What? Do you really not know what it is? But if you are reading this article, then you are using a browser right now. Yes, yes, this is exactly the program with which you or any other user can view the contents of websites.

I took a more precise definition from Wikipedia. Actually, here it is: “Internet browser, browser, browser (from the English Web browser) - software for browsing websites, that is, for requesting web pages (mainly from the Web), processing them, displaying and moving from one page to another. Many modern browsers can also download files from FTP servers."

If there were no browsers in the world, then we simply would not be able to use the Internet as such. Therefore, as of the current moment, a huge number of all kinds of browsers have been created in the world, but only a few of them are most popular. You will learn about them from this article, but a little later. In the meantime, I'll tell you a little about how the birth of browsers took place.

The history of the birth of the browser

NCSA Mosaic is considered the world's first browser with GUI user, released in the spring of 1993. It was designed for the Windows operating system. Its developers were Eric Bina and Mark Anderssen. Since the NCSA Mosaic had an open source, another successful Netscape Navigator browser was built on its basis, which had much more simple interface and was spared from the shortcomings with which Mosaic was endowed. Commercial success for Netscape Navigator came very quickly, so on the same platform, Microsoft specialists created Internet Explorer. Since Microsoft almost immediately began adding Internet Explorer to the Windows operating system, it short term literally conquered the browser market, becoming almost a monopolist.

As Netscape's popularity and revenues plummeted, the company was sold to AOL, which released the browser code under a free license as the Mozilla Public License. However, Netscape 6 was written with new code and had a lot of features and benefits that other browsers didn't have. After some time, the browser gets a name and starts to attract new users.

But what about Microsoft? Since the company almost monopolized the market, it decided to practically not bother with updating Internet Explorer, so competitors got a head start and gradually began to win back the market.

It is worth noting that back in 1995, another, now very popular browser, Opera, was released. But Opera was originally different in that it was released as shareware. In those days, paid browsers were commonplace, but today they are completely free, as long as users download them.

Later than all this, so to speak, the battle was joined by Google. She came to her senses rather late, showing her Chrome browser only in 2008. This, however, did not prevent the Internet giant from imposing a fight on competitors. Moreover, according to the latest data, Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, and the company was able to achieve this in just a few years. Since Chrome is open source, other browsers such as the same Yandex Browser are often created on its basis.

Browser types

Now it's time to talk about each of the reviewers separately.

Internet Explorer

It is worth starting, without a doubt, with Internet Explorer, because it was once the most popular browser in the world. It was released by Microsoft in 1995. The peak of popularity came in 2002, when the Internet began to enter the masses. Last years losing market share very quickly.

Experts often complain that Internet Explorer is poorly protected from outside influences, that is, from Trojans and viruses. Moreover, the government of some European countries advised their residents to stop using Internet Explorer. But despite all the problems, IE is still successful in some countries. For example, in Korea a few years ago, its share reached 99% of the entire market.

Microsoft continues to update the browser. Released to date Internet version Explorer 11.

Opera

Launched in 1995, a browser developed by the Norwegian company Telenor. For some reason, it was Opera that Russian users fell in love with, although in the rest of the world it occupies only the fifth place in popularity.

Until 2009, it was in pursuit of IE, then overtook it and became more popular. It is also noteworthy that the version of Opera Mini for mobile devices is a huge success. This browser is built into several gaming platforms.

Mozilla Firefox

The third most popular browser in the world and the first among free software. According to 2013 data, its market share reaches almost 20%. Especially popular in Germany, Poland and Russia. According to numerous expert reviews, this is the only browser where there are practically no errors when testing applications.

Firefox's logo is the red panda, one of the cutest animals on the planet.

Mozilla has so-called Easter eggs built into it. For example, when you enter the words about:robots in the address bar, you can see the message of robots to people.

Google Chrome

As mentioned above, Chrome entered the market only in 2008. Was designed Google and is considered. As for the latter, many experts still doubt, but if you believe your own feelings, then this is true.

Interestingly, Google CEO Eric Schmidt believed for a long time that the company did not need its own browser, but then changed his mind with the help of the company's founders. This is how Chrome was born.

This browser is gradually conquering the market. Already now he is the most popular columnist on the planet, he is the first in Russia. In the future, its share will only grow, according to analysts.

safari

Browser from Apple. Originally focused on computers Apple, but then a version for the Windows operating system appeared. It enjoys good success in the world (the market share is more than 8%), but in Russia only every third Internet user uses it.

For those who continue to comprehend the Internet and what is connected with it, today we will talk about what a browser is, what it is for, and also conduct a small analysis of the most popular Internet browsers today.

What is a browser and what functions does it perform

Browser (WEB-browser) is a program that provides browsing Internet sites on computer devices and gadgets. The essence of the browser is to process the user's request and download the site requested by him. Now let's take a quick look at what functions the browser performs.

