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Tech: Google Chrome

30 Sep 10 - 10:56 AM (#2996841)
Subject: BS: Google Chrome
From: Louie Roy

I don't know how many other mudcatters are being urged to download Google Chrome but be ware.I was downloading another program and this was attached unbeknown to me and I had a quadmire that it took 4 hours from a PC tech to correct.Apparently some hacker had attached this to the program I was trying to download which was a free version of Real Player which I found out was discontinued in 2009 even though I used it for at least 10 years.I didn't download Real Player I downloaded Google Chrome and believe me I had a mess.I found out that I was not the only one that had got blind sided


30 Sep 10 - 11:05 AM (#2996848)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: VirginiaTam

Appears that Real Player is bundled with Google Chrome, You get the option to disable it.

Not a hacker job at all. Just an agreement between Google and Real Player.

Google Operating System
Unofficial news and tips about Google
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Google Chrome, Bundled with RealPlayer

If you try to install RealPlayer, a media player available at real.com, you'll notice that the setup downloads Google Chrome. The option to install Google's browser is enabled by default and I assume that most people will not bother to disable it.

RealPlayer seems to be first third-party application used to promote Google Chrome. The browser has replaced Firefox in Google Pack and it's installed along with Google Earth if you're not paying attention.


30 Sep 10 - 11:07 AM (#2996850)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: VirginiaTam

Also you can have a number of different browsers on your system. IE, Opera, Firefox, Google Chrome. Just use the one that suits you. Set it as your default browser, so links always open in it.


30 Sep 10 - 11:21 AM (#2996859)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Acorn4

You can type a search into the address box which is quite useful. It doesn't get so burdened down with add-on baggage as the other browsers.


30 Sep 10 - 02:52 PM (#2997029)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Louie Roy

When you are a computer idiot you just stumble along and get into all kinds of trouble


30 Sep 10 - 03:36 PM (#2997053)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: VirginiaTam

honey I been playing computer since 1992 and I still ain't got a clue.


30 Sep 10 - 03:38 PM (#2997057)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Jim Dixon

I use Google Chrome all the time as my standard browser and I like it.


30 Sep 10 - 05:58 PM (#2997154)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Slag

I found it to be intrusive and so I just continue to use Google, old style. I hope they keep it around. You know, I really AM conservative! I still think Windows 98 was the best formated operating system made. They should have worked the bugs out of it and kept it. My son-in-law who works all day long on the technical side of computing tells me that Win 7 and the other versoions are really very like Win 98. They just look different! May be so but they don't work the same for me, not at all. Win 98 was straight forward and intuitive.


30 Sep 10 - 06:23 PM (#2997165)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: GUEST,Shimrod

Google Chrome just seems to me to be some sort of solution looking for a problem. Why do we need ten trillion different browsers and eleventy million different anti-virus programmes and a zillion different office suites anyway? To answer my own question it's probably why need a quadrillion different brands of soap - competition in the 'free market' (f**k the free market!).


30 Sep 10 - 06:38 PM (#2997175)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: The Fooles Troupe

Win98 was the last OS that MS put out that was 'controlled' by basic geeks who just wanted things to work simply. Sadly, it was based on top of an old, rapidly obsoleting technological model that was becoming unworkable because the internal framework was not really capable of assimilating new concepts easily, without breaking the frame work - also it was only really 'single user' unlike the 'generic multiple user' concept of things like UNIX and its descendants, as well as 'mainframes'. Also newer things like USB were becoming harder to fit in the old framework...

Sadly it had to be rewritten to fix the almost insoluble coding problems coming forward. Sadly an understandable decision for very good reasons was made to try and have a degree of 'backwards compatibility' - no one wants to totally trash an old loyal customer base ....

Sadly, also, at this time the 'engineers & hackers' were displaced by the 'marketers and bean counters' - and it all went down hill from there ....


30 Sep 10 - 07:16 PM (#2997198)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Slag

Yes, unlike Atari, I understand that Windows was overly complex, needlessly complicated and they were the first to use heatsinks as the CPU would overheat. If Gates had adopted Atari's tech instead of just the game features or if Atari had Gate's business acumen then our computers would have an excellence that is now missing.


30 Sep 10 - 08:39 PM (#2997241)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: The Fooles Troupe

Like VHS over Beta - Gates 'won' over other systems...


