Google Chrome is the lightweight flagship browser that originated from an open-source Google project called Chromium. It is now one of the more widely used browsers, with a vast ecosystem of extensions and add-ons, a robust JavaScript engine, and a rapid-release development cycle that keeps it competitive.

PROS

Minimal UI: Chrome’s overall UI has remained stable since version 1.0: a minimal two-row window with tabs resting above the address bar (Omnibox), three browser controls (Back, Forward, Stop/Reload), a star-shaped toggle for bookmarking, and a settings icon. As you install extensions, active icons appear to the right of the address bar; but beyond that, Google has strict restrictions on adding visible add-ons. That means no toolbars or any undesired overlays, which used to be standard practice. Chrome is minimal for a reason: to maintain a clean browsing experience with maximum screen space for websites. A new Immersive mode hides UI elements to create a full-screen experience without distractions.

Incognito mode: Incognito is Chrome’s response to Mozilla’s Private Browsing feature. Incognito opens a new window that disables history recording and tracking cookies, and reduces the amount of traceable breadcrumbs. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean you are free to act unethically, as your ISP still tracks your activity. Chrome version 36 improves upon Incognito mode’s design, which features cleaner pop-up notifications and alerts when the browser encounters a crash.

Dev tools: Under the hood, Chrome has some awesome features that make it developer friendly: hardware acceleration for rendering 3D CSS effects; Google’s own NaCl (Native Client), which allows secure execution of C and C++ codes within the browser; and an in-house JavaScript engine that improves load times with every release. The Inspect Element tool lays out a website’s Document Object Model intuitively for those who want to understand how a site’s objects are interacting in HTML and CSS.

CONS

Internet Explorer: If you run an older computer, you may have to use Internet Explorer’s insecure browser to get Chrome. Try not to stay in those waters for too long.

BOTTOM LINE

Google has regularly set the standard for speed, stability, and security, so it’s no surprise that Chrome’s market share continues to rise, especially when combined with its mobile cousin on Android. Google’s Internet browser is for casual user and developer alike.