As mentioned above, the main function of the browser is to open web pages of sites. The web pages themselves consist of code that the browser actually receives from the server on which the site is located. Given code the browser processes, and you see a “finished picture” on your monitor. To see what the site actually is - click right click mouse, for example, somewhere in the side of the site and select the item in the appeared context menu"View Source Code" (or "Page Source Code", or the like). The correct source code is very important for the browser, since the adequate display of the pages of the site and the performance of its functions depend on it.

Browsers allow you to save your passwords from sites so that each time you access your account on a particular resource, you do not need to re-enter your username and password. All browsers also store a history of your visits to various sites, so that if necessary, you can find the site you previously visited. Well, the last thing worth noting from the main functionality of the browser is the ability to store sites in bookmarks to remember them and quick access.

In addition to opening the web pages themselves, browsers allow you to download files from sites, that is, the browser downloads them. It can be programs, games, music and other files.

Modern browsers in the vast majority support various add-ons. These additions may include: extensions of browser functions, informers from various resources, as well as additions in the form of visual themes for the browser itself. Let's consider them in more detail:

• Extensions. Vivid examples of browser extensions are extensions from antivirus programs: An anti-banner and link checker that protects users from intrusive ads and checks dangerous links and sites.


• Informers. Informers are also made in the form of extensions. As the name implies, "informers" - inform. The most popular widgets are weather widgets, arrival widgets new mail, messages, etc.


• Visual themes. Visual themes allow you to change the design of the browser: tabs, buttons, background images and other elements.

It is worth noting that an unlimited number of browsers can be installed on a computer, while one of them must be the main one - the default browser. The default browser is the browser that is set as the main one in the operating system; all links and services that you access from other programs will open through it.

Now let's look at the most popular browsers today.

What are the browsers?

The total number of browsers today is very difficult to count. Below we want to consider the five best browsers that most Internet users use.

Internet Explorer browser

Internet Explorer is the standard browser that comes with the operating system. Windows system. That is, you will immediately be able to access the Internet through Internet Explorer. We called Internet Explorer the first not because it is the most popular or the best, but because initially everyone uses it, at least to download another browser. By the way, there is a joke on many computer Internet resources: “Internet Explorer is the program with which you can download a good browser.”

Yes, there is some truth in every joke, and as you understand, this joke appeared for a reason. The fact is that Internet Explorer (IE) in our opinion is not the best browser option. Firstly, it is very slow and its slowness lies not only in the work of the program itself, but also in opening pages. Secondly, the IE web pages themselves open incorrectly, as they say in the common people - "crooked". In addition, Internet Explorer is a very non-functional browser, and most importantly, its updated versions do not carry anything radically new and do not even have a hint of it. IE does not have support for extension integration and does not support visual themes, which makes it rather marginal today.

The Internet Explorer browser is mainly used by beginners who do not know, do not understand or do not really understand the concept of what a browser is and what other browsers there are besides IE. In most cases, those users who have tried other browsers never use Internet Explorer again, which is why we recommend installing another, or rather a good browser.

Internet Explorer does not require installation as it is integrated into the Windows operating system.

Google Chrome browser

The most popular browser in the former USSR is a browser called Google Chrome (Russian). Chrome is a browser from Google, which is not only a popular browser, but also probably the best. By the way, Chrome is a rather young browser, but at the same time it has won a large army of fans over the course of several years of its existence.

Probably the very first advantage of this browser is its "lightness", which consists in fast work, both the program itself and in the quick opening of site pages. This WEB-browser is well thought out, so it is very convenient to use. A large number of functions is also a strong point Google browser Chrome. Let's take a look at the functional features of Chrome separately.

In our opinion, the most important functional advantage of Google Chrome is the synchronization of passwords and bookmarks in the browser with Google server, thanks to which, by entering your login and password, you will get access to your bookmarks and passwords after reinstalling the system or on your other gadgets. This is very convenient, because, for example, when reinstalling the system, it is not so difficult to reinstall it, as it is difficult to remember all your visited sites and passwords to them. And with Chrome, you just need to log in to Google system, and all your bookmarks and passwords will be restored. Also, from the functional features of Chrome, it is worth noting the ability to install extensions and change the design style, of which there are a large number in the Chrome Web Store, and for free. Well, the last thing to mention is the smart address bar, that is, in the address bar (in the field where you enter the site address), you can enter and search terms- it's versatile and convenient.

In order to download the Chrome browser on your computer, go to: "google.com/intl/en/chrome".

Mozilla Firefox Browser

The next browser we would like to consider is Mozilla Firefox. The Mozilla Firefox browser has been around for about 10 years and is one of the old-timers among web browsers. Mozilla Firefox is mainly used by webmasters and advanced users due to its correct and correct display of site pages.

Of the functional features of Mazila (English Mozilla), it is worth highlighting the presence of a huge number of plugins (extensions), the number of which largely exceeds the range of extensions in Chrome. In addition, Mazila Firefox has the ability to change the visual style of the browser, which should also be attributed to the advantages.

Despite all this, Mozilla Firefox is quite a "heavy" browser. Compared to other browsers, it takes a little longer to start up, and sometimes it freezes and slows down, even for quite a while. powerful computer. If we compare Mozilla Firefox with the aforementioned Chrome, then the disadvantage of the first is the lack of synchronization of bookmarks and passwords. Therefore, if there is no special need to use Mazila, then it is better not to use it as the main browser.

Download Mozilla browser Firefox you can from the official website of the browser: "mozilla-russia.org".

Opera Browser

The Opera browser is an aksakal among browsers that has existed for almost 20 years. The Opera browser is quite light and convenient. Of the functional features, support for widgets and plugins can be distinguished, but they have not received wide application. It is worth noting the Turbo function, which allows you to load pages faster with a slow Internet connection or to save traffic by compressing it, but, as a rule, today this function is relevant for laptop owners with limited 3G Internet tariffs.

Analyzing the Opera browser, nothing bad can be said about it, but it is also difficult to single out something good. In our opinion, Opera lacks a certain charisma that would distinguish it from the above browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

You can download the Opera browser from its home page: "opera.com/ru".

And finally, it should be said about the fifth browser, which, in our opinion, deserves its place in our top five. Yandex.Browser is the last one on our list, but not the last one. Although Internet Explorer is the first mentioned, it is far from the leader, and perhaps even an outsider of our list of top browsers.

As for the Yandex browser, this is the youngest browser developed by Yandex. This browser has only existed for about a year, but despite its novelty, it is quickly gaining its audience. Probably Yandex(-y) wanted something more serious than obsessively integrating their Yandex.Bar (an add-on with their services) into other browsers, so the company's developers decided to create their own full-fledged browser. It is somewhat difficult to call Yandex.Browser “ours”, since it is the same Chrome, with a slightly redesigned design and with some additionally implemented functions. One of these additional features is the Turbo function, which was borrowed from Opera browser. Let's analyze Yandex.Browser in more detail.

The Yandex browser is made on the same engine as Chrome, so they have a similar appearance and similar functionality. New versions of Yandex.Browser now offer the ability to synchronize your passwords and bookmarks with the Yandex server. The Yandex browser also allows you to install extensions, but they must be installed manually, since Yandex does not have its own store for downloading add-ons. It should be noted that it is possible to install background picture, but, unfortunately, there is no possibility to change the background of the navigation bar in the browser. But there is a convenient "Scoreboard" - a panel with site icons for quickly opening them, which is very original and convenient. You can also note the ability to search for a query in different search engines from the "smart line" this browser by selecting the one you want below search engine.

Summing up, we can say with confidence that Yandex.Browser is the same Chrome, but more focused on Russian-speaking users living in the CIS. If you decide to remove Yandex.Browser, then .

To download the browser from Yandex, go to its official page: "browser.yandex.ru".

Which browser to choose?

It would be wrong to give an unambiguous and categorical answer to the question: which browser to choose. Each browser has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as its own characteristics, so for each user, “their” browser is the best. For example, someone prefers Chrome browser for its simplicity, the integration of passwords and bookmarks with Google, and someone - Mozilla Firefox for its great amount various add-ons. Despite the fact that the browsers are all the same in structure, they have their own visual differences, which significantly distinguishes them from each other. In order to determine which browser to choose, and which one is best for you, you need to try them all to make your own decision.

Novice Internet users ask what a browser is, how it works, and which program is better to give preference to for PC and phone. Other questions arise regarding the use of the software and its installation by default. Below we will analyze in detail all the points that interest beginners.

What is a browser?

So, first of all, let's look at the meaning of the word. So what is a browser? If to speak in simple words, a browser is a program designed to download and view pages, download files, manage applications, and perform other tasks. The first such software appeared 26 years ago in 1993. Its name is NCSA Mosaic. The creators of the browser were E. Bina and M. Anderssen, who developed a program for Windows. A feature of the software was open source code, which was later used to create more modern software - Netscape Navigator.

Considering what a browser is and why it is for you, one more thing should be noted. This is a special web interface, designed, as a rule, for surfing the Internet. This software is distributed free of charge. It may be supplied as a standalone unit or as an add-on to other elements of the software. For example, Internet Explorer comes with Windows, Safari with Mac OS X, and Google Chrome, Opera and other software as separate software.

Analyzing what a browser is on a computer, you can simply say - this is what you are now reading this text on the Internet in. At the request of the user, the browser submits a request to the web server, from where the response comes and transmission desired page. After processing the information, the web browser provides information to the user in a convenient form.

In general, as you understand, in the realities of the 21st century, it is simply impossible to do without a Web browser. But let's say you already have it, what to do with it?

What is a browser for?

Above, we partially considered what a web browser is and what it is for. At the present stage, the program is used on the Internet and allows you to solve the following tasks:

1. reading text information;
2. downloading files;
3. sharing data with other users;
4. viewing pictures and videos;
5. listening to audio files and so on.

Depending on the functionality, the browser may provide additional features, for example, accessing sites via VPN, setting individual settings, etc.

Overview of popular browsers

Now let's look at what browsers are available for PCs and phones. Note that the names of web browsers may overlap. This is due to the fact that almost all manufacturers make software for computers and smartphones in order to cover the maximum market share.

