Category: Operating System

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Which Is the Fastest Browser for Windows?

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fastest browser for windows

Internet users have more options today than ever when choosing a browser.

Although there is some debate around which is the fastest browser for Windows, each choice offers its own unique features and benefits.

Take a look:

Firefox

Although Firefox has historically had issues with respect to speed and memory use, it is often regarded as one of the fastest — if not the fastest — choice among browsers.

Further, it is also easy to use and intuitive.

Chrome

In a straight speed test, Chrome outperforms Firefox — especially when it comes to loading web content programmed in HTML5.

The downside, however, is that Chrome uses significantly more system memory. If you have a slower or older system, this might disqualify Chrome from ranking among the fastest internet browsers for Windows.

Opera

If you do indeed have a slower system, or a slower internet connection, Opera might be a good choice.

It compresses web data, which ultimately speeds up loading times. Opera also generally uses less system memory than Chrome by comparison. At the same time, compressing web data can also lead to an unreliable experience.

The interface is also far less intuitive than Firefox.

Safari

Newer versions of Windows do not support Safari. That said, Safari uses the least memory of any major browser — which makes it a good choice for those users with a slower and older system.

At the same time, it is by far the slowest of the five major browsers we are reviewing.

Internet Explorer

For those of you with an older system who may still be using Internet Explorer, you will be pleased to know that this browser is very fast.

Its downside, however, is that it loads HTML5 content very slowly, which is the way of the future online. It can also be a beast when it comes to memory and energy usage.

So which is the fastest browser for Windows?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct answer to this question. A lot of it depends on the speed, age and configuration of your system — as well as what you tend to view online.

If you have a fairly new and powerful system, Chrome would be an excellent choice.

If your system is a bit older or slower, you might benefit from using Firefox or Opera.

Try each option, and then decide which works best for you.

Most importantly, if you find that your browsing experience is consistently slow, contact us at Target PC Repair to discuss options to upgrade your system performance.

We would be happy to discuss the challenges you are having a recommend possible solutions. Call (440) 725-0642 today!

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Positive and Negative Reactions to Windows 10 Release

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Positive and Negative Reactions to Windows 10 Release

Microsoft released its new operation system for PCs – Windows 10 – to the public on July 29, 2015. Both before and after the release, computer users of all ability levels were praising and criticizing it.

Professional tech writers and amateur bloggers have written about Windows 10 for months. Some like it and some hate it. Their opinions are all over the internet.

We’ve gathered the most common positive and negative reactions to Windows 10 so you can look them over and come to your own conclusions. Should you upgrade your PC to Windows 10? We hope this information will help you decide.

Whenever something goes wrong with your computer, Target PC can help you. Our technicians are familiar with virtually every kind of desktop, laptop, tablet, and phone. Providing you with great service is the reason we exist. If you’re having trouble with your Windows 10 installation, call us.

Now, let’s look at the positive and negative reactions to Windows 10:

POSITIVE REACTIONS TO WINDOWS 10

  • Is available in two versions: Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro
  • Includes 2-factor authentication for added security
  • Is free if you upgrade in the next 12 months (Except for Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1 owners – they must pay to upgrade!)
  • Introduces a new browser – Microsoft Edge – to replace the flawed and widely hated Internet Explorer
  • Includes many security upgrades
  • Brings back the Start Menu
  • Adds a new feature – the Action Center – which gathers all your notifications in one place
  • Has a new “tablet mode” that makes it easier to use on devices without a keyboard or mouse

NEGATIVE REACTIONS TO WINDOWS 10

  • Is slow to download and install – takes about an hour and 20 minutes IF it works
  • Has been impossible to install for many users
  • Deletes the games and gadgets users have used in Windows 7 (e.g. Solitaire)
  • Adds the digital voice assistant – Cortana – that is difficult to use and doesn’t work well
  • Already has a “service release” from Microsoft to fix some of the bugs in the system
  • Creates problems with the Chrome browser
  • Has unstable WiFi connectivity
  • Has unreliable audio
  • Makes errors in cut and paste commands
  • Has caused constant screen flickering for many users
  • Has caused multiple browser crashes
  • Won’t work on some laptops
  • Locks up cursor
  • Has no support for older printers
  • Reduces battery life of laptops as much as 10%
  • Creates problems with mouse, touchpad, and keyboard
  • Has a serious privacy problem in that it collects extensive data on you unless you alter the privacy settings manually using the Custom Install instead of Express Install (If you use Express Install, you can’t alter the data collection settings)
  • Installs Microsoft Edge as the default browser, and won’t allow you to change that setting if you use Express Install
  • Forces users to accept, download, and install any and every update Microsoft sends, whether you want it or not
  • Is going to receive a major update in October (probably called Windows 10.1)

So what should a Windows user do?

Whether to upgrade now or wait until October is a big decision all users have to make. This roundup of positive and negative reactions to Windows 10 can help you choose what’s right for your computer and how you use it.

Our technicians at Target PC can answer your questions about Windows 10 and upgrade your operating system if you’d rather not do it yourself.

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7 New Features in Windows 10

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7 New Features in Windows 10

As most of us already know, Windows 10 will officially be available on July 29, 2015. There are a variety of new features in Windows 10, many of which will come as a pleasant surprise for those running Windows 7 and 8.1.

In fact, if you are running either of these versions of Windows, you can move ahead now with reserving your copy of Windows 10.

Let’s take a look at seven new features in Windows 10 that are sure to be big hits.

(1) Return of the Start Menu

Windows 10 features the return of the Start Menu. The decision to remove it in Windows 8 impressed no one.

Best of all, it can be customized to remove the tiles and apps that were first introduced in Windows 8. In other words, you can set it to have the look and feel of the traditional Start Menu you’ve come to know and love.

(2) No more full-screen apps

Perhaps one of the best new features in Windows 10 is the elimination of full-screen apps – referred to as Windows 8 “Metro” apps. Those apps still exist in Windows 10, but they launch as a desktop window rather than something intended for a touchscreen experience.

(3) Improvements to the Action Center

The Action Center in Windows 10 takes on the familiar look and feel of an inbox. Notifications are all grouped in one place, and as they are resolved, they become archived.

(4) Cortana makes the jump to PC

Cortana was first introduced as your Microsoft digital assistant on Windows Phone 8.1, but she is one of the best new features in Windows 10! She has access to your hard drive, calendar, email, OneDrive, Bing, and more.

With simple voice commands, Cortana can be asked to perform basic functions for you, much like Siri on the iPhone. As luck would have it, Cortana also got a lot wittier between her first introduction and now.

(5) The introduction of Microsoft Edge

Microsoft laid Internet Explorer to rest for the greater good of us all. But one of the new features in Windows 10 is the introduction of Edge, a totally new and redesigned web browser.

It was designed for speed, and for functionality. For instance, Cortana can provide you with directions and reviews as you browse a restaurant website. You can also make notes and drawings on particular websites before sharing them with others.

(6) Improved apps for email and calendar functionality

Windows 10 boasts some significant improvements to email and calendar apps. They are much faster than Windows 8, totally responsive, and feature a variety of swipe gestures.

(7) Create multiple virtual desktops

If you do not have multiple monitors to work on, Windows 10 offers a solution with virtual desktops. You can easily create multiple desktop views, and then easily switch between them using shortcut keys.

Which new features in Windows 10 are you most excited for?

We at Target PC would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.