A Quick Look at the Best Free Web Browsers

To surf the Web, you must use a browser, but what are the free web browsers out there? The following is a list of the most popular ones available. There are many others out there, but they are not as widely used as the software listed below.

Google Chrome
Chrome is one of the most popular browsers today, thanks to its speed, very clean interface and many impressive features. Its Omnibox allows you to type a URL, search, get suggestions and look up your history in one place. Chrome’s Instant search shows results quickly. Chrome also supports accelerated 3D graphics and a whole slew of extensions to further enhance its functions.


It also has a Cloud Print that allows for remote printing to printers hooked up to other PCs. Chrome’s Account Sync makes it easy to synchronize preferences, bookmarks, passwords, extensions and applications. A testament to its growing popularity is the fact that the number of extensions written for it has exceeded those for Firefox.    

Mozilla Firefox
Firefox’s Smooth Scrolling makes it easier to go through several tabs. If you select or type at the location bar an address which is open in another tab, Firefox will automatically switch. The app tabs will stick your tabs and when updated will glow. One of Firefox’s most useful features is the Tab panorama which allows you to edit and organize your open pages.

The address bar not only lets you type addresses, but also paste and search and paste and go. The Sync feature makes it possible to sync browser passwords, history and bookmarks. Firefox of course, still has support for add-ons.

Opera
Opera has always been known for its many features such as its pop up blocker and ability to cleanse your private data. Version 12 has been streamlined, getting rid of little used features and speeding up browsing in the process. It has a mail program and a built-in BitTorrent client as well, both of which you can access by clicking a button.

SpeedDial still comes with extensions to make them even more useful. If you have several tabs open, use its tab stacking option for easier management. Opera also lets you sync the browser onto various systems.

Internet Explorer (IE)
Once the king of browsers, IE had been left behind by the competition, but version 9 has many features that improve browsing experience. Its One Box works just like Chrome Omnibox, combining the location and search bar into one. This allows you to view your history and navigate in one place.

You can customize many search providers, and it also has an Auto-suggest, although it is off by default. Its Pinned Sites allow you to stick websites on the Windows Taskbar via click and drag.

In the past IE had been criticized for crashing repeatedly, but that has been remedied by its tab sandboxing which prevents a tab that has crashed from taking down the entire application. IE also lets you browse anonymously, while its Notification Bar will alert you if the website you are visiting is not secure. Like the other browsers, you can reopen tabs that you just closed.

Now that you know what are the free web browsers, you will have an easier time deciding what to use. Remember that these programs are updated frequently so their features may be modified in future versions.
Cam is a free lancer writer of http://www.iaskd.com/ and currently he is doing research on best free web browsers.