What is the best web browser?

[kouasupra]

What is everybody using to surf the net? And why is that the best? I've been on internet explorer since the dawn on time and now I hear there's better browser.
1.) Internet Explorer 8

2.) Mozilla Firefox

3.) Apple Safari

4.) Google Chrome

5.) Opera

6.) Others

[MaxxuM]

You should have made a poll. However, I use Firefox due to it's plug-in's which do not exist on any other browser. I used Safari because it was compatible with XMarks, but once I upgraded to Snow Leopard it no longer worked.

[Todd Lambert]

IE 8 is great. It's finally been fixed and I actually recommend it now for Windows people who don't want to try anything different.

For most people who are open to trying something new, and or are looking for more in a browser, I recommend Firefox.

For Mac users, I recommend Safari to most people unless they are looking for something new and or more... then Firefox again is it.

The only browser that I'd actively dissuade users from or actively campaign to get upgraded is any version of Internet Explorer before version 8.

[djvkool]

for me it is Firefox, I am using that on my PC, notebook, and netbook, although for some reason it crashes a lot in my PC lately, so i use Chrome on it,

[overclicker]

Opera has been my browser of choice since I think v3, it's on v10 now. Here is a short list that someone posted somewhere that will work for why:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090904142239AA4xjYm

I also use "Find in page" quite alot. Basically, many things that have to be added on to Firefox comes in the box with Opera, but it remains very light/quick.

[Bob_A]

I have both IE8 and Firefox 3.5.3.

Firefox 3.5.3 is now color managed without needing an add-in or having to change settings. IE8 isn't color managed.

I find I rarely use IE anymore.

[basroil]

for me it is Firefox, I am using that on my PC, notebook, and netbook, although for some reason it crashes a lot in my PC lately, so i use Chrome on it,

Yea, 3.5 and up is kind of buggy... Currently use 3.5.3 on three computers, but possibly adding chrome to make it an IE8 FF and chrome combo

[MaxxuM]

Yea, 3.5 and up is kind of buggy... Currently use 3.5.3 on three computers, but possibly adding chrome to make it an IE8 FF and chrome combo

Buggy and slower IME. On my Mac's it runs OK, not great, it gets the job done. No where near as fast as Safari, but few are. My biggest issue is on my home PC - it won't play flash movies from links unless I click like ten times. I have to run IE8 on Youtube. Since I mostly use my Mac's it's not an big issue. Already tried uninstalling, cleaning it out completely, uninstalling flash and also cleaning it out completely. No luck. Time to start researching & going into safe mode and start debugging :(

[kouasupra]

You should have made a poll. However, I use Firefox due to it's plug-in's which do not exist on any other browser. I used Safari because it was compatible with XMarks, but once I upgraded to Snow Leopard it no longer worked.


Can someone please add a poll, cause I don't know how too.. thanks!

[darosk]

FF 3.5 was buggy for me, but I'm still using while waiting for updates. For a few months I was using Opera because some of the bugginess actually seriously pissed me off. I'm back now though, after a few updates came out.

I also have safari installed, for when FF craps out in certain situations.

[exwintech]

I'm using Firefox 3.5.3 in Linux, which is fast, non-buggy, works very well, and of course has its many Plugins, starting with AdBlock-Plus, and Download-Helper. I dual-boot with XP-Pro SP3, as my ISP insists that I have Windows-something or Mac-something. In XP, FF 3.5.3 is a bit lumpy-jumpy, and quite slow, so I'm using an earlier version in that.

In Linux, if you need to "fake a browser", there's Konqueror, mainly the File Manager, but also can run as a browser. It can present itself to any website as a Mac running Safari-etc, or Win 98SE, Win2k, or XP running a range of versions of I.E, which can be useful at times. See Pic.

Regards, Dave.

[basroil]

Mac running Safari-etc, or Win 98SE, W

If you have the time to run 98SE on a mac, i'm sure spoofing is the least of your concerns ;)

[ChasP505]

Firefox on home PC, although I leave IE8 as the system default browser because many online apps my wife and I need to use require or are optimized for IE.

At the office, we run Firefox on all our machines, both PC and Mac.

[FZ1]

You should have made a poll. However, I use Firefox due to it's plug-in's which do not exist on any other browser. I used Safari because it was compatible with XMarks, but once I upgraded to Snow Leopard it no longer worked.
Firefox FTW. If you only surf the web and don't need anything fancy, maybe Chrome or Safari. But the add-ons make Firefox so much more robust and useful there is no comparison with the others. This is especially true if you are a web developer because of the tools available.

X-marks is one of my favorite add-ons. I have 8 instances of FF on various computers (some with multiple OS's installed) and to be able to keep my bookmarks synced across all of them is invaluable.

Some of the other add-ins are a must for me:
>Web Developer toolbar
>FireFTP
>TabMixPlus
>AdBlock Plus
>Download statusbar

[e02937]

Firefox

[F-117HWK]

Firefox without a doubt.

[tomd]

I recently switched to FireFox from Explorer, it was the best thing I have done in years.

