Browser Evaluation

Internet Explorer 8

Reviews say that if you don't want to switch from Internet Explorer, upgrading to version 8 over version 7 is a good choice. Although IE8 is now more resistant to crashes and offers private browsing, it's still much slower and uses more resources than Firefox, Chrome and Opera. But reviewers do agree that Internet Explorer 8 is a big improvement over version 7.

Download

Firefox

Firefox remains the most-recommended web browser for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux users. Reviews say Firefox 3 and (and its 3.1 beta) are even better, using less memory than earlier versions and incorporating other improvements as well. It's by far the most customizable web browser, with thousands of add-ons available. For speed, Firefox rivals the new Google Chrome browser.

Download

Safari

Safari is designed to emphasize the browsing, not the browser. The browser frame is a single pixel wide. You see a scroll bar only when needed. By default, there’s no status bar. Instead, a progress gear turns as your page loads. And if you so choose, you can hide almost the entire interface, removing virtually every distraction from the browser window. A great browser should get out of your way and let you simply enjoy the web. Safari does just that. And it does it regardless of platform.

Download

Opera

Reviews and tests recommend the free Opera web browser as fast and lean, especially for older or underpowered PC and Mac computers apt to bog down on more resource-hungry browsers. Despite its small file size, Opera beats… the other browsers in compliance with web standards, and builds in loads of convenient features. It runs on Windows, Mac or Linux, and excels in synchronization. Reviews also praise its mobile version.

Download

Chrome

The new Google Chrome browser is stripped down for fast browsing, with superb built-in search features, private browsing and a task manager to help prevent crashes. Chrome also makes it possible to use Google desktop applications offline. However, it's still a work in progress with few add-ons available, and since it's so new, some sites won't display properly. Chrome is Windows-only.

Download