For PC

If we select browsers for computers, for 2019 there are five programs in the category of the best. Let's consider them in more detail. Please note that below are the most popular ones. But if suddenly your PC does not pull them, you will need to pick up

Yandex

Yandex is a fast and convenient web browser that has many additional applications(traffic, weather, music, mail, etc.). It has a nice interface, easy to manage, supports extensions from other browsers (Opera, Chrome). When creating, the greatest attention was paid to safety. The program quickly detects and blocks suspicious sites. There is a turbo mode for loading, a smart line with useful information.

Cons - periodically there are problems with the transfer of history, the lack of benefit for people who do not use Yandex services.

Google Chrome

When considering what browsers are, one of the the best programs- Google Chrome. She's different high speed connections with pages, simple but clear design, many applications. Here, for the first time, the search bar and address entry for the site are combined. Today, many developers have adopted this idea. It is based on the WebKit engine that was used to create Safari. Security was a key focus during development. Users are protected from phishing, viruses and other online dangers.

Pros - a separate service panel, fast with other devices, availability, high download speed, monitoring of used resources, the ability to.

Cons - high requirements for RAM (from 2 GB or more), fast discharge of laptops, lack of Russian in many applications.

Mozilla Firefox

This web explorer is deservedly in the top three, thanks to the many useful extensions, automatic ad blocking and other "chips". Here you can quickly create screenshots, there is a built-in reader and a level of security is guaranteed. The control panel is convenient and functional, with support for WASM and WebVR. All updates are installed in automatic mode. You can change the menu settings as you like.

Pros - convenience for web developers, the ability to customize the appearance "for yourself", convenient reader for documents, reliability.

Cons - slower speed compared to competitors, periodic failures in opening pages, large RAM requirements.

Opera

It's no secret that the browser is primarily a surfing tool. In this regard, the Opera does a good job. It has been on the market for a long time (since 1994), uses the same technology as Chrome. Turbo mode is available to users for more fast loading, built-in VPN, a convenient access panel and even voice control. You can watch video content in pop-up windows.

Pros - built-in VPN, widget support, big choice hot combinations, versatility.

Cons - less reliability, high system requirements, periodic problems when interacting with WML.

Internet Explorer

The Internet Explorer browser was once a leader, but today it has lost its position. This program is built into Windows and is installed by default. After the update, the speed of work has increased, the interface has been simplified, supported necessary programs to display information correctly. In version 11, a privacy mode appeared,

Pros - no installation required smartscreen filter, an association address bar with search, page acceleration.

Cons - small functionality, poor choice of extensions, simple design.

Other developments can be added to the list already considered - Uran, Mawthon, Safari, etc.

For smartphones

Many users are more interested in the question of what is an Internet browser in the phone. In terms of functionality and purpose, this is the same program as for a PC. The difference is that the application is written for the OS for phones - Android, iOS, and so on. Therefore, working in the browser is only available from a mobile device.

The list of the best browsers for smartphones has a different look:

• Dolphin is an app developed by MoboTap for Android and iOS smartphones. Features - great functionality, fast synchronization, gesture viewing, work with a flash player and much more. Internet browser has clear interface, fast download speed and incognito mode. Of the shortcomings - the lack of a mobile version.

• Firefox is a web explorer for smartphones that supports sync, HTML5 and allows you to use multiple panes at the same time. With Firefox, you can send content to TV and be sure that you are protected from viruses. Quick links to a number of social networks. The main drawback is sensitivity to heavy pages that may open unevenly.

• Google Chrome is a convenient and fast mobile browser with over 1 million users. Its features are HTML5 support, fast synchronization, the option to save data, no restrictions on the number of tabs, and a high level of security. Of the minuses - the absence a large number additions.

• Opera mini. At one time, this browser gained popularity due to the fast loading of even heavy pages. Today it is one of the lightest and fastest web explorers with integrated security, quick save data, night mode and news save function. The weak point is the limited add-ons.

• Browse Faster is a great solution for users who are looking for a fast smartphone browser. Its feature is the ability to remove ads, a high level of privacy, fast and secure browsing. The app is battery efficient, has privacy plugins, and even a password manager add-on. The downside is that there is no integration with Google.

Today, every user knows the benefits of a browser and why it is needed in the phone. This is not surprising, because surfing from a PC is gradually moving to mobile devices. This fact is confirmed by the activity of manufacturers who are increasingly focused on creating programs for smartphones. Users can only choose or iPhone. As for the above list, it can be supplemented with other programs - UC Browser, Maxthon5 Browser, etc.

How to choose a browser?

