Google’s game changing browser Chrome
combines sophisticated technology with a simple UI, to create a faster,
safer and easier browsing experience. Launched in 2008, Google Chrome
quickly turned the 2 horse browser race on it's head to become the most
used browser globally within 4 years of its public release. Google’s
rapid and continuous development cycle ensures the browser continues to
compete with the other most popular and advanced web browsers available.
Speed
Perhaps the area Google invested most development time to
differentiate from other browsers - Google Chrome is fast. Like really
fast. It launches extremely quickly from your desktop, runs applications
at speed thanks to a powerful javascript engine and loads pages rapidly
using the WebKit open source rendering engine. Add to this quicker
search and navigation options from the simplified UI and you have a
browser that is pretty hard to beat on speed.
Clean, simple UI
Google Chrome’s most striking feature and a substantial factor in its
popularity - the simple UI hasn’t changed much since the beta launch in
2008. Google focused on trimming down unnecessary toolbar space to
maximise browsing real estate. The browser is made up of 3 rows of
tools, the top layer horizontally stacks automatically adjusting tabs,
next to a simple new tabs icon and the standard minimize, expand &
close windows controls. The middle row includes 3 navigation controls
(Back, Forward & Stop/Refresh), a URL box which also allows direct
Google web searching and a star bookmarking icon. Extensions and browser
settings icons line up to the right of the URL box. The third row is
made up of bookmark folders and installed apps. Easily overlooked now,
this clean UI was a breath of fresh air compared to the overcrowded
toolbars of popular browsers pre-2008.
Privacy
Another hugely popular feature, Incognito mode allows you to browse
privately by disabling history recording, reducing traceable breadcrumbs
and removing tracking cookies on shutdown. Chrome’s settings also allow
you to customize regular browsing privacy preferences.
Security
Chrome’s Sandboxing prevents malware automatically installing on your
computer or affecting other browser tabs. Chrome also has Safe Browsing
technology built in with malware and phishing protection that warns you
if you encounter a website suspected of containing malicious
software/activity. Regular automatic updates ensure security features
are up to date and effective.
Download
Google Chrome 33.0.1712.4
