Though there are several browsers available in the market these days, most people are still in a dilemma as to which browser will be suitable for their needs.Here we list some of the advantages and disadvantages of the best browsers that would assist you in trying out other browsers, which you might have ignored otherwise.

Firefox:
Over the last couple of years, Firefox has become quite famous ,which is due to its better security features and open-source nature.The immense third-party add-ons and the vast selection of themes makes it highly recommendable. It also includes tabbed browsing , an integrated search engine and massive selection of great customization features as well as tools to help you personalize your Web experience. Firefox is compatible with Windows, Linux as well as Mac OS X, making it an extremely flexible cross-platform browser. The version 3.5 of Firefox is known for its enhanced speed, a private browsing mode, enhanced security than in preceding versions,tweakable themes as well as open audio and video formats. Added to this are the Smart Location Bar and the Built-in Spell Checker.

On the downside ,Firefox is reported to have a slow start up.

Google Chrome:
Google doesn’t leave any area unexplored and with Google Chrome, the search engine giant also
has entered into the area of browsers.Chrome is an open source project via the WebKit rendering engine. Google Chrome takes a distinctive approach to browsing the web with features such as speed,simplicity and themes.Though Chrome uses complex features,it also makes them very simple to use. With speed, the tasks accomplished include quick loading of web pages, execution of web applications quicker than ever.With simplicity,features include arranging and organizing tabs however you wish in a quicker and easier manner.Additionally,Google Chrome includes immense themes to enhance your browsers.Incognito Mode for Private Browsing as well as Online Task Manager are the added features that comes along with Chrome.

However some disadvantages of the browser is that as it is developed in 2008, its usual software requirement is winxp service pack 2.

Internet Explorer:
Internet Explorer being the most established and developer supported internet browser, it includes scores of great features and upgrades for its users.IE’s tabbed browsing feature makes it easier for those people who prefer having atleast ten or more windows opened at the same time.Additionally it includes enhanced security management,ActiveX opt-out , ability for RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds, a one-click Favorites button as well as web pages that can be automatically re-sized for printing. IE 8 also includes a compatibility view button that enables you to display webpages designed for older browsers The latest version Internet Explorer 8 features wide-ranging parental controls that can be modified according to each individual’s needs.In case you have kids at home and protection is a priority, this is the browser that will be ideal for you.

Inspite of the above powerful features, as there are lots of people using this browser, it has become the focus point for most hackers.

Opera:
This browser includes all the entertaining as well as the practical features that will make browsing functional as well as fun. Some of the best features include interactive voice, quick search, thumbnail previews and customizing skins.Amazingly this is the only browser that provides interactive voice commands,with the help of which you can navigate the web by communicating with the browser.If you consider Opera 9 ,it is one of the best cross platform browser.The version 9 can run on Windows, Linux, Solaris, BSD and Mac OS X, with excellent security features that doesn’t depend on the operating system that it’s running on. Indeed, Opera 9 executes on more operating systems than any other browser, making it an extremely unique browser.Another advantage of Opera is that it has lesser difficulties while displaying web pages when compared to either IE7, Firefox, and Safari.

Inspite of its above immense advantages it has a small following when compared with other browsers, as it is fairly limited when it comes to Add-ons and other great extras.

Safari:
Initially though Safari was developed to suit Mac users,presently it can be used for any platform. The greatest advantage of Safari is that it loads pages much faster than Internet Explorer and firefox(depending on system configurations). Safari focuses on being lightweight rather than being customizable.Some good features include the development of top sites, spell checking for all fields as well as resizable text boxes. Also safari’s font representation component is made to output fonts as it truly should, emphasizing on the design of a font which any web designer will truly enjoy and appreciate. The Safari web browser has an extraordinarily easy and minimalist display making it clean and without all the clutter. The browser includes a colored progress bar on the toolbar that displays how fast a page is loading and how close it is to being complete.On the security aspect ,Safari blocks pop-ups, spyware, and viruses.

However while focusing on the cons of Safari,it lacks some features like parental controls, anti-phishing as well as a smart toolbar.

More information regarding browsers :
computer-juice.com/forums/f53/alternate-web-browsers-20517/

A discussion regarding browsers :
forums.cnet.com/5208-6620_102-0.html?threadID=372708

Looking forward for your feedback and comments on your experience with the browsers used for surfing the net.