When we ask customers “what browser are you using”, we often get a lot of questions back like “I don’t know, can you show me?” or “What should I be using”.  Web browsers are like cars….they all drive, some just do them differently; some drive like a base model Chevy Sonic, some like a full featured Chevy Corvette.  Many people use the default, just because that’s what they’re used to. The truth is, your web browser’s functionality changes all the time; one day it can be the fastest and best featured, and the next it could be second to its competition.  How do you know which one is right for you?  You try them all!

Luckily, web browsers for your computer are free, so it’s easy to try each one and see what you like.  They are updated regularly to add new features or protect against malware intrusions, so if you didn’t like another browser before, chances are it’s changed over time.  It’s also a great way to make you feel like you’re using a new computer when you change up your browser-of-choice.  We’ve reviewed browsers before (http://canyonero.org/2016/04/22/mac-users-what-browser-do-you-use/), but it’s good to review your browser of choice every few months to make sure you’re still using the best one for your needs.  Why is this important?:

Speed: using a different browser can make your webpages load faster or slower…which can be one of the biggest reasons to consider switching.

Favorites: most have different ways to customize your favorites bar, or show your list of most frequent links, so it’s important to review the differences between the programs.

Popups: many have built in pop-up blockers now, but if you’re starting to get a lot of popups on your computer, it might be time to try another browser and see if you’re getting the same effect.

Frequent Pages: some websites are optimized for one browser versus another (your bank is probably one, for example), so if the page you’re trying to go to isn’t working, it might be time to try another browser.

If you haven’t looked at the competition lately, give yourself a few minutes today to try some of the most popular options (Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, Maxthon).  PC Magazine had a good article recently sharing their ratings and reviews of browsers if you want a place to start (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2365692,00.asp), but in the end, it’s really up to you, and what works for your needs.

While we’re talking about browsers…if you’re a PC user on Win 10…here’s something to consider.  Many of you have complained about the new Microsoft Edge browser that is set as the default in the operating system.  You’ve said it’s slow, makes it hard to multitask, is different than what you’re used to- and dare I say it, even a few of you asked for Internet Explorer back.  Have no fear- your trusty friend is still there….just search for “Internet Explorer” in your task bar.  You can even right click on the icon and save it to your task bar so you can find it again easily.  Personally, Edge is my least favorite browser, and Internet Explorer is a better alternative, but still at the bottom of the pack.  Promise me that you’ll check out some of the competitors we’ve mentioned above before you go back to using IE every day….you just might find a new love.

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