Top Four Web Browsers

No: 1 

Firefox 4 

Publisher: Mozilla

Version: 4

Firefox remains the most-recommended web browser for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux users. Reviews say Firefox 3 and (and its 3.1 beta) are even better, using less memory than earlier versions and incorporating other improvements as well. It's by far the most customizable web browser, with thousands of add-ons available. For speed, Firefox rivals the new Google Chrome browser.

Pros: The speed of the browser, the simple interface and unique features such as tab groups make this a strong browser.

Cons: Firefox doesn’t offer thumbnail previews or native mouse gesture compatibility.

No: 2

Google Chrome

Publisher: Google, Inc.

The new Google Chrome browser is stripped down for fast browsing, with superb built-in search features, private browsing and a task manager to help prevent crashes. Chrome also makes it possible to use Google desktop applications offline. However, it's still a work in progress with few add-ons available, and since it's so new, some sites won't display properly. Chrome is Windows-only.

Pros: Chrome separates each tab into its own process, protecting your system and making it the most secure browser around.

Cons: If you leave a tab idle for a period of time, it takes a while for it to refresh.

No: 3

Internet Explorer 9

Publisher: Microsoft

Version: 9

Reviews say that if you don't want to switch from Internet Explorer, upgrading to version 8 over version 7 is a good choice. Although IE8 is now more resistant to crashes and offers private browsing, it's still much slower and uses more resources than Firefox, Chrome and Opera. But reviewers do agree that Internet Explorer 8 is a big improvement over version 7.

Pros: Internet Explorer is the only browser to offer every technical support feature we looked for.

Cons: As the most common browser, most malicious attacks take advantage of Internet Explorer’s security holes.

No: 4

Opera 9.6

Publisher: Opera

Version: 9.6

Reviews and tests recommend the free Opera web browser as fast and lean, especially for older or underpowered PC and Mac computers apt to bog down on more resource-hungry browsers. Despite its small file size, Opera beats the other browsers in compliance with web standards, and builds in loads of convenient features. It runs on Windows, Mac or Linux, and excels in synchronization. Reviews also praise its mobile version.

Pros: Opera’s startup and browsing speeds are some of the best we’ve seen.

Cons: This browser has frequent conflicts with compatibility.

Summary : 

Google Chrome has hit 20 percent market share, according to StatCounter. Net Applications has Chrome cracking 13 percent. Either way, Chrome is growing fast versus IE and Firefox.