browser

Ten Years of Google Chrome

The Google Chrome Browser has been available for 10 years now, and for two out of three browser users, it's the browser of choice. It's my browser of choice also. I don't have anything against Firefox, Safari or Edge, but for a variety of reasons I prefer Chrome. The following article discusses more about the Chrome Browser.

Jim Hamm

https://askbobrankin.com/ten_years_of_google_chrome_and_why_i_cannot_quit.html

Chromium Browser

Have you ever tried the Chromium browser? If not, you might very well ask what is it, and why would I want to use it? Here is an excellent article that explains all about Chromium: https://www.lifewire.com/chromium-web-browser-4171288

I've used Chromium, and found it to be fine and very similar to Chrome, which is my browser of choice. The primary reason most people use Chromium, it appears, is that Chromium doesn't feed any of your internet surfing to Google, which many people don't care for.

As the article states, there is some downside to using Chromium. If you have further interest, read the article.

Jim Hamm

Defender for Chrome

If you use the Chrome Browser and would like a little extra protection when you're on the internet, you can download and use Microsoft's Window Defender as a plugin for Chrome. This plugin will work on a PC or Mac. The Defender program is an integral part of the Windows OS, and has been improving over time in its effectiveness in catching malware. The following article explains more about what protection it offers: 

https://betanews.com/2018/04/18/mac-users-you-can-now-add-windows-defender-browser-protection-to-google-chrome/

'm trying it out and so far haven't received any malware alerts. Even though the program does 'call' home to compare a URL you might be getting ready to click with a known list of malware, this checking doesn't seem to slow down the browsing any. So I'll keep on using it nd maybe it will help protect me one day. I downloaded it from the Chrome web store here..

Jim Hamm

Opera Web Browser

If you might like to try another browser, here is an article with a review of the Opera web browser. I have it installed, occasionally use Opera, and I like it fine, especially the free VPN feature. Having said that, though, I must admit I'm not fond of having Opera's server in China. 

Remember, by using a VPN, your data is encrypted until it reaches the VPN's server, where it is unencrypted before it is sent on. How much do you trust the Chinese not to peek at your data? Of course, this is true for any VPN, so use your own judgement.

Jim Hamm

Still Got Flash?

        "By now hopefully you're removed Adobe Flash from your browser, or, if you need to run Flash, you're using the Chrome Browser," begins Jim Hamm.   "However, if you've still got Flash installed, here is an article on how to use plugins to help control Flash from playing."
        And you'll want to read this.  Jim goes on to add, "Now even the Federal Government is getting involved. You probably don't need/want to read the alert, but here it is -- from the 'United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team.'  Impressive, huh?"

Info on Aviator

        Jim Hamm shares some new info:  "Are you concerned about security while browsing the web?  Here is an article discussing a new browser: Aviator. And here is another article wherein the author discusses his use of Aviator.
        "If you're all enthused now, here is the website where you can download this browser for either OS X or Windows.

        "I've not tried this browser yet, as we're traveling and it isn't convenient to do so. However, one of these days I'll give it a try -- more out of curiosity than any real concern about browsing the web."