the web page itself. A separate search field is also missing from Chrome, because you can enter queries into the address bar as well. Chrome can automatically detect if the entered string is a search query or an address.
Security
Google has put a lot of thought into security and has developed a new concept of preventing browser crashes. Each tab runs in its own process, preventing a single crashed tab from taking down the whole browser. When a tab crashes, it can be closed and you can continue to use the other tabs.
Chrome makes it very easy for the user to surf the web without leaving traces on the local machine. You simply open up a new incognito tab and all private information such as web browsing history will not be saved when the tab is closed.
Google gathers a lot of information about the nature of a specific web site through its search engine crawlers. This is used in Chrome to warn users about web sites that contain malicious content such as viruses.
User profiles
Another feature specific to Chrome is its ability to add several user profiles to the browser in order to use a single web application through different user accounts. For example, you can open two tabs and manage different email accounts at the same provider. This has been a complicated task to perform in the past using other browsers. Chrome identifies the separate user profiles through avatar icons you can choose for each profile.
Chrome lets you synchronize settings between different computers and mobile devices, so e.g. you can add a bookmark to your desktop browser and have it immediately available on your smartphone as well.
Of course you can personalize Chrome through a huge number of extensions and themes. Developers will love the extensive built-in tools that simplify the development of web applications.
DirectWrite
Among the most popular browsers, Chrome was the last to introduce DirectWrite font rendering technology in its Windows version. It finally did so in version 35. To enable DirectWrite, you'll have to open the URL chrome://flags/ and click Activate in the DirectWrite section.
Summary
Google Chrome is one of the fastest and most innovative browsers on the market. Its clean, efficient look and its extensibility make it attractive for power users as well as novices who will like its good usability. Those using the web through more than one device will love the built-in synchronization features.
Pros
- very fast
- extensible
- comprehensive security features
- can synchronize different devices
Cons
- inferior font rendering on Windows compared to competitors (up to version 34)
FAQ
What is Google Chrome?
Google Chrome is a web browser developed by Google Inc. It is designed for use on computers, smartphones, and tablets and it allows users to browse the Internet and access websites.
How do I download and install Google Chrome?
You can download and install Google Chrome for free from the official Google Chrome website. Simply navigate to the download page and follow the on-screen instructions.
What operating systems does Google Chrome support?
Google Chrome is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems.
How do I update my Google Chrome browser?
Google Chrome automatically updates itself in the background when new updates are available. To check if your browser is up-to-date or to trigger an update manually, go to the "About Chrome" page in the browser's settings.
Can I customize the appearance of my Google Chrome browser?
Yes, you can customize the appearance of your Google Chrome browser by changing the theme, preferred language, homepage, and other settings in the browser's settings menu.
What are extensions in Google Chrome?
Extensions are small software programs that add new features to your Google Chrome browser. You can find and download extensions in the Chrome Web Store.
How do I clear my browsing history on Google Chrome?
To clear your browsing history in Google Chrome, click on the triple-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the browser window and select "History." From there, you can delete specific pages or entire sections of your browsing history.
What is incognito mode in Google Chrome?
Incognito mode, also known as private browsing, allows you to browse the Internet without your browsing history being saved to your device. To activate incognito mode in Google Chrome, click on the triple-dot menu and select "New Incognito Window."
Is Google Chrome secure?
Yes, Google Chrome is designed to be secure and protect your browsing privacy. The browser includes features such as phishing and malware protection, automatic updates, and sandboxing technology.
Does Google Chrome have a built-in ad blocker?
Yes, Google Chrome has a built-in ad blocker that can block ads on websites that do not comply with the Better Ads Standards set forth by the Coalition for Better Ads. You can customize the settings for this feature in the browser's settings menu.
Michael Ganss
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