David's Blog

So there are these things called browsers, and if your reading this, you should know what they are. Ive used a few in my time, but every once in a while I like to look at what else is out there.

Recently I was swayed to google’s ‘Chrome’ Browser. The hype and upcoming chrome OS put me on it for a moment. But I have had this lingering thought in the back of my head;

“what if Google goes evil?”

Of course, for the most part, the paranoia about Google taking over the world, by enslaving us to a world of forced linear browsing just doesn’t make cents. Still Google Chrome does fit the profile of ‘spyware’ meaning, that depending on your settings, its sending all of your internet behavior and input back to Google.

Here’s a good breakdown of Chrome’s dark side.

So Google Chrome is a good Browser, and its fast… sorta. Its geared for a high speed connection. My Connection is not bad, at 12Mbps download, but my DSL upload speed is a paltry 60Kbps, that means all that info being sent to Google is really killing my upload times. It does have a very slim line User Interface (UI) that doesn’t get in the way, it really maximizes the screen when it comes to browsing. Of course its still near impossible to find Mac/Chrome addons. Dont hold your breath if you a Lynux user.

So if I do decide to switch Browsers, what are my options?

Internet Explorer.
If you use a Windows OS your just not going to be able to get away from IE. It is the most prolific Browser on the planet, but, the reason for its continued success is also a major part of its downfall. IE is not only a Web browser, but also the file management interface for Windows. I wonder if that has anything to do with its legendary insecurity.

I would rather walk across a prison yard with a mop on my head. Luckly IE is not available for download for OSX.

FireFox
The jewel of open source! Firefox is in need of a major facelift. Firefox, to me, looks bulky. Its heavy reliance on add-ons means you have to sift through ten different developers for each menial task you want added to your browser. It has a separate search bar, as opposed to just typing your search into the addressbar (a la chrome) Im sure there is an extension, but I’m an end user, I want it all out of the box.

Opera
This is the first time Ive looked at Opera as a choice for browsers. In short I am impressed. For “out of the box” this browser has it all! It also incorporates ‘widgets’ that, If I wasn’t using OSX would be very use full (it’s just redundant, and cluttered compared to dashboard) A very interesting feature is the ‘Unite’ server, which allows me to share my files directly from my computer across the internet, with very little setup. Huge downside: opera doesn’t work well with google apps, a lot of the shortcut keys bring up any one of the random features of the browser.

Safai
I rarely use safari, although as a native OSX app it still remains a must. Of course, being a native OSX app also means it is closed, it works, very well, but if it doesn’t have a feature you want… you can always send an email to Apple and ask them to include it in the next distribution.

Camino
Camino, based on Firefox, takes the best from its mother browser and throws it out the window. It looks good, very stream lined, but has no room to grow or expand. All those motzilla addons will just go to waste with this browser. I really don’t see the point.

Sea Monkey
Another product from Motzilla. Sea Monkey 2 is not only a browser but also incorporates email, RSS reader, and even an html editor and publisher. They call it an internet suite, and it has everything rolled into one. Yet none of the capabilities (browser, email, addressbook) are as good as their standalone. Still, after using this for a few days, it is easy to see how useful it can be. Its opensource nature also means you can tote its features across different platforms. Ultimately it is a great app for my netbook, but probably not as good as Firefox + Thunderbird for OSX. The dock makes it easyer to swith between two apps than within Seamonkey.

The Finalie

I was testing these different browsers, with the idea of keeping one as my primary. After the trial, I have decided I will use separate browsers for different use. I will be using Seamonkey as my main browser (its open and sleek) and keep Firefox, and Safari for other specific reasons. I will also be keeping Thunderbird, as well as SeaMonkey, and Mail. (right now use 5 email address’ and counting…)
So, Ive decided not to use Chrome (to shady), or Camino (to simple) and obviously not IE (not even available) and sadly not Opera (although it was much more fun and fast than the others)