30 Sep 10 - 08:47 PM (#2997246)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Bill D

VHS won because they made longer tapes.

Beta was far superior.

That may not be a good comparison to why Gates won... he was lucky that his partner "knew someone" who had written an operating system he was willing to sell cheap...and then they did some clever manuvering to sell it to IBM.


30 Sep 10 - 10:31 PM (#2997283)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: The Fooles Troupe

"Google Chrome just seems to me to be some sort of solution looking for a problem. Why do we need ten trillion different browsers and eleventy million different anti-virus programmes and a zillion different office suites anyway?"

It's called 'Market Control.


30 Sep 10 - 10:39 PM (#2997287)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Stilly River Sage

Darn. I posted here earlier and it didn't stick.

I use Chrome most of the time now, but when I download any program I look to see what it wants to load along with it. I don't use and won't have Real in the computer, so I de-select it. I detest the Yahoo Toolbar, so that is out of here. AOL used to try to add a lot of crap when you downloaded their Instant Messenger, don't know if they still do cause I rarely use it.

I downloaded Opera, and surprisingly, it didn't let me choose where to install it. It went straight for the C: drive (I park most things on the D: drive these days).

SRS


30 Sep 10 - 11:45 PM (#2997310)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Joe Offer

Chrome seems much faster than other browsers, so I've been using it as my primary browser since it came out. I'm completely satisfied with it.
-Joe-


01 Oct 10 - 02:38 AM (#2997345)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: JennieG

We're happy with it too....bought a new computer recently and it came with Win 7 (that works just fine for us) and we use Chrome.

Cheers
JennieG


01 Oct 10 - 03:38 AM (#2997360)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Abdul The Bul Bul

On the downstairs (family) PC Google Chrome with Vista is a nightmare.
On my upstairs work PC with Win 98 I use Firefox with standard Google search engine that works a real treat.
Al


01 Oct 10 - 09:46 AM (#2997515)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Mrs.Duck

I started using Chrome as it did seem a lot faster than IE but it crashes so often that I have abandonned it. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling to see if there had been a glitch but still it crashes. I have Vista so maybe that is why.


01 Oct 10 - 09:54 AM (#2997518)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Bill D

SRS---Opera won't let you choose? I never had problems...I have versions stuck all over the place...


01 Oct 10 - 11:36 AM (#2997596)
Subject: RE: BS: Google Chrome
From: Stilly River Sage

The problem I have with Chrome is right here - the form window in Microsoft. It treats the end of the line as a hard break. I can drag the corner of the window wider, but it does have that effect.

If you use this window in a PM it really chops up messages and makes html difficult to use because it artificially breaks up the code. I've had to drag the form completely across the monitor (it's a large monitor!) to get code to work a couple of times.

The shortened line/hard return effect is more common in PMs.

SRS


22 Mar 13 - 01:44 PM (#3493525)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: gnu

Well then, I shant be arsed downloading it. Or, have the downs been upped?


22 Mar 13 - 03:04 PM (#3493545)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Joe Offer

Well, gnu, you just might like Google Chrome. It's generally significantly faster than other browsers, and it runs a number of nice, free "apps." I'm hooked on Bejeweled and Angry Birds, both free programs.

-Joe-


22 Mar 13 - 06:13 PM (#3493606)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: gnu

So... what does it do for me above and beyond me using Google as my default search engine in IE?


22 Mar 13 - 06:26 PM (#3493609)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: GUEST,Rev Bayes

Main advantage of Chrome is the Javascript engine is lightning fast. If you use sites like Facebook and find that pages keep seizing up, then you would probably find Chrome a bit slicker.

Other than that, it's a web browser. If you don't already know why you'd want to switch, you probably don't need to.


22 Mar 13 - 11:33 PM (#3493695)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: JohnInKansas

Mrs Duck et. al.
using Chrome as it did seem a lot faster than IE but it crashes so often that I have abandonned

I've run into fairly frequent crashes in newer versions of IE, but there is a checkbox in IE setup to "use autorecover" that usually is set by default. The message that says "Internet Explorer has encountered an error and will be closed" pops up fairly often, but when it closes it immediately reopens with all the tabs (pages) you had open returned just as they were - if the autorecover box is checked. Usually even the link that caused the error also opens normally when the recovery happens.

