Finding the right web browser amid host of choices

The rush of new web browsers from which to choose is not necessarily a blessing for online surfers. Most of them are free and offer similar functions, so how to choose the right one? Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari and Chrome are just some of the names out there. All are fast and reliable, say experts. But there are slight differences, and those are what usually affect a choice.
"Usually, it's the non-functional aspects that lead to a choice of browser," explains Stephan Ziegler, who works for Bitkom, a German technology industry association. Those factors are usually things like operability or perceived security.
Mozilla's Firefox remains the most used browser, with user numbers far exceeding those of Microsoft's well-established Internet Explorer. A 2010 study of German users by market researcher Fittkau & Maass showed Firefox with a 48 percent market share, while the Microsoft browser had only 36.4 percent.
Firefox is also well-equipped in terms of security, while the new Explorer has its strengths in multimedia, says Dominik Hoferer of German computer magazine Chip.
Websites with a lot of complicated graphics load up quickly and fluidly on Explorer 9, according to a test by another German computer magazine, Computer Bild. That's partially due to the new Chakra scripting engine that quickly renders Javascript content on websites.
Javascript is used for programming so-called active content. Many hackers and scam artists make this central to their attacks, says Florian Hillebrand of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
That's why it's important to only allow active content in exceptional cases, which is exactly what IE 9 does. An anti-tracking functions also optimises security. But Explorer is held back by its limited expansion options, says Hoferer. That's where Firefox has more to offer.
If seamless surfing is what's most important to you, then Hoferer recommends Chrome. Google's browser is also well liked for its sleek and functional user interface. For example, it's address and search areas are merged.
Opera and Safari also do well in tests of speed. But they are not as commonly used. However, that can have its advantages, says Sebastian Spooren of the Institute for Internet Security at Germany's Gelsenkirchen Technical College: "Security gaps don't get exploited as quickly." Hillebrand says good browsers will automatically incorporate security updates: "They're available shortly after security gaps are closed."
At least that's the case with Chrome and Internet Explorer 9. Others require approval before updates. Mozilla also has a reputation for quickly closing security gaps in Firefox, says Spooren.
For extra safety, Safari should only be used in secure mode, advises Hoferer. "It's proved its value when the secure private mode is in use."
Some caution also needs to be exercised with Chrome. Google continuously gathers data about users as they surf so it can then place targeted advertisements, say experts.
But then, Chrome gets high marks for its Sandbox technology, keeping Flash content in isolated areas. "It makes it harder for attackers to exploit holes," says Spooren. Internet Explorer 9 and Firefox 4 use similar technologies.
"There is no browser that I can advise you against," says Hoferer. And there's no reason not to run multiple browsers simultaneously, testing them out to figure out which is best.