In today’s blog post we look at the sharing economy of web browsers and factors to consider when deciding on a web browser. We look at two of the most popular web browsers of 2019, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox and how they are now relying on each other to improve.
What is a web browser?
A web browser provides a connection to a web interface. This interface allows domain names to be retrieved through an IP address when they are typed into the taskbar. As an example, when the domain name afilias.com.au is entered, it connects to an IP address which is stored on a web server, so the web browser acts as a facilitator of the internet.
Choosing a better browser
Maybe you are about to launch your business online. When setting up your .au website, it is a good idea to check that it will be compatible with all browser types for display purposes and to ensure that your website is user friendly.
From the business end, it’s a good idea to choose a browser that suits your needs and can assist in accessing information quickly and securely.
If you do opt for one of the big guys - Chrome or Firefox - you may notice that they have a lot in common.
Here is a brief rundown of some of the latest features:
Google Chrome: Perhaps the preferred browser among avid internet users, Chrome offers an easy-to-use interface. The Chrome team have recently taken on a project called ‘bfcache’, where they will borrow a memory feature from their competitor, Firefox to improve the browsers performance. Another recent announcement informed us that Chrome is now offering DuckDuckGo as a search engine option, which Firefox has done for years.
Mozilla Firefox: Firefox is the tried and trusted browser of the noughties and is often the preferred choice among tech gurus. Firefox recently launched a new file sharing feature, Firefox Send which is a free, encrypted service that works the same way as other online file sharing services. Firefox has an upgrade scheduled for May, where they plan to borrow the ‘Automatic tab discarding’ feature from Chrome, in an effort to improve memory by temporarily discarding tabs that are not in use.
Things to stay on top of
Just remember to be aware of alerts regarding bugs and other common browser issues (which are usually quick fixes). Just last week Google Chrome announced a bug which posed a potential security flaw to users but luckily, it was something that was able to be fixed in a matter of seconds.
When deciding on a web browser, look for one that supports your specific needs and you can’t really go wrong, especially considering the key players are borrowing each other's best features anyway.
Have a question, some feedback or idea for a future blog topic? Email us at blog@afilias.com.au