The crashes themselves seem to be caused mostly by "linked in" ads that either don't open or that send back an error message, nearly always "called by Java scripts" in the main page you're looking at. Due to malware problems, both Microsoft and Apple have changed how they handle Java (several times), and sometimes have just turned it off by default (although letting you turn it back on if you figure out that you must have it) and some of the browsers have done similar things with the Java add-ins.

There also are lots of "badly written" Java calls embedded all over the web. And since the "latest html standard" that lots of web designers are using isn't a standard (and won't be for at least a couple of years) many web pages contain html that's unproven and "differently reliable" and may affect different browsers differently. Since all the browsers update frequently, which one does best this week may not be the best next week - or next Tuesday but not on Friday - unless there's a Monday in between and it doesn't rain in Cleveland. (In other words, you've got to use what works for you now, until it doesn't, and then try another one when/if you feel the need to.)

John


23 Mar 13 - 12:19 AM (#3493700)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Stilly River Sage

I still use Chrome the most - I like FireFox except that the flash player always crashes.

I use AdBlock plus and it works very well with Chrome. I also like Chrome because it works with Google Voice, turning every phone number into a hot link - I can click and it calls my phone then connects me with the number.

SRS


23 Mar 13 - 02:38 PM (#3493890)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: GUEST,Abdul on phone

Anyone using Iron? Had it for a few weeks after falling out with Firefox. Seems OK.
Al


23 Mar 13 - 04:14 PM (#3493915)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: GUEST,Arkie

Chrome is my preferred search engine, but I do know the hassle of getting rid of unwanted software that is piggybacked on something I do want. I have used NiNite to download freeware and so far have not found unwanted software attached. Would be nice to know what more knowledgeable users think.

NiNite


23 Mar 13 - 05:49 PM (#3493940)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: gnu

I'll give it a go tomorrow. Thanks for the input.


23 Mar 13 - 07:42 PM (#3493984)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Fossil

Have Vista Home Ed. Downloaded Chrome ages (two years?) ago, without problems. Used it ever since, like it. As long as you make the right choices in the download menu, you shouldn't have problems, it's a pretty stable programme.


21 May 21 - 10:13 PM (#4106920)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mrrzy

I updated Chrome on my phone [android] and now when I click a link here on Mudcat it floats a small magnified look at the link instead of opening it, and I can't log into Etsy at all. Spent an hour on Chat with helpful Etsy folk... No fix. Y'all got ideas? Everything else seems ok. Thanks!


21 May 21 - 10:14 PM (#4106921)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mrrzy

I can open links here by clicking on the magnified view, but why is there a magnified view at all? That is only here at Mudcat.


21 May 21 - 10:27 PM (#4106923)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mrrzy

Ookkkaaayyy if I click the left end of the link, it magnifies the 3 closest links.

But if I click the right side of the link, it opens it.

Again, *only* on Mudcat.

The Etsy thing is ongoing: it recognizes my email but won't log me in and won't let me change my password as [says the error message] I am not logged in.

Ooh and now what I am typing is illegibly behind the Submit Message button. If I try to move the cursor to correct something where I am typing, it magnifies and will not move the cursor. If I want to move the cursor I have to click above the Submit Message button and from there, I can move it down.

Weirdness is afoot. And the Submit button is gone.

I clicked the word clicky as that was sticking out beside this text box and now Submit is back under the text box. But clicking Submit just magnifies it.


21 May 21 - 10:28 PM (#4106924)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mrrzy

[It worked: click the RIGHT SIDE of the button. Clicking elsewhere on the button magnifies.

Gonna stop testing things now...


22 May 21 - 12:03 AM (#4106925)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Stilly River Sage

I've saved several of the sites that I visit using Chrome as a link on my phone. They're Chrome pages that open on the specific page in the link.


22 May 21 - 12:15 AM (#4106931)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Joe Offer

Hi, Mrr - Android had a new update to Android 11 a few weeks ago, and I've been having trouble getting used to several new features. I imagine that's your problem, too.
-Joe-


22 May 21 - 02:38 AM (#4106935)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Jack Campin

Mudcat has started acting weird when I edit a comment (Safari, iPhone 4S) - very slow to update the display, often fails and reloads losing what I've typed. Much worse than before. Worse with long threads.