Now you know what browsers are, what it is in simple words, and how it is used. The difficulty is that in the variety of programs it is difficult to navigate and choose a worthwhile option. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, it is recommended to follow the following criteria:

1. Popularity. For 2019, Google Chrome is considered one of the leaders. Other browsers are not far behind, such as Safari, Mozilla Firefox. At the same time, Chrome has shown positive growth dynamics over the past three years. According to statistics, browsers that are in demand among users are more in demand and retain positions longer. It is difficult for new web applications to find their place in the market among the incumbent giants.
2. Reliability. An equally important criterion is reliability, because a lot of unforeseen risks await the user on the Internet. It is important that the browser works stably and does not close due to a crash in any page. Today, major web explorer developers have changed how programs work, making them more reliable. In the event of a crash, Web Explorer restores all tabs.
3. Convenience. This criterion is individual for each person. Some users scold Mozilla and IE, while others like them. If you look from the position of universality, one of the leaders is Google Chrome, where all the controls are well thought out.
4. Safety. Working on the Internet, a person is not protected from the actions of hackers who can steal confidential or other important information. Of course, some of the problems are taken care of by the antivirus and the firewall, but the browser should also act as one of the elements of defense. Today, all manufacturers pay maximum attention to this aspect, but Yandex and Google do it best.
5. Speed. In the developing world, web users rely on fast page loading speeds. Frequent freezes are annoying and make you look for other browser options. The most nimble include Google Chrome, Yandex and Opera.
6. Capabilities. Modern browsers are becoming more than just a shell for browsing. It is a "multimedia center" that replaces mailbox, TV, player and much more. From this position, the leading positions are for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

When choosing a web explorer, you need to consider that the browser is primarily an assistant when working on the Web. That is why reliability, safety and speed of work remain the main criteria.

Default browser: what is it and how to set it?

When working with a file, you see a link and click it to view the information. Immediately after that, the browser that is set by default opens. In the Windows operating system, this is almost always Internet Explorer, but the user can make changes and install the web explorer that suits him best. The question arises why it is needed. The option is set in order not to make a choice each time to launch any page or file for viewing using such software.

Consider how to set the default browser for different options:

1. Internet Explorer. Enter the program, go to the Tools tab (at the top or bottom in the form of a gear), and then select Internet Options. Next, click on the Programs tab and select the Set as default section. Confirm your action at the final step.
2. Opera. Enter the browser, click on the button with the red letter "O" and select Settings. Next, click on the button to use Opera by default. In earlier versions, after going to Settings, you need to enter General settings, and then Extended. Here, find the inscription Programs and check the box next to the box offering to check that the Opera browser is installed by default. Now save and try to enter the program. A question will appear whether to use the default program or not. Here the answer must be positive.
3. Mozilla Firefox. Open the program, click on the button with horizontal lines on the right and enter Settings. There, go to the Advanced and General section. Click on the link Make Firefox browser default and agree with the given command.
4. Google Chrome. Enter the web explorer, click on the three dots on the right, enter Settings and set the program as the default browser.
5. Yandex. Enter the software, click on the three lines in the upper right, enter the Settings. Next, go to the Settings tab and go down to the very bottom, where you can set the mode of interest.

After completing the above steps, the browser of interest will always open by default.

Where can I find a browser?

Now consider the location of the browser, where it is located in a computer or phone. Applied to a PC already after loading the operating system Windows browser IE can be seen on the desktop. Alternatives- go to the Start menu and find the program in the program list. Alternatively, find it on your desktop. In the phone, the browser after installation will be available from the desktop or the applications section.

How to use?

For dummies, it is very important not only to find and install a browser, but also to figure out how to use it. Each web explorer has an individual look and feel. Let's take a quick look at each option:

1. Opera. At the top left are the navigation buttons, then the address bar, and after it the search engine graph. When you click on the "plus" is added new tab through which you can enter new page. Thanks to the navigation buttons, you can move forward and backward, as well as refresh the page. There is a convenient zoom control on the bottom right.
2. Mozilla Firefox. Here the situation is very similar. A menu bar is provided in the upper part, below it there are tabs, and even lower on the left and right are the address entry and search windows, respectively. On the left, next to the address entry line, are the navigation buttons. At the bottom there is a panel of add-ons. Tabs are also opened by clicking on the "plus".
3. Internet Explorer. Here the situation is similar with Mozilla. The difference is that at the very top are the address entry lines and the search column below the menu. Under it there was a place for tabs. At the bottom right there is a status bar and the ability to zoom in on the page.
4. Google Chrome. There are tabs at the top. Below you can find a column that combines the input address and search string. To the left of it are the control buttons. On the right - a place for applications and three dots (entrance to the menu).

It is important to consider that developers are constantly optimizing their products and releasing new versions of browsers. As a result, much can change, but the principle of management itself remains constant. At the same time, everything is done so that every beginner can quickly figure it out and start surfing the Web.

Have a great day!

18/09/2019 15:56

Each person has a unique taste, preferences, and requirements. If one thing gets to a hundred people for testing, then everyone will announce a different result. Some opinions will be similar, others will differ, and this is natural. In the area of software everything exactly the same. A browser is a program that a person uses to surf the Internet. We launch it daily, so it is important to choose convenient browser which will meet all requirements.
Using the browser, you can search for any information, listen to music, watch movies, and play your favorite games. Any rating will be controversial, but let's try to rank the best browsers. In the article, we will analyze the criteria for choosing a good browser for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. We will study in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Based on our rating, you will be able to choose a good browser for yourself.

