Firefox

[Aractus]

No, seriously. Who gives a shit? Worrying about Google tracking your movements when you have real-world concerns like raising your child, paying your bills, fixing your truck ... that shit is stupid.  No one cares except Google's advertisers, and I've got AB+.  I don't give a shit if they track my surfing, I still don't see their ads.

Not you, obviously. I care very much about privacy - always have.

Chrome is produced by Google, and does not have your privacy in mind. Mozilla takes the privacy of its users to be one of their core values. FF is open-source, Chrome isn't. Chromium is, however it represents a security risk as it can't receive automatic updates. FF's UI is far more customisable than Chrome's.


In terms of vulnerability, Chrome and IE beat FF quite significantly at the moment since they run within a sandbox with lower permissions than regular applications. But at last year's Pwn2Own all three as well as Safari on Mac were hacked. Most of the exploits involved exploiting Adobe's Flash and Reader plugins.

That security is fixable - open Flash options in plugins and select "Ask to Activate". Now flash will never run on a webpage unless you give it permission.

If you want to play some games on http://www.pogo.com/ - guess what? Java no longer supported in Chrome!

[Minimalist]

I have to say that I am less thrilled with Google since this bullshit about them tracking people started coming out.  Fuck 'em.  Glad I have Firefox back.

[Edwardo Piet]

What harm can Google do with that info though?

[Minimalist]

Be required to turn it over to the government.

[abaris]

I have to say that I am less thrilled with Google since this bullshit about them tracking people started coming out.  Fuck 'em.  Glad I have Firefox back.

What did you think their business model was? Offering all ther nice links out of the goodness of their hearts? I never installed chrome for that exact reason. And no, I'm not under the delusion that they don't collect my data if I just refrain from using their gadgets. They do, but Adblock plus does a pretty good job in keeping the worst fallout from my doorstep. I can even watch youtube vids without being pestered by some ad.

Truth is, all these fancy companies are giant marketing profile generators. Facebook the most obnoxious of all.

[Minimalist]

It's the targeted ads that annoy me most, although AdBlock helps a lot.  But, the other point remains.  If they collect data they can be forced to reveal it under court order.  Better if they don't collect it in the first place.

[abaris]

It's the targeted ads that annoy me most, although AdBlock helps a lot.  But, the other point remains.  If they collect data they can be forced to reveal it under court order.  Better if they don't collect it in the first place.

But it's their business model. Always was. They live by targeting their users with ad shit and sponsored links.

[Minimalist]

But I don't have to like them.... or use their products.

I'm not even sure why/how I have Chrome installed.  At least with IE I know it comes with the OS.

[abaris]

I'm not even sure why/how I have Chrome installed.  At least with IE I know it comes with the OS.

You don't have to like them, but it's hasrd to evade them. As for installing chrome, be very careful when installing any kind of software. Most try to sneak in some adware with their products. If you just click continue, chances are, you're treated to chrome or some of the even more obnoxious shit, like toolbars offering next to nothing but watching your every move. Especially if you're using freeware. They always have some trojan horse in their package. That's why I always look what is checked during the installation process. As long as they're not outright malware, you can uncheck their additional "offers".

[Minimalist]

I agree about the installs.  I always use the "custom" option.

I think my son may have stuck Chrome on there when he was setting up the machine.  He likes Chrome.  I was actually glad to have it when Firefox crapped out.  Beat using IE.