22 May 21 - 02:43 AM (#4106938)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: DaveRo

I don't use Chrome on Android but a bit of googling reveals that they have recently enabled link preview by default.

I didn't see how this might br related to your magnifier problem, but I found a comment from 2017 about link preview as it was back then:
Enable link preview: Magnify links when it’s unclear which link you pressed.
So I think they're connected. But that article suggests that to activate link preview you have to long-press, so maybe not.

What I do if links are very small and close together (I use use Firefox on Android) is reverse-pinch them apart.


22 May 21 - 03:40 AM (#4106941)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mr Red

Also you can have a number of different browsers on your system. IE, Opera, Firefox, Google Chrome

I use a plethora of browsers to check my HTML/JavaScript on myriad websites & subdomains. They all have quirks in operation & rendering. And don't even mention anomalies in the de-bugging modes!

Chrome gets used for translation and virtually nothing else. Edge for TV streaming because it is marginally faster. Firefox is the mainstay.


22 May 21 - 09:34 AM (#4106992)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mrrzy

Ooh lemme see if I can turn off that Preview thing, thanks!


22 May 21 - 09:39 AM (#4106993)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mrrzy

Could not find it. Directions? Thanks.


22 May 21 - 10:53 AM (#4107011)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: DaveRo

It's called a "Link Disambiguation Popup" and I don't think you can disable it.


22 May 21 - 11:42 AM (#4107017)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Stilly River Sage

I use Chrome and Firefox on my phone; I used to have a couple of others that were in their day revolutionary for use on phone, but I think they've disappeared. Dolphin was one.


22 May 21 - 01:16 PM (#4107031)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: DaveRo

I remember Dolphin. People used to use it because it would run Abobe Flash. It still exists I see. Opera browser was once significant; it used to have its own layout engine, but was rewritten to use the same engine as Chrome - like every other browser except Firefox.

I've always used Firefox on Android because it runs adds-ons, but the new version by default only runs 'recommended' ones. I do still run add-ons in Firefox, but it's not simple any more.

Chrome on Android - which is the default browser so most people use it - was never able to run add-ons (the desktop version can) so it's impossible to restyle sites like Mudcat to make them easier to use on a small screen.

There are lots of companies who release their own version of of the Chrome browser engine wrapped in their own services - Duck Duck Go, AdBlock Plus, etc.


22 May 21 - 06:03 PM (#4107076)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Jon Freeman

I sometimes use Chromium on Linux. Chromium provides the base Google uses for it's own Chrome browser and other browsers use.


22 May 21 - 09:02 PM (#4107093)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mrrzy

I feel better about not figuring it out if it can't be done.

Making it bigger first helps.


23 May 21 - 09:50 AM (#4107179)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Bill D

I read about these concerns and I am reminded why I will never bother with trying to browse Mudcat and regular WWW stuff on a phone. Besides that, I have many freeware legacy programs and games that would never transfer to a phone.

My 'dumb' 3G phone will be phased out by next Feb., and my son says he will get me an iPhone compatible with his........... which I will use for....ummm... phone calls,text messages, and quick photos when I am out---and I guess as an emergency way to be contacted when I am not in the house..... but I have 2-3 desktop and 1 laptop PCs with LARGE screens that I can use. I simply cannot imagine doing regular WWW stuff on a small screen.

Technology is fascinating... but I firmly believe that not everything that CAN be done SHOULD be done.

Bill D. 21st Century Luddite


23 May 21 - 10:02 AM (#4107184)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Bill D

Gee... I guess I am a moderate form of one of these..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Luddism


24 May 21 - 08:57 AM (#4107353)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: Mrrzy

I miss my flip phone that looked like a Star Trek TOS communicator


24 May 21 - 11:15 AM (#4107369)
Subject: RE: Tech: Google Chrome
From: DaveRo

The company that bought the Nokia name has released some phones that hark back to their earlier models, including a new Banana Phone (the 8110 4g) and a flip phone (2720 flip). These are not actually 'dumb' phones - they have email, Facebook, Google maps... Expensive for what it can do IMO.

Last time I looked there were no immediate plans to turn off 3g in the UK - 2025 was talked about. It's likely that 2g will outlast 3g - lots of equipment uses it - and you can still buy very cheap 2g phones with batteries that last for ages. It's clearly different in the US; mobile phone - cell phones - have always been different in the US!