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Google Chrome Review

By Glenn Andrew on Sep 5, 2008 in Standalone Apps

Well, Google has made it’s entry into the browser wars with “Google Chrome”.  It’s created quite a buzz; people have been downloading it out faster than a blink of the eye.  The web has evolved from offering up mainly text pages to rich and interactive apps and the browsers haven’t kept up, at least in Google’s eyes. Google says that Chrome promises a faster, safer and easier browsing experience.

Here are a few of the key features:

  • Open source
  • Streamlined and simple interface - everything is in one box.
  • Application shortcuts - web applications can be used without opening the browser.
  • Crash control - each tab runs independently in the browser; if one tab crash, the whole browser won’t.
  • Dynamic tabs - individual tabs can be dragged out into new windows.
  • Importing settings - retrieves bookmarks and passwords from your existing browser
  • Incognito mode - private browsing available (no web history tracking),
  • Instant bookmarks - click the star icon at the left edge of the address bar and you’re done.
  • New tab page - displays thumbnail images of your most visited sites.
  • Safe browsing - you are warned in advance of suspected phishing, malware or otherwise unsafe sites.
  • Simpler downloads - no download manager, status monitored at the bottom of your current window

Currently Chrome is available in beta only for Windows (Vista & XP SP2), but versions for Mac and Linux are in the works.

The installation was easy and straightforward. When the browser opens, the New Tab page opens with thumbnail images of my most visited sites and a list of recent bookmarks.  I kind of missed my default home page, but that was easily restored; click on the wrench icon at the top, select Options, open the Basics tab, and change the home page back to my original default. Sweet!

Aside from getting acquainted with the icons, it was easy navigate the browser. The text links and icons that we’ve grown so accustomed over the years are now in a pull down menu adjacent to the address bar.  The browser footprint is much smaller than other browsers, leaving more real estate for viewing web pages.

All in all, the browsing experience is very good.  It’ll take more time with the browser to fully get used to it, but I think Google has a winner.  Once it comes out of beta, Google Chrome will give the other browsers a run for their money. And being open source, we can look forward to many interesting innovations to come.

Here’s a link where you can download it and try it out yourself: Download Google Chrome

I’m very interested in hearing what you think of Chrome. Anyone care to comment?

Glenn Andrew

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RSS Feed for This Post8 Comment(s)

  1. cf | Sep 6, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Glen,

    I downloaded it as soon as I had heard about it. It was really cool because instead of learning about it on the Internet, someone told me about it in person. (I love that, considering so much of my life is now devoted to hours on the Internet.) I am already a user of Google’s other excellent utilities, so I knew I would love Chrome.

    I’m a web developer so it’s crucial to love your browser. Currently I have become a habitual FireFox user. The transition to Chrome for me will happen however when I can has my StumbleUpon tool bar!

    In spite of that, I was very impressed with how speedily and resourcefully the browser works, like a champ! Great idea for a “home page” with screen shots of the latest most frequented sites. Many innovations to explore with Google all around, so the browser is another extension of Google’s online culture of minimal but functional design.

    I love Chrome!

    cf

  2. Glenn Andrew | Sep 6, 2008 | Reply

    Hi CF,

    Thanks for your comment. I too look forward to when Chrome comes out of beta and add-ons such as a StumbleUpon tool bar are available. I’m sure that as neat add-ons were developed for FireFox, we’ll see a similar bounty for Chrome.

    Glenn

  3. Paul Cooley | Sep 13, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Glen,
    Thanks for the post. Have you heard of any security issues? Plus, is there a home button?

    Thanks, have a great day!

    - Paul

  4. Glenn Andrew | Sep 14, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Paul,

    Thanks for your comments! With regards to any security issues, I have not heard of any. The product has only been for a very short period of time. I’m sure that if any security issues do arise, we will hear about them.

    About the home button, Google places thumbnail images of the most common websites you visit when you first enter the browser. If your home page is the most common one you visit, then it will be place first on the list. You can always bookmark your home page by clicking on the star icon to the left of the address bar. That way you will always have access to it. A third option would be to select the wrench icon and select history for a complete list of sites you’ve visited chronologically.

    Does this help, Paul?

    Best regards,
    Glenn

  5. James | Sep 17, 2008 | Reply

    Hi, I found your blog on this new directory of WordPress Blogs at blackhatbootcamp.com/listofwordpressblogs. I dont know how your blog came up, must have been a typo, i duno. Anyways, I just clicked it and here I am. Your blog looks good. Have a nice day. James.

  6. Glenn Andrew | Sep 17, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks for your comment James. I have no idea how this blog ended up there. Thanks for informing me.

    Regards,
    Glenn

  7. Paul Cooley | Oct 4, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks Glen,
    I found the home button! :) Thanks for your help!

  8. Glenn Andrew | Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks for your comments, Paul. I really like the thumbnail images of the most recently visited websites. It’s a great feature of Chrome!

    Glenn

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