EyeNet Browsers

Before the birth of Internet, conducting researches involved a set of an encyclopedia and a trip to the library where browsing literally refers to the art of scanning a dusty bookshelf to get the book you most wanted.

As technology evolved, a global system that carries a vast array of information, called Internet, has emerged. The Internet is widely used for research, communication, shopping, and entertainment. An Internet browser (also refers to as the web browser) is considered as the portal to the worldwide web where users can find almost anything and everything from the comfort of their houses. A variety of topics are made available and limitless database of informative articles are made accessible.

Web browsers are now equipped with the latest technologies to simplify, enhance, and accelerate an end-user’s Internet experience. Newest features like tabbed browsing, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, and voice interaction added to the competing popularity of each of the browsers that are commonly used in the world of the electronic data communications system. Some browsers allow the addition of notes and bookmark of websites. Some even have integrated search engine to make researching convenient and faster.

There are a number of web browsers available. Among them that are widely popularized are: Internet Explorer, a bundled browser in Windows operating system, which is developed by Microsoft; Firefox, which was rationalized by Netscape to produce a competitive browser, is developed by Mozilla using the open source software model; Safari, which is developed by Apple; Chrome, the recent major entrant in the browser market, is developed by Google; and Opera, the fast-growing mobile phone web browser in the market.

Based on 2009 reviews on browser product comparisons, Mozilla Firefox made it to the top. It is then followed by Google Chrome. In the top 3 spot is Window’s Internet Explorer. Among those that didn’t make it to the top 3 but are still included in the top 10 list are: Opera, Safari, Maxthon, Flock, Avant Browser, Deepnet Explorer, and PhaseOut.

However, reviews must be supported with statistics for the users to be fully convinced. Based on August 2009 monthly browser statistics on the trend of usage, the following are enlisted with their corresponding rates: Mozilla Firefox, 47.4%; Internet Explorer 7, 15.1%; Internet Explorer 6, 13.6%; Internet Explorer 8, 10.6%; Google Chrome, 7%; Apple Safari, 3.3%; Opera, 2.1%. Those that bear less than 0.5% rate was not included in the list.

Dealing with web browsers is like dealing with any other things we highly desire. There are also criteria to evaluate them. Thus, there is a need to consider these: features set, the practical features that make web surfing faster and more convenient; ease of use, the simplicity or user-friendliness regardless whether the user has proficient knowledge in Internet or none; security, the most important aspect which protects against pop-up windows, viruses, and phishing frauds; speed and compatibility, allows fast and efficient surfing; and help and support, quality customer support the developers provide if problems occur.