Tech: CHROME browser from Google (problem)

Subject: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 11:01 AM

They kept the project pretty well hidden, but it seems that Google will launch its new browser -"Chrome"- later today.

Follow the links in that article to read more. It's a bit hard to see exactly how it will affect the average WWW user, but it's not surprising that Google would want to try something different.... we shall see!

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 11:15 AM

It's only for Windoze. I suppose it's just to annoy Mr Gates. In that respect, I hope it does.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 01:10 PM

Don't think for a moment that it will be limited to Windows.... the 1st release may be, but I can't imagine Google ignoring millions of potential users on MACS or Linux.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 01:25 PM

Google's Blog had something about it yesterday.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 03:29 PM

I'm posting from my newly installed copy of Google Chrome

This literally the first thing I have done with it, so I can't tell you more.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 03:33 PM

they DO have this feature: a way to open a window that leaves no history

"You've gone incognito. Pages you view in this window won't appear in your browser history or search history, and they won't leave other traces, like cookies, on your computer after you close the incognito window. Any files you download or bookmarks you create will be preserved, however.

Going incognito doesn't affect the behavior of other people, servers, or software. Be wary of:
Websites that collect or share information about you
Internet service providers or employers that track the pages you visit
Malicious software that tracks your keystrokes in exchange for free smileys
Surveillance by secret agents
People standing behind you
Learn more about incognito browsing.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 03:36 PM

So far, it seems that you can only import bookmarks from I.E. *grump*

ah,well..BETA

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 04:07 PM

You would think by now they would launch for Mac at the same time...Oh Well...

Not to go off the subject, but they just opened a new Mac store here in Montreal, and every time I go in there, it is PACKED...bob

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 04:27 PM

If they'd write all the cute little programs I have on my PC for MACS, I'd switch in a minute.
I know.. 'everything' one REALLY need to do can be done on MAC or Linux, but I love the various GUI differences in alternate versions.

Which relates to this new browser from Google which has VERY few tweakable settings so far. I can't even get the FONT changing setting to work

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 05:08 PM

I stand in awe of what these computers can do, for me there is no real war between Mac and PC...I was lucky enough to have the use of PC's through the local library and with my friends who are computer tekkies...

But when it came down to putting the money on the table..I went with Mac...

I just discovered the MOTION program that comes with FINAL CUT Studio...WOW!

Anyhooch, I think all will be one within 3-5 years between Mac and PC...

All is good...Google has a notice up re: Mac; when, etc...bob

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Mr Red
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 06:06 PM

Chrome is intended to steel (sic) audience from Micr$oft.

And it will. And they have a vested interest in servicing non MS OSs. It hits MS twice.

It is the old CP/M v MS-DOS being re-run. Established monopoly, can't be shaken (uhu?). Until they believe their own hype and try to push their own agenda.

The goal is the operating system. And that does not have to be on the PC. Google are best placed to displace MS. And they will until they in their turn get too entrenched in their own agenda.

Where is IBM now? Still going but no longer 60% of the computer world. That is for sure.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 06:15 PM

Google came at it from an entirely different angle, and with different basic goals. It will be hard for anyone to do to them what they are doing to MS. The trick will be checking on whether 'serious power' leads to 'serious corruption'.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: GUEST,30_button
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 06:38 PM

>So far, it seems that you can only import bookmarks from I.E.
> *grump*

Don't grump too hard. I just installed Chrome and it neatly imported all my Firefox (my default browser) bookmarks and preferences. The slickest migration in a browser I've seen yet.

Early impressions: very, very fast on single sites. But with large numbers of tabs, seems to run up a lot of memory because it opens separate instances of the program (why it's supposedly more crash proof, I imagine). Very nice, clean interface. Far fewer config options than the competition.

Generally, I like it.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 07:18 PM

Hmmm..I'll go back & look...but it didn't even offer me an option to get FF bookmarks.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 12:22 AM

I'll be an early adopter--tomorrow. Thanks for posting remarks.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: treewind
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 04:23 AM

I'm posting with Chrome here, just downloaded it.
It has imported my Firefox settings - I had to create a cookie for Mudcat, but it retrieved my password from the Firefox info when logging in.

Re Windows-only: it's all open source free software, so it's only a matter of time before it's ported to other platforms.

And it passes the acid test of HTML/CSS standards compliance - it would have to, they'd have known thousands would try it!

Only thing I can't find is a home page button - can anyone help?

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Simon G
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 05:10 AM

Its amazing that several members of this relatively conservative forum have downloaded a new piece of software on its first day of availability.

Chrome is good though, after an hour of working solidly with it I like it a lot, adding up the memory used by all the chrome processes it is still smaller than firefox or IE would by for me. Fast and slick, but for me the win is a browser which is properly structured under the bonnet (hood for those west of the big water). You can certainly tell that Google has attracted all the best developers and software architects and found a way of using their talents effectively.

Chrome is part of the next wave of computing, which is starting to break all around us. The one where almost all we do moves on to server farms on the internet and the desktop just becomes an interface to that. I'm amazed at the number of organisations who already use Google Docs and the like. Chrome is designed to live in the new world, IE and Firefox are previous generation.

BTW just noticed I can change the size of the text box, there is a control in the bottom right hand corner -- that's neat.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: GUEST,JD
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 06:08 AM

Only thing I can't find is a home page button - can anyone help?

Under the Tools (Spanner) button in the top right hand corner choose Options and there's a tick box to display the button.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: GUEST,Shaneo not logged in
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 07:06 AM

Is there an option to go back to IE if you don't like it ?

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 07:23 AM

You can have as many browsers as you like, depending on the platform you have installed. I've got four.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: kendall
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 07:35 AM

IE was a Dinosaur 5 years ago in my opinion!