Google Chrome 1st place

This is the most popular browser of all that exist today. The program can be called the best and fastest on the Windows operating system. Its opening took place in 2008. Chrome was based on the popular Safari browser at the time, based on the WebKit engine. It was formally crossed with the V8 javascript engine. Subsequently, this hybrid was renamed Chromium. Such well-known companies as Google, Opera Software, as well as Yandex and several other major developers participated in further development. Google was the first to create its own version of the browser on Chromium. A year later, it was installed on 3.6% of computers worldwide. He began to quickly gain popularity, today he is the undisputed leader and occupies 42.21%. It is worth noting that most of them are smartphones in which the browser comes pre-installed.

Advantages:

1. High speed. Chrome is significantly superior to competitors in terms of browser speed, as well as the processing of displayed resources. In addition, there is a handy page preloading feature, which further increases the speed of work.
2. Safety. The company has implemented reliable technologies that ensure the safety of using the browser. They continue to develop actively. The browser has a database of phishing, as well as malicious resources which is updated regularly. The browser works according to a unique scheme in such a way that not a single process is involved, but several at once, but with lower privileges. Downloading files with resolution .bat, .exe or .dll requires additional confirmation, which reduces the chances of downloading a virus.
3. There is an "Incognito" mode. This is a very convenient feature when you need to view a large number of sites, but at the same time leave no traces of their visit on your computer.
4. Thoughtful interface. It is quite simple and contains everything you need, without extra elements. Chrome is the first browser where the ability to quickly access appeared. On the panel you can see the most visited resources. Another feature is sharing address bar and search engine. Later, this feature was implemented in other browsers.
5. Stable work. There have been no recent cases where Google's work Chrome was experiencing crashes or was severely slow. This can only happen if there are viruses in the system. In many ways, the security and stability of work is increased by using several processes that are separated from each other. If one of them stops its work, the rest continue to function.
6. There is a task manager menu "Additional Tools". Almost no one knows about this chip. Thanks to a handy tool, you can track how many resources are occupied by an entire tab or a separate plugin. You can find and fix the source of the problem if the application starts to slow down.
7. Large selection of extensions, many of which are free to download. There are also many plugins and themes. The browser can be configured depending on personal preferences, which is very convenient.
8. It is possible to automatically translate pages. For this, Google Translate is used.
9. The program is updated automatically without disturbing the user.
10. Search queries can be specified by voice; for this, the service " OK Google».

Flaws:

1. Starting with version 42.0, support for NPAPI plugins was stopped, including the rather popular Flash Player.
2. The application needs at least 2 GB to run smoothly. random access memory.
3. Most of the extensions, as well as plugins, are made in a foreign language.
4. A significant load on the hardware contributes to the short battery life of laptops and smartphones.

I have been using Chrome for a long time, and as my main browser. For all the time of work, he did not cause serious complaints. Its integration into the system of other Google services is very convenient. One Account can combine your computer and mobile device, there is the possibility of continuous synchronization.
I don't like the fact that all user data is stored on American servers(most likely now the data is stored on Russian servers). It stores mail, personal contacts and search information. True, we should not exclude the possibility that other browsers do the same. You need to take precautions as much as possible, then you will have nothing to fear. If you do not want to disclose your own data, but still continue to use Chrome, then use SlimJet or SRWare Iron, we will talk about them below.

Yandex.Browser 2nd place

The browser has the shortest history, it was opened in 2012. It is very popular in Russia. The browser supports integration with Yandex services which are very convenient to use. The default search engine is Yandex. The interface turned out to be quite original, although it was created on Chromium engine. The panel immediately catches the eye quick launch. It is made in tile style.

The user can place up to 20 tiles. The browser uses "Smart Line", which not only transfers the entered phrase to the search engine, but also automatically selects the required site if the name matches. Unfortunately, so far given function works only with large resources. Mouse manipulation is supported, with which you can control web browsing with simple movements.

Advantages:


Flaws:

1. Not everyone will like the original interface.
2. Binding to various Yandex. Without them, the program is deprived of many opportunities.
3. Rarely, but still there are problems with transferring settings and history.

Not everyone will like the new interface, because it is radically different from competitors. It will take some time to get used to such features.

Mozilla Firefox 3rd place

Now Mozilla is the most popular foreign browser, and in Russia it ranks third. Over the past few years, he began to lose ground, but only slightly. The first version of the program appeared in 2004, since then there have been many changes. The application engine is Gecko - it is freely available and continues to be improved by developers. Formally, this is the first browser that had a huge database of extensions even before the advent of Chrome. He was among the first to implement the maximum privacy mode that Google invented.

Advantages:

1. A simple and very user-friendly interface, in which there are no unnecessary details.
2. A convenient settings system that allows you to radically change the browser, customizing it to your liking.
3. A large number of various plugins. You can choose them for every taste, because at the moment there are more than 100,000 of them.
4. Cross-platform. The browser can be downloaded for any operating system that is used on modern technology.
5. Reliability. I got into such situations when the user caught a banner that blocked the work of all browsers, but Firefox continued to function.
6. The maximum level of security and privacy of personal data.
7. Comfortable bookmarks bar.
8. The program may refuse to track information about you by various sites. You can set up private browsing. In addition, there is the Master Passwords feature, which additionally protects your records on certain resources.
9. Updates happen in the background without the need for user intervention.