I have 6 computers.
Only small glitches with some web sites that are not compatible,

[In2Photos]

Can someone please add a poll, cause I don't know how too.. thanks!
Done!

[tomd]

Done!
thanks,
I just voted (FF)

[F-117HWK]

Honestly when one platform takes ideas from the other to add to their own, why would you not choose the former? IE is not nearly as innovative as FF and has lagged behind it greatly in features.

[stathunter]

I voted Safari - becasue that is what I have used for the past 1.5 years since I moved to Mac.... no problems with Safari for me -- not sure I will ever go back to internet explorer.

[Todd Lambert]

Honestly when one platform takes ideas from the other to add to their own, why would you not choose the former? IE is not nearly as innovative as FF and has lagged behind it greatly in features.

That's not quite true, actually. For a long time, Internet Explorer was THE catalyst for change in web browsers. Microsoft invented a lot of cool features that were then taken by the other browsers at that time, namely, Mozilla and Netscape.

Of course this was back in the IE 3 and 4 days... but at this point, IE was pushing the bounds of browsers more than anyone else and coupled with the domination of the desktop OS and the browser integreation going into IE 5... it is why they are still the dominant browser today. Since they got to the top, they've spent the last 10 years sitting on their ass though... and that's exactly what allowed Firefox and other browsers to get a hold back in the browser market.

IE is playing major catchup... that is true... but if they stay targeted like they were when then wanted to own the browser market originally, they can produce a quite nice product with very unique features... Don't forget that. :cool:

[F-117HWK]

That's not quite true, actually. For a long time, Internet Explorer was THE catalyst for change in web browsers. Microsoft invented a lot of cool features that were then taken by the other browsers at that time, namely, Mozilla and Netscape.

Of course this was back in the IE 3 and 4 days... but at this point, IE was pushing the bounds of browsers more than anyone else and coupled with the domination of the desktop OS and the browser integreation going into IE 5... it is why they are still the dominant browser today. Since they got to the top, they've spent the last 10 years sitting on their ass though... and that's exactly what allowed Firefox and other browsers to get a hold back in the browser market.

IE is playing major catchup... that is true... but if they stay targeted like they were when then wanted to own the browser market originally, they can produce a quite nice product with very unique features... Don't forget that. :cool:

I agree with this, but one must remember, IE 3 & 4 were AGES ago in the fast moving world that is computer technology. Like you said, they got to the top and have been sitting on their ass. Microsoft as a whole company seemed to have developed that habit until recently (See their pitiful attempt at commercial rebuttals to Apple) which gave Apple the ability to take so much market share away. The integration into their own operating systems has been the only thing keeping IE anywhere near the top. Most people simply don't know any better, and just use what is given to them which is a brilliant marketing strategy by Microsoft.

But currently, while they MAY be able to come up with interesting and unique features if they tried, the fact is right now they are NOT and if they are well, then their efforts are just pitiful. I mean c'mon, IE didn't even have something as basic as tabs until the more recent versions. The fact of the matter is, with constant user inputs for upgrades on FF and other customizable browsers, they will always be head and shoulders above IE until Microsoft starts adopting a similar game plan.

[malcolm027]

Everyone knows Firefox is better

[basroil]

That's not quite true, actually. For a long time, Internet Explorer was THE catalyst for change in web browsers. Microsoft invented a lot of cool features that were then taken by the other browsers at that time, namely, Mozilla and Netscape.

Of course this was back in the IE 3 and 4 days... but at this point, IE was pushing the bounds of browsers more than anyone else and coupled with the domination of the desktop OS and the browser integreation going into IE 5... it is why they are still the dominant browser today. Since they got to the top, they've spent the last 10 years sitting on their ass though... and that's exactly what allowed Firefox and other browsers to get a hold back in the browser market.

IE is playing major catchup... that is true... but if they stay targeted like they were when then wanted to own the browser market originally, they can produce a quite nice product with very unique features... Don't forget that. :cool:

Don't forget that like IE stagnating after 5, firefox is also stagnating, and hence the rapid raise of chrome and opera in the last few months (well, opera's been there forever, it just wasn't getting any media coverage)

[René Damkot]

I use Flock, Firefox and Safari.

Safari is fastest, but I prefer Flock / Firefox. (If only FF 3.5 were working as it should...)

[kouasupra]

Thanks for posting up the poll. Definitely gives me a better idea of what everyone is using. I think I'm going to give firefox a try.

[Faolan]

I use Opera for several reasons:

- Built in tools for web design such as Dragonfly, Small Screen rendering and also CSS device support.
- Better memory management than Firefox. Firefox consistently uses more RAM than Opera for similar usage patterns. This is a field usable Firefox with extensions not a vanilla install.
- It's more secure than Firefox, There is currently 1 security alert for Firefox and none for Opera (Secunia).
- Opera Sync is also useful for multiple PCs where you can sync settings across platforms.
- It's faster under Linux than Firefox.
- Opera Unite is a useful service for me when passing content to students.
- Opera is the most web standards compliant browser.
- Stability - Firefox has caused nothing but problems with it's rendering engine since it's come out as 3.5. They rushed this release out of the door.
- In built features such as image nav tabs, speed dial, sessions, notes, intelligent search and more.
- Page browsing and caching this has historically been Opera's strongest point. Opera is generally perceived to be faster and has a better cache technology because it's using the same engine for the mobile market.

