What’s Your Favorite Browser?

Just the other day I was struggling with Google Chrome, attempting to get it to work just as perfectly on my Windows laptop as it does on my Mac Desktop – and, honestly it just wasn’t happening.

 

Web pages were freezing up; loading slowly and just didn’t give me the same visual aesthetics as I am used to on my Mac. Finally, I decided, it wasn’t worth it – I’d never had any troubles with Firefox, and back I went.

Truth be told, I have tried them all – Safari, Firefox, Explorer, Google Chrome and Opera – I start to struggle with one and become curious if the others will offer more options or will operate at a faster pace. Personally, I always come back to Firefox, which seems to load the fastest and also seems to boast the least amount of frozen screens, which means blissful web surfing.

Here’s my synopsis of browser must haves:

Speed: As far as I am concerned – both at work and at home, a web browser that loads quickly and works well with both my home and a work machine is essential. In other words, compatibility is key. Quick navigation between web pages gives me the opportunity to view a number of websites at once, a vital tool for multitasking.

Secure System: Over the years, the Internet and operating systems have jumped leaps and bounds when it comes to security, but the web still remains a haven for personal and business security risks. Pop-up blockers and advanced privacy settings give me the peace of mind required to make Internet purchases and keep my personal information, such as passwords, protected.

Simple to Operate: While I enjoy having a browser that offers a host of bells and whistles, I also look for a system that’s simple to understand and easy to use. An unpretentious browser that offers laid-back navigation and gives me the day to day intuitive functions to get from point A to B, seamlessly, is mandatory.  Additionally, support and help for the system should be readily available – including accessible FAQ’s and email support.

Features: In my experience, surfing the web is most enjoyable when it’s simple and fast. Utilizing a web browser that offers convenient additional tools such as a customizable toolbar and tabbed browsing means a relaxing and hassle free internet experience for the user (me)! Having the ability to bookmark my favorite websites and set things like parental controls are features that in the year 2012, are also absolute necessities.

Thinking through all these details of surfing the web and essential browser features made me wonder – what’s your favorite Internet Browser and why? Do you have a favorite browser for work functions (like sharing sales information or networking) and a favorite browser for surfing the web just for fun? Please leave a comment, I would love to know!