Flaws:

1. Compared to Chrome, the interface slows down a bit and takes longer to respond to user manipulations.
2. Performance is average;
3. The lack of support for scripts on some resources, as a result of which the content may not function correctly.
4. The application requires a large amount of RAM to run.

Opera 4th place

This is the oldest browser, which was opened back in 1994. I started using it about 15 years ago, and now I use it as needed. Until 2013, Opera had its own engine, but now Webkit + V8 is used. Exactly the same technology is used in Google Chrome. In 2010 the company opened mobile version programs. Now it is the fourth most popular browser in Russia, and it ranks sixth in the world.

Advantages:

1. Excellent speed and page display. The features of the browser include the turbo mode, which significantly increases the speed of loading pages through the use of cloud technologies. At the same time, traffic is significantly saved, which is very important when using the mobile version.
2. There is a convenient express panel with saved bookmarks. This is a modified Speed ​​Dial tool we saw in previous versions browser.
3. Opera Link technology, which is needed to synchronize various devices.
4. Lots of hotkeys for easy control.
5. Internet browser Opera Unite.

Flaws:

1. A large amount of RAM is required for efficient operation. If you open several tabs at the same time, then Opera will start to slow down. Even the reliable Chrome engine does not improve the situation.
2. On many sites, incorrect work of scripts and various forms is observed. There are a lot of complaints when working with WML.
3. Stability cannot be called strong point browser. The company could not get rid of periodic failures and freezes.
   4. Own system of bookmarks, which was nicknamed "Piggy Bank". This is quite an interesting solution, but poorly implemented.

I use Opera only as an additional browser. The "Turbo" function is useful when working with a modem, because in this case, a high speed of displaying pages and saving on consumed traffic are combined. With Unite technology, you can turn your browser into a real server. On it, you can arrange access to a variety of files, exchange SMS notifications and photographs. The files are stored on the PC and become available only when the program is launched. it great replacement Chrome, if for some reason you do not want to use it.

K-Meleon 5th place

This application has been developed since 2000. In fact, it is a relative of Mozilla Firefox, they use the same engine. You ask why he entered the rating, if they practically do not differ? The fact is that they have strong differences. For example, today K-Meleon is the easiest browser for Windows systems. Such results were achieved due to the peculiarities of its development. Initially, the program was only supposed to demonstrate the capabilities of the new engine. As a result, the company was able to achieve economical consumption of PC resources.

Advantages:

1. Small requirements for PC resources, including a low amount of RAM.
2. The use of the native Windows interface, which significantly saves time and resources spent on the interface.
3. High speed.
4. Good personalization options, and for this you do not need to use third party extensions. Everything is set up with macros. It will be difficult for a beginner to master, but in your free time you can figure it out.
5. There is a wide range of builds. You can choose an extension with the desired set of functions.
6. You can create multiple profiles for different users.

Flaws:

1. Pretty clumsy interface. If you compare it with the leaders of the Top 5, then this browser has too simple design.
2. Rarely, there are problems with displaying the Cyrillic alphabet, but in latest updates the situation was corrected.

This is the best option for weak PCs. The browser will function normally on an old laptop running the Windows XP operating system. You will be able to enjoy comfortable Internet surfing. And on modern hardware, it will work even better. Many professionals use it, considering it the best browser. This should not be surprising, because in some respects K-Meleon outperforms its competitors.

Internet Explorer

This is a free browser that is included with the integrated Windows software. Microsoft has been involved in development since 1995 and to this day. Therefore, the browser was one of the most popular in Russia, but then Chrome appeared. Now he has greatly lost his position and takes 5th place in popularity. The reason can be considered the completion of its development. Along with Windows 10 came the development of the company - Spartan.
In its entire history of the browser, it has never been considered the best, everyone knew about the large number of vulnerabilities that various viruses used. For a very long time, it has been a vulnerable point of every computer running the Windows operating system. The situation changed for the better with the release of Internet Explorer 10, it is included in the Windows 8 package. All the holes were finalized in it and, subject to certain rules, the browser was considered safe.
Version 11 came along with Windows update 8.1, it is the latest in the line. In terms of speed, it can be compared with competitors, but still slightly inferior to them. Now there is a privacy mode, a preliminary rating, and caching is also supported, it allows you to increase the speed of the browser. Despite the successful innovations, the browser is only losing its position. In my work, I use Internet Explorer only to enter the web interface home router and other network equipment. There is a simple explanation for this, this is the browser developers use, so the markup is designed for it. To view Internet resources, it is better to use a different browser.

Now there are many browsers that we did not mention in our review. We have presented our selection of the best browsers, but everyone may have a different opinion. The review presents only those browsers that I had to deal with. They are completely free to download and use without any restrictions. current version can be found on the official website. If you can suggest worthy browsers that should be in the Top 5, then indicate your options in the comments.

