Web Browsers. Why can't I find one without issues?

[walpurgis]

I've tried just about every web browser going and they all have niggles, at least on Windows 7 they do.

With one exception, Internet Explorer is the only one that operates without issues so far, but it's slow, ugly and awkward.

Chrome and Firefox based browsers all seem to ask for 'Flash' plugins even though I have the latest version and when I look at the version they say I need it is the same one. They just don't recognise it.

I tried Opera. It is fancy and polished looking, but it's a clumsy great beast of a browser, not intuitive at all.

I'm currently using SlimBrowser as my default, it's nice to use but in common with other I.E. derived browsers I've tried it has snags, for instance, when I'm on AOS and try to "reply with quote" to a posting, it won't oblige. This seems to be a common (I.E. type) failing.

The only browser I've tried that operates flawlessly and fast, is Spark. It's lovely to use and it looks nice too. If a browser could be called perfect, well this is. BUT, my spyware cleaner identifies it as malware, so I don't use it! Despite excellent reviews.

By the way, I don't use the regular offerings of Chrome or Firefox, because they 'profile' you and store and use (and sell) all kinds of data about you!

[StanleyB]

Alternative versions of Firefox can be compromised. The recent updated version of the Firefox browser used in TOR was in response to a hack of the previous version.
Alternative version of Firefox asking for an update to the flash player plugin, even though you have the latest version of the genuine article already installed, are looking for a spyware compromised version of the flash plugin. It's a common issue when visiting many adult and illegal download sites. Zonealarm has an updated shield to scan and protect against that.

You can use Firefox add-ons and extension to protect your on-line identity and black data being collected from you.

[Gordon Steadman]

Try Ghostery. I think it comes for PC as well as Mac and it blocks and lists all the attempts to read your computer for the trackers. It surprising how many some sites try.

I've virtually stopped having targeted ads since I've been using it it - a couple of years now.

[MartinT]

You only need two browsers: Internet Explorer 11 and Chrome. Both are fast and stable and do slightly different things but, between them, I haven't found a site that doesn't render properly with one of them.

[walpurgis]

You only need two browsers: Internet Explorer 11 and Chrome. Both are fast and stable and do slightly different things but, between them, I haven't found a site that doesn't render properly with one of them.

I'm using I.E. 11 now. It works, but seems comparatively slow and I still haven't found a way to get it to automatically open consecutive tabs for each bookmarked item clicked on rather than manually selecting a new tab, otherwise it just opens and superimposes new web pages into the existing open tab. And as I said, Chrome spies on you, so does Firefox. I expect they all do to an extent.

Not to worry, I used to use I.E. all the time, but having tried other browsers which perform faster (in my opinion) and are nicer to use, it seems to me I.E. could be better.

To me 'Spark Browser' is the standout product, I found it superb. I'm not sure, but it looks as though it may be a Chrome derivative. Shame it seems to carry malware. It could just be there is nothing actually malevolent there though. I may look into the flagged items and see if they are safe.

[Kember]

Geoff,

Have you tried Safari? I use it on my Mac and it is reasonably problem free. I believe you can run it on a PC.

P

[twickers]

Internet Explorer and Chrome for me too, with no real issues and no reports of needing flash plug-ins. I don't browse the internet much though TBH. I only downloaded Chrome as alternative in case of any problems with IE or render as mentioned above.

[AlanS]

I am using Chrome as newly discovered working alternative to Firefox. Safari is too establishment (Mac) but does work.

AoS does seem to have some requirements that other forums do not need.

[newton]

anyone else noticed search protect appearing from nowhere,using chrome?

[walpurgis]

Geoff,

Have you tried Safari? I use it on my Mac and it is reasonably problem free. I believe you can run it on a PC.

P


Yes, I tried Safari. It did not appeal, I found it about as user friendly as Opera. In other words, a bit dressed up and not very logical to use. I know it's all about getting used to browsers, but some are a real pleasure because of their layout and straightforward use, others aren't.

[walpurgis]

Just trying Lataza Browser again after a couple of years. It's rather good. I.E. based and it loads web pages nice and quick, no issues as far as I can see with viewing anything or interacting with anything, as you often get on lesser known browsers. It's nice and logical to use, with an attractive interface. Only a small download too. All good so far!

[losenotaminute]

I'm using I.E. 11 now. It works, but seems comparatively slow and I still haven't found a way to get it to automatically open consecutive tabs for each bookmarked item clicked on rather than manually selecting a new tab, otherwise it just opens and superimposes new web pages into the existing open tab. And as I said, Chrome spies on you, so does Firefox. I expect they all do to an extent.


With IE, if you hold down control and click on a link or bookmark, you get a new tab.

Lawrence

[walpurgis]

With IE, if you hold down control and click on a link or bookmark, you get a new tab.

Lawrence

That may be handy to know Lawrence, thanks.

I'm OK at the moment as Lataza Browser is working a treat. It seems to be a quicker, more intuitive variant of I.E. Certainly the best out of the dozen or so browsers I've 'roadtested' over the last few weeks.

[MartinT]

I don't get these comments about IE being slow. I've just run the SunSpider benchmark on both IE11 and Chrome and they score 144.8ms and 191.3ms respectively on my work machine. So IE11 is considerably faster than Chrome, which is itself fast.

[walpurgis]

Yes I've seen comparative results for the well known browsers. That does not alter the fact that I find that I.E. feels slow. Maybe it isn't, but it certainly seems it to me. At least everything on and within I.E. functions well, I'll say that for it. As I mentioned, I'm using Lataza I.E. based browser which feels quicker.

[losenotaminute]

Yes I've seen comparative results for the well known browsers. That does not alter the fact that I find that I.E. feels slow. Maybe it isn't, but it certainly seems it to me. At least everything on and within I.E. functions well, I'll say that for it. As I mentioned, I'm using Lataza I.E. based browser which feels quicker.

I find IE was reasonably quick but it kept freezing for 5-10 seconds, which I think may be something to do with Java. Anyway I gave up trying to fix it and moved to Chrome, which feels quick. I only use IE when Chrome won't display something properly. I suspect Chrome uses fewer resources, so on older computers might be a better choice, my old netbook really struggles with IE and I can't install the latest version.

Lawrence

[walpurgis]

I'd probably use Chrome or Firefox if they weren't so invasive and prying. They really do spy on you and I value my privacy.

[pjdowns]

Try Ghostery. I think it comes for PC as well as Mac and it blocks and lists all the attempts to read your computer for the trackers. It surprising how many some sites try.

I've virtually stopped having targeted ads since I've been using it it - a couple of years now.

Thanks for this recommendation Gordon, whilst I know it wasn't for me direction, I downloaded and installed Gostery and haven't looked back… my web browser (Safari) is running faster than ever and I don't get interrupted by this damn popups anymore :)

Paul.

[walpurgis]

Gone back to I.E. Lataza wasn't perfect after all, it stopped me loading photos onto eBay. Shame, it's nice to use otherwise.

Found that if you right click on I.E. favourites from the favourites bar it gives you the option to open with new tab, handy.

[MartinT]

You also have that option from any link on a web page, by right-clicking it. You can even set that as a default.