Google Chrome
Google’s game changing browser Chrome for Mac combines sophisticated technology with a simple UI, to create a faster, safer and easier browsing experience. Google’s rapid and continuous development cycle ensures Chrome for Mac continues to close in on Safari's dominant position in the Mac browser market.SpeedWe thought Firefox was good but Chrome not only beats it for speed, it also takes less strain on Mac CPU. Which means not only will your browsing be quicker, but so too will other applications you're running at the same time. Google Chrome launches extremely quickly, runs applications at speed thanks to a powerful JavaScript engine and loads pages rapidly using the WebKit open source rendering engine. Add to this quicker search and navigation options from the simplified UI and you have a browser that is damn hard to beat on speed.Clean, simple UIWhile this was a revolutionary area for PC users, Mac users were already used to slimline looking browsers thanks to Safari. We think Chrome improved on this further though - the simple UI hasn’t changed much since the beta launch in 2008. Google focused on trimming down unnecessary toolbar space to maximise browsing real estate. The browser is made up of 3 rows of tools, the top layer horizontally stacks automatically adjusting tabs, next to a simple new tabs icon and the standard minimize, expand & close windows controls. The middle row includes 3 navigation controls (Back, Forward & Stop/Refresh), a URL box which also allows direct Google web searching and a star bookmarking icon. Extensions and browser settings icons line up to the right of the URL box. The third row is made up of bookmark folders and installed apps. Easily overlooked now, this clean UI was a breath of fresh air compared to the overcrowded toolbars of popular browsers pre-2008.PrivacyAnother hugely popular feature, Incognito mode allows you to browse privately by disabling history recording, reducing traceable breadcrumbs and removing tracking cookies on shutdown. Chrome’s settings also allow you to customize regular browsing privacy preferences.SecurityChrome’s Sandboxing prevents malware automatically installing on your Mac or affecting other browser tabs. Chrome also has Safe Browsing technology built in with malware and phishing protection that warns you if you encounter a website suspected of containing malicious software/activity. Regular automatic updates ensure security features are up to date and effective.CustomizationA vast selection of apps, extensions, themes and settings make your browsing experience unique to you. Improve productivity, security, navigation speed, pretty much anything you can think of with apps and extensions from the Google Chrome Store. Install themes created by top artists or make your own using mychrometheme.com. Sign in with your Google Account to back up your contacts, preferences, history as well as access all your Google tools with a single login.In case you are looking for an alternative, you may want to try Avast Secure Browser.The program provider has restricted distribution of older versions of this product. FileHippo apologises for any inconvenience caused.