I recently wrote an article about fast browser(), in which he shared the results of his personal research on this issue. And, after that, in communication with one of my friends, I discovered that not all people know what a browser is. So I decided to make an article and tell in it more about the following:

What is a browser for?

To begin with, all the files that we encounter are a certain code consisting of ones and zeros. And, in order for the information encrypted in this code to be used, a program is needed that will decrypt this code.

Each type of file uses its own code and, accordingly, needs its own program. For example, works with archives, a program works with an image.

A browser is also a program that works with certain types of files. These are web page files created in htm, html, php and other formats.

To better understand, do an experiment. Open any site, right-click on the screen and select "page source code" from the drop-down menu.

You will see an interesting thing - hundreds of lines in the form of incomprehensible commands and operators, recognizable fragments of human text will flash between them. This is how a computer sees our sites, but people are not able to perceive such a format for presenting information - we need a “translation”.

This translation is done by a web browser, it reads all commands and operators and, depending on their meaning, breaks the text into paragraphs, changes the size and position of pictures, highlights links, overlays a background and plays a video.

The next time you hear a question about a browser, you can safely say - this is a translator from the language of web pages to human.

Most Popular Browsers

Despite the huge variety of Internet browsers (their number is measured in hundreds), less than a dozen have had real popularity for many years. All the rest are of little interest.

Internet Explorer- both the most common and most criticized browser. The secret of its popularity lies in the fact that it is installed by default on any computer running the Windows operating system. But, among advanced users, it is believed that only amateurs use it. The reason is its low speed and poor functionality. Despite the fact that it is constantly updated, and the latest modifications look quite tolerable, the prejudice about its low quality will remain for a long time.

– one of the most popular browsers due to its good speed, user-friendly interface, flexible customization and a huge number of add-ons. It has been on the market for a very long time and has gained credibility from the very first versions.

Google Chrome- out of the four leaders, this is the youngest representative. It was developed by Google and, immediately after its appearance, captivated many people with its high speed. The speed in it is achieved through a minimalistic interface. There is nothing superfluous in the browser - only the most necessary + what you add yourself (the choice of add-ons is also very large).

Opera- unlike Chrome, it got its fame not for speed, but for high functionality and convenience, although its speed is at its best. When other browsers required the installation of add-ons for any tasks, Opera made do with the basic version. Now this feature has become not so relevant, since all browsers “out of the box” have the most requested functions.

Yandex browser- the most popular among fresh programs in this area. It was created by Yandex on the basis of Chrome. I can’t say something very positive about it yet, the functionality and settings are similar to its progenitor, but in terms of speed it is inferior to the brainchild of Google. Perhaps, over time, it will still prove itself, since Yandex has taken up this promotion very actively.

Which browser to choose?

The choice of browsers is large, but they all have the same principle - they have a base of commands that they are able to understand and transform into a human form.

In general, this base is the same and coincides with international standards. But, as the Internet develops, new features and capabilities appear, older versions may not understand everything that is now. Therefore, some of the sites different browsers may look a little different.

Modern browsers are designed not only to display sites, they can perform a lot of additional functions. Weather, traffic jams, exchange rates and more can be turned on and off with add-ons and plugins. All this adds a bit of comfort to our journey through the internet.

Now, as for the choice. My observations have shown that the difference in speed between the most popular browsers is small. Therefore, the whole choice comes down to the choice of design and convenience for a particular user. Someone will be comfortable with the Firefox menu, someone strives for the minimalist design of Google Chrome, someone is attracted by the beauty of Opera - any modern browser will serve faithfully to its owner.

Over the years of its development, all developers have taken the best from competitors, so now, browsers have become more similar to each other.

What is the default browser

Several browsers can be installed on the computer at the same time and all of them will work properly even if you run them at the same time. But, there is one point. When you click on a link outside the browser (via some third party software) or if you open HTML file saved on your computer, your operating system must determine which of the browsers the page should open - it cannot open simultaneously in all programs - this is determined by the default browser setting.

The default browser is the program that is assigned as the main among other web browsers, all Internet files are opened through it, unless a different one is manually set to use.

Usually, when installing each new browser, it offers to make itself the default program. Later, you can change the setting through the “Start” menu -> “Control Panel” -> “Programs” -> “Default Programs” -> “Set Default Programs” and there, in the list, select the web browser that you want to make the main one.

How to open blocked sites?

I could not help but mention one feature that deserves attention and can help many people solve the problem of accessing blocked sites.

The Opera browser has a special “Turbo” function, it is designed to load sites faster with slow Internet, but this mode has one more useful property. To speed up loading, the browser downloads pages not directly from the hosting of the site, but through its own proxy servers, on which the data is pre-compressed.

Such data loading, through an intermediary, allows you to view even those sites that are not directly accessible. For example, Rospotrebnadzor, as part of the fight against piracy, closes some sites - all browsers with normal modes they are not allowed to be opened, and the “turbo” mode in the Opera allows them to be used as if nothing had happened.

That's all for today - good luck!