By Daniel Pedroza, Writer & Learner

     A web browser is likely the most used program on any computer. It allows you to use the Internet. When the Internet was invented in 1991, the first web browser only showed text. Only in 1993 did web browsers allow you to view images. Today web browsers allow you to send email, read the latest news stories, watch videos, listen to music, chat with friends, play video games, and pay bills.

     Several different web browsers exist. A computer using a Windows operating system often has Internet Explorer pre-installed as its web browser. Mac computers using either OS X or Leopard operating systems will have Safari installed as a web browser.

     Internet Explorer and Safari are not your only options. Several other web browsers are available including Firefox and Google’s new web browser, Chrome.

     Each web browser has different features and tools. The important thing is to find a web browser that works best for you.

Google Chrome

     Google Chrome can be used with computers using Windows, OS X, Leopard, or Linux operating systems. Chrome is easy to use and loads web pages quickly. It has many additional features that make it a good option if you are looking for a new web browser:

• If you have been using another web browser, you can easily import your bookmarks into Chrome.
• Like Firefox and Safari, Chrome uses tabs that allow you to have multiple web pages open at one time. However, if one web page crashes when you are using Chrome, you only have to close that one tab, not the entire browser. With Firefox and Safari, you have to close all your tabs and restart the browser.
• Just like Firefox, Chrome has plug-ins. (A plug-in is an additional software added to a web browser to add a feature.) While Firefox has a huge selection of plug-ins, in time, more plug-ins will be available for Chrome.
• Chrome has many cool themes (skins • and colors) that are a snap to add. 

      Google Chrome is easy to download and install. And it is free. But before installing Google Chrome make sure your computer meets the following requirements:

• Mac users: Older Macs with a Power PC • processor will not be able to run Google Chrome. It will only run on Macs using an Intel processor. To check which processor your computer uses find the Apple symbol at the top of your screen. Click it and look for “About this Mac.” Under the Software Update button you will either see “Intel” or “Power PC.”
• Linux users: Google Chrome will only • run on Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE. These are the most popular Linux operating systems available today.

     If your computer meets these requirements, then you can download the Google Chrome web browser at www.google.com/chrome.

     If you have questions about web browsers or Google Chrome, email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .