Google Chrome

[isaac steiner]

Wow, I just downloaded Google Chrome. It's so amazing. I love the layout.

Has anyone else downloaded Google Chrome?

-Isaac

[jamessd]

What does it do/what is it
?

[thejdw]

i'm going to, what are the downsides? does it modify your whole browser or just what you do from google?

[johnfoss]

What does it do/what is it?Rather than waiting for someone to spoon-feed me the answer to that in their own words, I went to Google and typed in "google chrome."

It looks like a great idea for a browser -- just the kind of fresh thinking I'd expect from Google. Unfortunately the beta is Windows-only. Mac and Linux versions are in the works.

Unlike Picasa. :(

[MuniAddict]

I installed it and it's basically identical to Firefox. Almost indistinguishable. Kind of like Honda's "new" hybrid (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/02/honda-to-debut-prius-fighter-concept-this-thursday/); it's pretty much a clone of the Toyota prius. I guess if you can't beat em, just copy 'em! :p

[johnfoss]

Are you looking at the new browser's "chrome," or are you commenting on the functionality? I'm pretty sure no version of Firefox offers to search your local computer's files or your browser history, all from the address bar. I think that's the point of it, but I haven't tried it myself.

[AEV D.]

Wow, I just downloaded Google Chrome. It's so amazing. I love the layout.

Has anyone else downloaded Google Chrome?

-Isaac


yes, i downloaded it yesterday and it´s really great!!!
so quick,... :)

[MuniAddict]

There seems to be at least a couple bugs; I can only scroll *down*, but not back up using my synaptics touch pad. Also the task bar won't "pop up" when I move my cursor down to the bottom of my screen. These are not issues with Firefox. I'm running vista btw, which is supposed to be perfectly compatible with Chrome.

[BillyTheMountain]

Are you looking at the new browser's "chrome," or are you commenting on the functionality? I'm pretty sure no version of Firefox offers to search your local computer's files or your browser history, all from the address bar. I think that's the point of it, but I haven't tried it myself.

iMacs already have this function, it'll even search any memory sticks or hard drives attached.

[johnfoss]

iMacs already have this function, it'll even search any memory sticks or hard drives attached.Yes, that's called Spotlight and it's a fast search engine for what's in your computer (or in what's plugged into it). But it's not part of the browser. If you meant this can be done with Safari (the Apple browser) it may, but I mostly use Firefox. I like Firefox because it's very good on following Web standards (rather than Microsoft standards, for instance) and it's the only browser that seems to display everything you throw at it the same in its Windows and Mac versions.

For MuniAddict, remember it's a beta, so it's bound to have some rough edges.

[maestro8]

Did you read the EULA?

It may have changed recently, but in a nutshell, by using Chrome, you're giving Google permission to know everything you're doing with its browser: it mines your search history, your postings, everything you do online.

Be wary.

[evil-nick]

Yeah, the EULA has been changed now.

I'm using Chrome right now, and so far I like it (aside from not being on Linux yet). It's faster than Firefox is on this machine, and so far has been pretty stable. It uses the same rendering engine as Safari & Konqueror, so it's pretty well supported.

The big thing it does (in my mind) is that every tab is its own process. If you have 5 tabs open in Firefox, it's still one process, so if the JavaScript in one tab crashes, FireFox crashes. Chrome uses separate processes for each tab, so in theory all the tabs will run faster, and if one crashes, you only lose one tab.

That's the theory anyways.

[BillyTheMountain]

Yes, that's called Spotlight and it's a fast search engine for what's in your computer (or in what's plugged into it).

exactly!

[forrestunifreak]

Might end up being something worth while, but I'm not going to bother with it until it becomes more... established.

I haven't even switched to Firefox 3 yet, still waiting on parts of it to finish up.

[thejdw]

I have to say I prefur I.E. - it has more options to play with and i find it a little faster. And it dossn't appear to install with flash?

[mscalisi]

Chrome is now my new browser. Beta or not.
It's so simple yet sophisticated. It's fast and robust.

Single Process per tab.
Tabs are movable between windows.
Task manager tells you what bandwith, cpu and memory each tab is using.

make sure you type:
about:internets
in the search/URL bar.

Don't uninstall it either. Google takes that personally.

LOVE IT!

[UniKid2]

Downloading it momentarely.

EDIT: Holy Smokes, I had time to edit my message and its installed, LOVE IT!

[maestro8]

I'll switch to Chrome...

...as soon as you pry lynx (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynx_(web_browser)) from my cold, dead hands.

[mscalisi]

I use lynx for all my pr0n surfing needs.

I'll switch to Chrome...

...as soon as you pry lynx (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynx_(web_browser)) from my cold, dead hands.

[uni57]

I think Lynx has been losing market share recently.

Do you also still use Gopher and WAIS and UUCP? (that's right -- I'm old)

[unicyclist.ca]

make sure you type:
about:internets
in the search/URL bar.

hilarious

[maestro8]

Do you also still use Gopher and WAIS and UUCP? (that's right -- I'm old)

Sorry, did you say something? I had my hearing aid switched off...

[petad]

make sure you type:
about:internets
in the search/URL bar.


Funny. For some reason it only worked the first time i tried it.

I like chrome so far, but i don't really do anything "advanced" with it...so it's okay, but not fantastic. The only thing I don't like about it is when i scroll down with my mouse's scroll wheel the page jumps quicker than firefox. Maybe it's not chrome, but my computer, er something.

I've only been using it since this afternoon, though.
Its awwwrite

[Gilby]

Are you looking at the new browser's "chrome," or are you commenting on the functionality? I'm pretty sure no version of Firefox offers to search your local computer's files or your browser history, all from the address bar. I think that's the point of it, but I haven't tried it myself.
I think the main point of it is to make a web browser that is geared towards pushing the possibility of some really cools web apps in the future. Increasing stability and speed of web applications will turn web apps into being like they are regular apps on your computer. The V8 javascript engine speeds up the javascript so that web apps can run fast and enables synchronous communication with the web server. The separate processes allow more stability so that all your apps won't crash at the same time. Sandboxing/jailing the environment enhance the security of web browsing.

I'm looking forward to Chrome being available for OS X.

[uni57]

I'm looking forward to Chrome being available for OS X.I'm looking forward to Chrome being available for Windows 2000.

[forrestunifreak]

Here is the link for a "clean" install: http://dl.google.com/chrome/install/149.27/chrome_installer.exe

You can download just the browser without getting Googleupdater and stuff thrown in.


Increasing stability and speed of web applications will turn web apps into being like they are regular apps on your computer. The V8 javascript engine speeds up the javascript so that web apps can run fast and enables synchronous communication with the web server.
You mean Google chrome has like a V8 engine? Cool!

[hugo]

I have it on my machine since 3 days and for me it is much faster than IE (ok I am still using IE6).

I like that it does everything from the address bar and that it does not show all these never-used buttons.

[forrestunifreak]

Apparently you can download any youtube video straight for the browser.

http://unlockforus.blogspot.com/2008/09/directly-download-youtube-videos-in.html

[_Ground_Zero_]

Ya, OK, the reason google had all the rights to your activities while using their browser was a "copy-paste accident".

BS.

I'm fine with firefox and will continue using it regardless of the change in EULA.

[john_childs]

Apparently you can download any youtube video straight for the browser.

http://unlockforus.blogspot.com/2008/09/directly-download-youtube-videos-in.html

IE, Firerfox, and Opera, and most any other browser can do the exact same thing. They're called bookmarklets (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bookmarklet). It's nothing unique to Google Chrome.

I gave Chrome a quick spin. It could shape up to be a capable browser.

[unisteve]

Chrome is still wigging out when I try to do certain things that require plug-ins. Oh, well: beta.

[unibikeling]

yeah, chrome doesnt like any video stuff i take it. Ive tried youtube and vimeo, and it doesnt like em.

[johnfoss]

You mean Google chrome has like a V8 engine? Cool!Yeah. It's fast, but I hear it guzzles electrons like there's no tomorrow. :)

[mytran916]

i like google chrome and how you can switch tabs and trasnfer them i like it better than the modzilla and internet explorer


im using the chrome to write this right now


chrome is a application and is not a web based thing

[Jerrick]

So far what Im reading ehre, all of it I can do in IE.

Ill probably not switch.

[john_childs]

So far what Im reading ehre, all of it I can do in IE.

Ill probably not switch.

It is just a browser. It's not doing anything magic. At a basic level it does what you can already do in IE or Firefox or Opera.

What Google is bragging about is the technology behind their browser. The benefits are a bit geek in that respect. They have a comic book explanation (http://www.google.com/googlebooks/chrome/index.html) of the browser and technology. If you read through it you can see what they are promoting is the geek side of a browser. Stuff most people let wash right over their heads.

Google Chrome will be more interesting for regular people once add-ons and special enhancements get written for it.

I see that it does have spell check built in (I'm using Chrome as I type this). I'd like to be able to select a word and do a dictionary search like I can in IE and Firefox (requires add-ons). I don't see a way to search bookmarks in Chrome. It will search your history, but I don't see a way to restrict that to bookmarks. Firefox 3 has a handy bookmark search. IE7 can do it in Vista but requires some geek-fu (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/create-a-shortcut-to-search-your-ie-favorites-with-windows-vista-search/).

I'm going to stick to using IE and Firefox for now. Chrome needs some time for bugs to be found and for add-ons to get written.

[john_childs]

I noticed a problem with Chrome. An alert dialog in one tab will block all tabs and instances of the browser. So for example, the modal alert dialog that pops up when you insert a link here in a forum post will block all other instances of the browser from any user input or interaction. That doesn't happen with IE or Firefox.

[johnfoss]

chrome is a application and is not a web based thingTrue. So far nobody has figured out how to make a web-based browser. :rolleyes:

So far what Im reading ehre, all of it I can do in IE.Apparently you're skimming. :)

[Jerrick]

I'm going to stick to using IE and Firefox for now. Chrome needs some time for bugs to be found and for add-ons to get written.


Same, except for firefox. That never clicked with me.

Ill just keeping my eye one it and see what happens with it.

[masterfulmoron]

I'm planning to wait until they work all the bugs out and get stable version before I beg my parents to let me download it:D

[jamesande]

the idea of a beta release is so that developers can try it out and report bugs before it is released for general use, so i don't know why people expect it to be perfect.

i can't wait for the actual release, chrome seemed faster on my parents' 7 yr old desktop than ff3 on my laptop.

[masterfulmoron]

I'm still on internet explorer, I've decided to try crome
:cool:

[john_childs]

the idea of a beta release is so that developers can try it out and report bugs before it is released for general use, so i don't know why people expect it to be perfect.

i can't wait for the actual release, chrome seemed faster on my parents' 7 yr old desktop than ff3 on my laptop.

You may be waiting a while. Beta means something else over at Google.

Anyone want to take a guess as to how long Google keeps Chrome marked as beta? I'll guess Sept 3 2009 which would be a year and a day after its initial public beta release.

[brendan]

the idea of a beta release is so that developers can try it out and report bugs before it is released for general use, so i don't know why people expect it to be perfect.

nope beta for google means time to get the news sites to go crazy and get everyone in the world to look for bugs. Look at firefox betas. Those are real betas with a release scheme and schedule. there are simple build numbers etc.. google are actually taking a very microsoft like atitude in releasing "beta" once or twice before a full release with no real explanation as to what is supposed to be production ready.

oh and since it's beta it's not like anyone CAN complain is it? I take google chrome as production ready by google's standarts. Reason it's still beta is probably because they want more testing and want to get adobe to release a flash plugin for it.

Still after reading the cartoons i'm very intrigued, it looks like they have taken an innovative approach to their programing. But i'm a little dissapointed they chose to only relase a windows version of their browser at this time.

And youtube/vimeo will not work as i assume flash plugins have not been written etc.

but more web browsers can only increase the popularity of web standards, and educate people in opensource development.

As for me i'm happy with firefox currently, bu that is mostly because of my big use of foxmarks and other addons. I'd rather use a webkit based browser and i love konqueror but synchronising my bookmarks takes priority over anything else.

[john_childs]

And youtube/vimeo will not work as i assume flash plugins have not been written etc.

YouTube and Flash work for me with Google Chrome. I had it import Firefox settings when I installed Chrome so I assume it got the plugins from the Firefox settings.

I haven't figured out where Chrome is loading the plugins from. The install directory structure that Chrome is using is a bit strange. There is nothing in the "Program Files" directory for Chrome. It all seems to be in the C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome directory. Very odd place to have the executable. There is a plugin directory there but nothing in it except for Gears. A very odd install for a Windows application.

[brendan]

YouTube and Flash work for me with Google Chrome. I had it import Firefox settings when I installed Chrome so I assume it got the plugins from the Firefox settings.

I haven't figured out where Chrome is loading the plugins from. The install directory structure that Chrome is using is a bit strange. There is nothing in the "Program Files" directory for Chrome. It all seems to be in the C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome directory. Very odd place to have the executable. There is a plugin directory there but nothing in it except for Gears. A very odd install for a Windows application.

interesting. I have to say having never played with it i was totally guessing. weird they have the executables in the User home dir. I guess the idea is to have completely different instances for each user.

[johnfoss]

google are actually taking a very microsoft like atitude in releasing "beta" once or twice before a full release with no real explanation as to what is supposed to be production ready.The main difference being that expectations are a bit lower for free software than they should be for a $200 (or however much) OS. But it's not fair to compare a browser with an OS. A lot of Windows' trouble with new version issues is not the OS itself, but mostly connecting with other things, drivers, hardware, etc.

[john_childs]

The install directory structure that Chrome is using is a bit strange. There is nothing in the "Program Files" directory for Chrome. It all seems to be in the C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome directory. Very odd place to have the executable.

I just read a blog post that explains that installing everything in in the [user]\AppData directory isn't such a good thing.

Google Chrome plays outside of Vista Security Zones (http://blog.noop.se/archive/2008/09/05/google-chrome-plays-outside-of-vista-security-zones.aspx)

Google Chrome installs under your local user settings. In my case its the folder C:\Users\Magnus\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application. This means we now have an app running outside of Vistas regular security zones.

You need elevated rights in Vista to modify files that lie under C:\Program Files but not to modify files under C:\Users\<your user>\. This means that any app that might run on your machine can do what ever changes to the Chrome application that it wishes!

This ensues a major security issue for Chrome! Or did I miss something in Security 101?

[evil-nick]

I just read a blog post that explains that installing everything in in the [user]\AppData directory isn't such a good thing.

Google Chrome plays outside of Vista Security Zones (http://blog.noop.se/archive/2008/09/05/google-chrome-plays-outside-of-vista-security-zones.aspx)

Vista has a security zones? I assumed the best way to make Vista secure was to leave the install disc in the shrink-wrapped box :D

Joking aside (I know Vista is better than XP), it seems that part of Google's approach isn't really to make their browser "the" browser, but to force the others (IE, FF) to step up. When you've got 5 or 6 tabs open in FF3, and they're all running JavaScript, you'll notice a pretty hefty slowdown, even on a dual-core machine with 2G of RAM. Chrome aims to speed that kind of thing up. Even with only 1 or two tabs open, I notice much faster performance on Chrome than on FF3, IE, or Safari when it comes to Google Docs, Facebook, and Protopage.

Alas for me, I'm still waiting for the Linux version so I can use it for work :'(