Google Chrome — Popular for a Reason Web browsers, we use them all the time, mobile or desktop, tablet or laptop. There are quite a few different kinds to choose from out there, but we’re not here to aggressively tell you to set anything as your default—looking at you Microsoft Edge. This article is all about Google Chrome, one of the most popular browsers out there for your ease of use! Google as a company has created a lot for the technological world, from its devices to its search engine, the tech giant is as big as it is because of its innovative methods and streamlined useful creations.
So, without moving as slowly as Internet Explorer, let’s get right into it, shall we?
What is Chrome? Is it the Same As Google?
In short: no, it’s a web browser. If you’d like a bit of a longer answer, it’s a Google-designed, free-to-use, customizable browser used to view web pages on the internet. This browser is the world’s most popular, and it’s cross-platform, making it useful for any device you might own. Whether you’re an Apple, Android, Windows, or even a Linux user, Google Chrome is there for you. Its ability to safely retain and protect your information makes it popular because it can be used seamlessly across all devices it’s installed on and logged into. You can customize the kind of web-tracking or advertisement assessment they pull from your browsing data, which is good for people who aren’t a fan of their every move being tracked.
Now you’ve probably heard of Google—who hasn’t, right?—the search engine. Chrome isn’t the Google search engine, as it allows you to view entire web pages and do so much more, it’ll even let you set whatever search engine you prefer… even if it might be Bing—does anyone still use Bing?
The search engine is just that: helps you search for things with given keywords. The Google search engine utilizes a lot of the same coding as Google Chrome, so using it as the default engine if you’re using Chrome might make things a little easier, but it isn’t required. Those are the basic ins and outs of both.
What Are the Benefits or Drawbacks to Google Chrome
We’re so glad you asked! Here is a brief list of reasons why it’s the world’s most popular browser with some positive aspects:
- It possesses a basic, easily understood interface. Also has your classic back, home, refresh, and bookmark buttons
- It effectively parses through advanced scripting in certain websites that might make them operate sluggishly otherwise, putting it as the leading competitor against web browsers like Firefox or Internet Explorer—not sure anyone uses the latter anymore, though.
- Google will update the browser periodically, ensuring security and features are up-to-date
- Convenient; even possesses auto-translation feature to use on websites; if they’re not in your language, it’ll translate and create a seamless experience
- If one tab crashes, other tabs won’t be affected
- Native flash support
Nothing can be perfect, however, so here are a few lesser-known features to consider:
- Accidentally close the browser? It’ll take all your tabs with it and close them too
- Uses a surprising amount of RAM when running
- Adding extensions that might not be available on the Chrome store is something that isn’t allowed
- Some customization features are ones you have to pay for in the Chrome store
How To: Install and Use
It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s free. Installing Google Chrome involves maybe a minute of your time, and involves clicking on their installation file when searching for it. It’ll ask you to run or save the file, clicking whichever will have the same general result of installation. A Chrome window will appear when it’s done if you clicked run, requesting your option for a default browser and leading you through setup, including logging into your Google account if you have one.
From there, using it is as easy as clicking the Chrome icon whenever you need to utilize a web browser.
You Have Options
There are always going to be a variety of choices when it comes to web browsers you want to use, even if some are a little less optimized than others. Google Chrome is one of several kinds out there, but as stated in this article: it’s popular for a reason.
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