Description of Types of Web Browser

Web Browser is application software that allows users to view and explore the web through text, images, videos, music, and other information on a website. To request any web page, Users can enter a URL into the address bar; this navigates them to the website. The list of web browsers used worldwide includes Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera Web Browser, Safari Web Browser, Microsoft Edge, Samsung Internet, Internet Explorer, Slimjet Browser Maxthon, and many more. As of February 2022, Google’s Chrome is the leading internet browser globally, with a global market share of 62.78 per cent.

Google Chrome

• Google Chrome launched on September 4, 2008, with a vision to create a better, more modern browser. Google Chrome is the leading and most popular type of web browser used worldwide. It has an impressive speed. 

• People find it easy to access as it opens quickly and loads multiple tabs and pages in just one click. It’s probably the fastest browser available today. It also provides users with a safe browsing option that helps block dangerous and malicious sites.

• Another reason for using Chrome among the various types of web browsers available is its simplicity. It groups the Google search bar and address bar in one Omnibox and provides users easy experience.

•  It can also easily get customised by selecting apps and themes from a wide range. 

• It can also sync across devices. The user can sign into Chrome using their respective Google account, and their data will sync across the selected Google devices.

Mozilla Firefox

• Mozilla Firefox launched on September 23, 2002. The second preference of many users is Firefox. It was considered slightly slower than chrome. However, its latest updated version is smoother and faster. It also consumes less RAM than chrome. Therefore, it prevents freezing issues when multi-tasking or working with multiple browser tabs. 

• Firefox’s constant browser updates enabled the decrease in memory consumption of the browser, speeding it up for multiple tasks. Firefox also has a great reputation for security user privacy as it provides Enhanced Tracking Protection, Breached Website Alerts, Fingerprinting Protection, etc. 

• Unlike Google, Firefox isn’t used for advertising. Therefore, its browser automatically blocks over 2000 online trackers and protects the information of browsing data. Users can also select themes and personalise their browsers from customising options.

• It also has a handy feature called Pocket, which enables the users to save web pages and videos for later, and they can access them through the installation of the pocket app.

Apple Safari 

• Safari was launched on January 7, 2003. Safari is the native type of web browser for Apple Mac and iOS devices. It’s got a classic design and is straightforward to use. 

• Safari’s web speed is considered slower than Chrome and Firefox, yet it is manageable. Safari protects the privacy of the user. Its Browsing mode prevents web trackers, a pop-up blocker, and a JavaScript blocker. 

• Unlike Google Chrome, safari cannot be synchronised across all devices. However, it synchronises effortlessly among Apple devices. Users cannot select themes and personalise their safari browser as there is no such range available of customising options.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge was launched on April 29, 2015. As per recently recorded data, Microsoft is close to overtaking safari for its global usage. Its built-in tracking protection is almost equivalent to an Adblock. The addition of chromium extensions is also done here. Microsoft also provides customising options to edit the browser’s appearance.

Opera

Opera was launched on April 10, 1995. It is considered the most underrated browser as compared to its utility. It is a resource-friendly browser. It has an in-build ad blocker system that allows speeding up the browser, reducing the page’s load time. Opera’s ad blocker is considered 45% faster than that of chrome. It has a built-in battery saver mode and a VPN that can turn on by activating through settings. Chrome extensions can be downloaded on Opera as well. It also provides a speed dial option to easily bookmark websites from the home page.

Conclusion 

All types of web browsers require the same steps to open a web page. The user enters a URL in a web browser that opens a gateway to a web server connection. Links are used for opening a webpage by clicking on them. The links navigate the users to the respective web page associated with it. Users can also use the arrows to navigate between pages in a web browser. A user can also open multiple tabs in a browser simultaneously and switch accordingly. Web browsers also keep data on the history of web pages viewed by users.