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 07:51 AM

I suppose that only geeks would know that "Chrome" is an integral part of Firefox.... :-)

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 10:31 AM

Well, it simply does not offer me an option to import bookmarks from anywhere except IE. It has no way to specify where one might FIND other bookmarks.
Perhaps I have my Firefox installed in a non-standard location, and Chrome just can't find it.
I have noticed in a few other programs that they assume you will do everything by the default method and in default positions.....like putting all programs under c\program files (I have a sub-folder called "accessories" for odd little programs I don't use much),and keeping the tray bar at the bottom. (Do you KNOW that it can be on top, at the sides, set to slide out when moused over..etc.?)

I like to configure my computer to suit ME, and for the most part, everything is configurable. Perhaps Chrome will get around to it.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: treewind
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 10:43 AM

I think it might be dangerous and intrusive for Chrome's import process to go looking in non-standard places for your Firefox files. If they're not in the default place, how does it even know you've got Firefox installed? - and how long do you expect it to go searching your file system to find it? If you've hidden it, you've hidden it...
I suppose it could ask you where the files are if it can't find them in the expected place.

GUEST,Shaneo:
(1) You can't remove IE from Windows anyway: it's part of the OS
(2) Chrome doesn't make itself your default browser unless you go into "Options" and tell it to do so, and even after that you can always make IE your default again (from IE)

JD: thanks for Home button tip - don't know how I missed it!

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:01 AM

It only loads a few bookmark from IE at that. There is so much missing from it that I'm not going to lose all my book marks just beacuse it's a bit faster!

You can remove IE from Windows - just go to add/remove programs in Control Panel - but, as Diane says, there's no need to.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:10 AM

"I suppose it could ask you where the files are if it can't find them in the expected place."


Sure...that's what other browsers do in the import function! I don't WANT it to make assumptions, especially since I have two versions of Firefox installed. I also have 5 versions of Opera, 3 of K-Meleon, one of Netscape, and a little thing called "Off-by-One".

Like I said... I want MY options.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 12:06 PM

I think I'm going to really like Chrome! I'm using it now.

I've had a couple of bouts with Trojans which are now gone; they all came from a site I've been visiting without problems until 2 weeks ago...not going back there no mo', no how. Had to remove and reinstall Firefox (v3). It is slower any browser I have, including v2 (now gone); I may just remove it and stay with Chrome and Opera.

Any comments yea or nay on that?

John

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 12:21 PM

Sure, John... that can be a nice combination. Chrome is not very full-featured yet, but it is 'sound' and will browse easily and give you bookmarks.
   Opera has MANY more tricks and is well maintained,

FireFox can, if you want to take the time, be configured with add-ons to awesome detail, but it is never-ending process. Some, like me, like to mess with 'em.....some don't.

Subject: RE: Tech: new google browser
From: GLoux
Date: 08 Sep 08 - 02:42 PM

Chrome: it is nice and fast, although only available for Windows as of now. There are lots of "early reports" that you can read about it.

-Greg

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Tootler
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 03:07 PM

Have downloaded it. Had no problems importing bookmarks from Firefox.

First impressions are pretty good. It seems to work well and is fast, much faster than Firefox, both starting up and loading pages. On the other hand, I like the ability to customise Firefox and I can see me using both. Some of the addins on Firefox are very useful.

Geoff

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Nick
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:22 PM

I like the timed history which shows what time you visited sites - I find it useful at work for some of the things I do. I presume it exists in IE but have never been aware of where to look

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 05:26 PM

I'm finding it hugely user friendly. I like it a lot better than IE or Firefox. I'm by no means a techie, but I'm won over.

Subject: RE: Tech: NEW BROWSER! from Google
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 20 Sep 08 - 06:42 PM

I have continued using G'le Chrome for some searches.

I have found two problems (at least for me):

1-I have not found a 'print preview' button associated with it.

2-Adobe Reader 8 and 9 both lock up the browser. So when I come across a pdf doc I want, I have to change browsers.

Anyone else come across new problems in the past week or so?

Subject: RE: Tech: CHROME browser from Google
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 24 - 02:04 PM

I'm opening this thread and have renamed it to piggyback a conversation about Chrome's current operation.

For several days Chrome has been using a lot of memory every time I open it, and most sites never seem to load, though Mudcat and others opened quickly in Firefox. Even the file on my desktop that serves as my personal home page has the twirly going in the corner when there is nothing to actually load.

I looked into possibilities - scanned the computer for malware, turned off extensions, restarted the computer, cleared the cache, and finally uninstalled and reinstalled Chrome. It still cranks up the RAM (the fan runs and the task manager status shows a lot of activity.)

So, next thing was to re-examine task manager, and there I saw that Chrome apparently had about 30 processes running (one header but with a + and number). Not tabs, but processes. I clicked on the Chrome +30 line and saw a lot of lines labeled just "Chrome." The various extensions I use were all open that way, and any pages also. Task Manager tends to bounce around as operations shift but under that header I started randomly catching some of the lines and closing the task. I would see an alert on the bottom right of the screen that this or that extension had crashed, and sometimes the browser itself closed. There's not enough information on that view to know what you're hitting until you hit it.

After closing a few of them and restarting the browser is now working normally, opening links quickly and not hogging the memory. But I don't know WHY it started doing this; those extensions have been there for ages. Is there a bug that opens all of those? Is one of the extensions broken and I happened to turn it off and fix the problem?

Any thoughts?

And a note: I started looking into browsers in general and saw people raving about Opera. I had it years ago but didn't use it much, so I downloaded it and installed it. The damned thing did a "blink" on the desktop and made itself the default browser. About 10 seconds later I undid that mischief, but I found that extremely annoying.