Even with all of the advanced and specialized productivity software tools out there, a case can certainly be made that the most essential tool is something much more familiar – the web browser. This is the tool that most of your employees use to get things done, with research being the most obvious application. With access to Google Docs, Gmail, Outlook, Salesforce and Asana – as well as countless other indispensable tools – the web browser truly is the go-to tool for your office.
The question is, which web browser is best for your business? Google Chrome has the name and market share, but Microsoft Edge and Firefox have their own loyal followings. Still, for business there are considerations beyond popularity, such as safety, compatibility, and features. Let’s take a look at some of the factors which may come into play when you are choosing a web browser for your company.
User Friendliness
The optimum web browser won’t impede basic browsing, but will instead offer intuitive and straightforward features. The best browser will take a backseat while the web itself takes the spotlight. Chrome, which has been around for 12 years, put website content center stage, with the browser itself offering only basic features and little evidence of the browser itself when content was being showcased.
Similarly, the new version of Microsoft Edge is simple, fast and rather bare-bones; unlike the previous version which was overloaded with frivolous features. In fact, the new Edge closely resembles Chrome, at least in ease of use.
Firefox has also pared down the interface to ensure maximum exposure for web content. However, it does offer more features than its competitors, with a series of icons to provide access. Those who prefer a clean, less distracting interface would therefore do better with Chrome or Edge.
Speed
IT professionals indicate that there does not seem to be a measurable difference in speed overall among the three browsers. However, some browsers fare better than other from application to application, with some running App A faster, while the other run App B faster. Therefore if you have a specific application which is critical to your business, you may wish to test all the browsers to see if one works better for you than the others.
System Resource Use / RAM and CPU
In a multitasking test run by a team at Computerworld.com, Edge beat out the other competitors by running multiple websites utilizing fewer system resources (1.275 GB vs. 1.428 GB for Chrome and 1.917 GB for Firefox.) The percentage of CPU use for Edge came in at 5%, vs 7.5% and 8.4% for Chrome and Firefox, respectively.
Security Features
The web is a dangerous place. Ransomware, malware, worms and hacks – and even sites which are not malicious monitor online activity and sharing data without your consent.
Chrome offered the features and settings for safety that you’d expect, found in Settings under “Privacy and Security”. Users can control websites’ ability to access a camera or microphone, or block third-party cookies; as well as send a “Do Not Track” request to websites.(Be aware that websites are not required to honor your request, however. Some features, such as “safety check” sound good in theory, but offer little in real protection.
Like Chrome, Edge will arrest malware and unsolicited downloads, and it allows you to prevent cookies being placed on your computer; to block your camera, microphone and location, and to utilize a secure DNS provider or VPN. One useful feature of Edge is tracking prevention, which blocks ad providers from following you from site to site; making it more difficult for online companies to amass comprehensive data profiles about you.
Firefox begins with the same basic protections as Edge and Chrome, but doesn’t allow the use of a secure DNS provider, which the other two browsers do. Like Chrome and Edge, a “Do Not Track” message to websites is provided, but offers little protection.
Firefox does offer “Enhanced Tracking Protection” which stops social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, and cryptominers.
Overall ,there is not a huge difference between web browsers, and it may come down to personal preference after all. The only real notable difference is that Edge outperforms in task-heavy environments, an aspect of these studies which may prove beneficial to you.
Do you need more help in assessing, configuring, upgrading or installing your new IT network? Call Alliance IT today. We have the professional expertise you need – and the professional technical managed services you expect.
