I write alot of programs, and moreso now just make alot of websites.

To make a "good website" you have to check it in every "web browser". That means, on your computer you should have "multiple" copies of IE Explorer, Firefox, Netscape, and even some of the off brands. What you want to do, is create your website, and make it in a way that it is "fast" and looks good on all. There is more to this then most think. However my article here is NOT about making websites, but rather the "viewing" of them which we all do. What makes feel competent to write a review of browsers is this, I've used them all. All to a great extent, and still do so.

The HISTORY:

I don't really plan to say everything here. it would take too much. I will condense my thoughts, and give you my ideas.

Long ago, Microsoft IE (Internet Explorer) was the only game in town. Microsoft wanted to keep it that way. Along came "Netscape" which at that time was FAR better. They had a court battle. Microsoft wanted to kill that bastard, and lost. Soon, we all had a choice. Those of us who were smart enough to see what was better, choose "Netscape", those loyal to Microsoft didn't.

Netscape was the better browser by far. I think Microsoft knew. Through many versions, they were the better deal. Both "free" (both make revenue other ways). I loved (and still love) Netscape Communicator 4.8. It's the only FREE full blown visual web site making tool, that is good to this day. Download it, serious... it's still a favorite of mine.

To me, today, Microsoft has lost in the "Web Browser" area. Their browser isn't bad (although others are faster). The main problem is "Microsoft gets a tad too "money hungry". Bill Gates isn't the richest man in the world by chance.. lol. They still have a strong following, but the new Microsoft browser (IE 7 or 8) cannot compare to what is there today.

Netscape has officially announced they can't compete with "Mozilla Firefox". They are pretty much out of the game. No more support even. Firefox to me, was the "wave of the future" for a very long time. Today, I'd still pick it over any "Netscape, and certainly ANY MS Browser".

Mozilla Firefox, has just lost to two new guns now. I am super impressed with these new generation of browsers. The two are "Google Chrome" (Which I use mostly now) and the new "Apple Safari" browser.

I have to say, for browsing.. just doing things on the net. I almost always use "Google Chrome". Self contained tabs (so if a program crashes, it doesn't kill all), A very easy layout, to see your favorite pages. It takes a pic of what you view most, and puts it on your main page. great, unless you view alot of porn.. lol Probably a way to turn it off. It has a mode where you can browse, and nothing will show in your history. Best feature of all, they found a way to "combine" the search and web address where the Google Chrome knows what you are looking for. They did a GREAT job, and makes web searching alot easier.

"Apple Safari 4" is by FAR the FASTEST browser there is! Nothing compares really. If want a site, it will come up in seconds. If the other browsers can't display all images in a page, Safari can! Technically, it has alot that "Google Chrome" has. it is by far the strongest browser around. It is supported already by sites that haven't yet accepted Chrome (For example, some movie sites you need IE, Safari, or even Netscape.. but don't work with Google Chrome yet). Ok, so I think Safari is Awesome, but I use "Google Chrome". The reason, for most I do here. Google is not far off from Safari. Technical wise. That's average stuff. Now also, average stuff... Safari cannot come close to competing with "Google Chrome" now. Google has the layout, and alot of technology. Safari is stronger, but you only need the difference in certain situations.

I'll love to watch the new "Browser wars" as they un-fold. I feel Microsoft will lose for sure. They miss too much that is important. Netscape lost not because they were worse, but started to follow "Microsofts lead" (In the beginning, Netscape didn't dog you with stupid ad's.. they did at the end). Only reason Microsoft is still around, is they is BIG.. lol.

I predict the new "Browser wars" will be mainly between "Google Chrome", and "Apple Safari". Mozilla will be third, but I doubt they will win (although they are still bigger then the first two now). Microsoft, unless they change drastically.. will lose. can't count them out tho... they are "Microsoft" however!! lol.

MY REVIEWS, OUT OF 100

Microsoft IE 7: 60%
Microsoft IE 8 (they new Beta): 70%
Netscape 7.2: Would've been 80%, but they done now. 50%
Netscape Communicator 4.8: I'll still give this one an 85%.The browser still works well, and is included a free web creation program that is top of line even today.
Mozilla Firefox 3: A solid browser, that I still have great respect for. Right now, Google Chrome and Apple Safari are better. 80%
Google Chrome: 95% I said above what I think. Room for improvement tho.
Apple Safari: 90%. Apple has the technology, better then Google I feel. If they get the "feel" right, where we just want to grab it and go (like the iPod).. they will win.

Ok.. that's my browser reviews.. later all,
gary :)