October 2, 2011

Safari is one of the applications that comes with OSX that bothers a lot of people. It’s somewhat sleek design is overseen by slow loading times and constant crashes. I’d always recommend a switch from Safari, so here’s the three alternatives that we most recommend. Please keep in mind that we’re talking about running this on a Mac, not on the iPhone or the iPod touch.

1. Google Chrome – Google Chrome is undeniably the fastest web browser available, it’s simplistic design and lack of third party add ons allows for a seamless, powerful browsing experience. Just in-case you don’t believe the claim that this is the fastest, take a peep at this article. This was written way back in 2008, so Chrome has dramatically improved and is now even faster. Although Chrome is fast and fun, it’s basic design may fair “too basic” for advanced users, and it’s lack of add-ons may turn people in another direction. Chrome has web-applications however, which aren’t add-ons, but merely “links” to games and online services. If you’re looking for a simple, fast web-browsing experience, Chrome is definately the browser for you.

2. Mozilla Firefox – Mozilla Firefox is a really nice alternative to Apple’s built-in web browser, Safari. Firefox is an intense web browser, and performs well in most aspects, it’s a nice all rounder. Mozilla Firefox has an endless labyrinth of add-ons (free and paid) that can enhance, enrich and enlighten your browsing experience. The biggest negative about Firefox that turns people away is the fact that it is known to be heavy on CPU. This is supposedly due to the add-ons hogging little parts of the CPU, which, if you have a dozen or so, could really slow down your system. If CPU isn’t an issue, and you’d like to make the most of your web experience with add-ons, I’d recommend Firefox.

3. Camino – Out of the three applications we’re highlighting in this editorial, Camino is without a doubt the least known. Camino’s tag line accurately describes their product, “simplicity with a dash of flavour”. What’s nice about Camino is “Tab Overview”, which lets you quickly see what you have open at a glance, this is particularly useful (for people like me, who have around 40 tabs open at once). Camino boasts a really cute interface, however it may be “too fun” for some people, with large, colourful buttons which can, sometimes, get in the way. The worst thing about Camino is the speed, it’s simply not as snappy as Firefox, and certainly slow in comparison to Chrome. If you’re looking for a simple, easy to view browser, Camino might just be the browser of your dreams.

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So which is best? After discussion with various writers and editors here at TheAppleFreak that, again, the best choice will come down with your personal preference. I personally use Google Chrome due to the speed, whilst others use Firefox due to the myriad of add-ons available. Camino is the simplest of the bunch, with nice, added features that would appeal to someone who wants simple, easily viewable web browsing. If you wanted to go by popularity, W3Schools revealed that Firefox is the most popular web browser, with a huge 40.6% of the market. Whichever browser alternative you choose, you’ll probably never want to go back to Safari.

Written by Nathan Dickson for TheAppleFreak.com

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