Last month, we had quite a few of our newsletter readers request more information on last month’s web browser recipe (visit Noble Newsletter April 2009). Here are some additional core differentiators that may help you make an educated decision on which web browser is right for you:

FIREFOX

Pros:

• Download Speed – has been reported to be the fastest browser when it comes to download speed.
• Security – has advanced security measures to protect from spyware and supposedly some viruses.
• Web Tools & Features – Add-on modules for additional tools (web developer toolbars, firebug, etc) and embedded memory if the browser is closed unintentionally.

Biggest Con: If one window crashes, the browser will close all windows. With that being said though, it will restore every tab and window when it reopens.

INTERNET EXPLORER

Pros:

• Compatibility – some sites are only built to be compatible with IE.
• Microsoft Updates – need IE to get Windows Updates and comes preinstalled on all PCs.
• ActiveX and FTP – no need for additional installs for remote desktops and can be used as an FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Biggest Con: It has its own web standards and compliances it follows.

GOOGLE CHROME

Pros:

• Isolated Tabs - has each tab on its own processor thread, so when a tab crashes, it doesn't take everything with it.
• Clean – has an unobtrusive, uncluttered design.
• Quick Javascript – built a custom Javascript environment to help speed up the process.

Biggest Con: It is not completely stable with Macs.  Update 1/12/2010: Google is now compliant with both Linux and Mac OS.

SAFARI

Pros:

• PreInstalled – comes preinstalled on all Macs included iPhones
• True Anti-Aliasing – text looks smoother and easier to read on a monitor, because of how the pixels are interpreted.
• Browsing Speed – (depending on the system and internet speed of course), it is noted that it’s faster than the others when browsing and rendering HTML.

Biggest Con: The program takes longer to load than the rest.  It can also be a processing hog.

We are trying to be as unbiased as possible, but we are only human. If you are dying to hear what we prefer, we like Firefox (for our web development purposes). With all the new versions coming out though, who knows? We'll let you know as soon as we change our mind.

Sources:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-firefox.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Explorer#Features
http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/features.html
http://www.apple.com/safari/features.html