[masterwillems]

Nobody is using Netscape anymore?:lol:

[jgrussell]

Firefox. Hands down.

[NinetyEight]

Firefox 3.5.3

[F-117HWK]

I'm curious as to what problems people are having with FF 3.5? I have had zero problems since upgrading and it is installed on 6 machines.

[MaxxuM]

I'm curious as to what problems people are having with FF 3.5? I have had zero problems since upgrading and it is installed on 6 machines.

It's just showing it's age I think. It used to be lean and quick, but over time it has grown. On one PC it will not play flash videos unless I click on them a few times. It could be a Flash problem or even a plugin, but I have the exact same programs (and I mean exact) installed on my work computer with no issues. FF works great on all my Mac's. I would use Safari in a heartbeat if it supported XMarks & Downloadhelper - Safari's lightning quick in comparison.

[Bobster]

If chrome had the same plug-in support as FireFox id swap.. but its FireFox all the way atm

[Deejayry]

I'm an opera fan, although i've been debating moving to Firefox as opera does not support ICC profiles. but if i really want to see what a picture looks like i'll take the time to download it and view it in Adobe Bridge or PS.

[Faolan]

I'm curious as to what problems people are having with FF 3.5? I have had zero problems since upgrading and it is installed on 6 machines.

I've had major issues with the rendering of images particularly in the shadow and highlights of a image where you'll see clipping/artefacts. Doesn't affect all images. It's related to the colour profile engine, but even disabling the profiles doesn't resolve all of the issues.

RAM consumption is also a lot higher than Opera for me and the extensions I use. At least 50% more in some cases... and that's not really a fair comparison as I use Opera more heavily than FF.

When 3.5 came out I regularly got crashes, but the latest point release has solved most of those.

[F-117HWK]

I've had major issues with the rendering of images particularly in the shadow and highlights of a image where you'll see clipping/artefacts. Doesn't affect all images. It's related to the colour profile engine, but even disabling the profiles doesn't resolve all of the issues.

RAM consumption is also a lot higher than Opera for me and the extensions I use. At least 50% more in some cases... and that's not really a fair comparison as I use Opera more heavily than FF.

When 3.5 came out I regularly got crashes, but the latest point release has solved most of those.

Interesting. I may have missed a good number of those problems by holding off on my update for a few weeks after 3.5 first came out.

[KSPhotography]

I love firefox for its add-ons.

[dipps]

firefox

been using it for a long while now.

and i love the fireftp add-on for dropping files out on my website.

[lowrider]

On my MacPro I'm using Firefox 3.5.3 with OS 10.6.1. However I find it's printing capabilities to be lacking. The Print Dialog Box shows nothing beyond the basics, and when you use Print Preview it opens Adobe Acrobat. Rather than take the time to edit in Acrobat, I just copy and past the web address into Safari and print from there. There is a lot more options in the Print Dialog Box in Safari.

Lou

[heyimnick]

Firefox is king. Open source and most has highest community involvement. Plus, some of the plugins for it are awesome, like Adblock+ :)

[DStanic]

I have Opera on my PC but installed Chrome on my new Netbook which seems to run very quickly, I like it!

[Rick Anderson]

I love Firefox 3.5.8

[blackhawk]

Remember to make sure all the FF plug-ins are updated when you update Firefox. Adobe Reader and Flash can cause FF crashes if older versions are used.
FF 3.6 is stable on XP Pro and XPx64.

[mathogre]

What is wrong with you?! It's gotta be lynx all the way. All text, all command line. Geez.




Yes, I actually use lynx, a purely text browser. There are times when it's perfect. :)

[Moppie]

I'm now a huge Chrome fan.
Its light, fast, simple and so easy.

[skygod44]

+1 for Firefox.
Version 3.6 with Adblock+

Running through "Hikari fibre optics" here in tech-land-Japan, it's surfing heaven!

[BeritOlam]

I'm now a huge Chrome fan.
Its light, fast, simple and so easy.

+1

Been a big Firefox/Flock guy for a long time now....but Chrome is screamin' fast. Love it!!!

[TTk]

FireFox......:D:D

[Faolan]

Recent Poll (http://browsers.about.com/od/allaboutwebbrowsers/ss/2010-readers-choice-awards-web-browsers-winners_2.htm)

[blackhawk]

+1 for Firefox.
Version 3.6 with Adblock+

Running through "Hikari fibre optics" here in tech-land-Japan, it's surfing heaven!

Adblock very good!

[squaresnappr]

I use Safari and use firefox on my PC. I heard some good things about Google chrome, I am gonna try it.

[Kent Clark]

Tom's Hardware put up a browser review today.http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/firefox-chrome-opera,2558.html

[EmmaRose]

imo chrome ftw

[jetcode]

Chrome and Firefox for me. Explorer works but I am in a anti-MS motif as of late.