Google Chrome

[Dolphin]

Has anyone tested Google's new "Chrome" browser.

Not so sure I would even want to test it with this statement from Google about updates.

"Google Chrome automatically updates to a newer version when one is released. The update process happens silently, whether or not you're using the browser at the time."

Sounds to me like they are taking over my system and making a zombie out of it.   

Anybody got any other thoughts on this.   

[boilerman]

My antivirus updates without prior notice.  ThreatFire also.  And one or two other things that I have allowed via firewall.  I have a fairly current image ready to go if I have problems so I have little worry and have not had problems yet with these items. 

Depends on your level of trust I guess.  And perhaps I do not trust Google.  Must consider that. 

But I already have three browsers on this machine and do not truly need another. 

[Black Viper]

Have not looked deeply into it, but it is built upon Safari rendering engine.
As far as I am concerned, I do not need another browser.
Will check it out maybe later today, though.

[Dolphin]

Boilerman,

I also have certain programs set thru my firewall to allow internet access for automatic updating....but these are automatically started programs such as my firewall, anti-virus and a weather updater.

The statement from Google implies that the browser does not even have to be cranked up and in use (I infer this to be started) in order for the "silent" updating to occur.

Don't understand all the particulars of circumventing firewalls with hidden internet connections, but the implication makes me wonder just what Google has in mind.

Is there something that cranks up somehow when we start our systems that we cannot see but Google can see???

And even if they meant to say that the browser had to be at least started, is there a way to turn off the "silent" updating?

I may have misunderstood, but from what I read, there is not.  You can evidently check manually for updates, but you cannot turn off the "silent" updating.

But, like most of you, I too have 3 browsers already and don't need another one.

TTFN and have a great day.

[Black Viper]

And even if they meant to say that the browser had to be at least started, is there a way to turn off the "silent" updating?

Kill "GoogleUpdate.exe" in every manner possible, mainly in msconfig. Verified that it will not start up if disabled there, even when firing up the browser again.

Also, Chrome.exe (two processes will fire initially, then additional tabs fire up a new process... by design) will take up around 16MB to 28MB per tab opened, tested with a handful of different web sites.

As a side note, the main domain and these forums seem to work fine with Chrome. Not surprising, really, as I already tested it with Safari 3.1.

Anyway, even though Google ads on the main site and these forums help pay to keep the domain alive, I choose to decline having my browsing experience controlled by an "ad" company.

[Dolphin]

Thanks BV.  You're da man.   

Guess that's why I rely on you so much.  You take the high road and test these things out and keep the rest of us safe.

Me....I'm a little fraidy cat  when it comes to testing certain things that I just don't understand.

Thanks again and have a great day.

Bill

[Black Viper]

Me....I'm a little fraidy cat  when it comes to testing certain things that I just don't understand.

I test almost everything in a sandbox using VMware Workstation 6.0.
I used to use Virtual PC because it actually was much better then VMware's solution many moons ago (when Virtual PC was a Connectix product, pre-2003 MS buyout, VMware crashed on me all the time, Virtual PC did not), but I have found that VMware (now) is better in many respects... for, unfortunately, a price ($).

[IH8U]

I'm not real fond of Google's EULA for Chrome either. I also can't stand Google updater. Chrome does run well and seems to be speedy, but at this point I don't see any reason to switch away from Firefox or any other browser.

Internet Exploder | Firefox | Opera | Safari | Chrome

I wonder if there will be another browser war?
 

UPDATE
Google backtracks on Chrome license terms --> http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10031703-56.html
Serious Security Flaw in Google Chrome --> http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/security_flaw_in_google_chrome.phpGoogle unveils Chrome source code and Linux port --> http://arstechnica.com/journals/linux.ars/2008/09/02/google-unveils-chrome-source-code-and-linux-port
Why Did Google Abandon Firefox? --> http://gigaom.com/2008/09/02/why-did-google-abandon-firefox/

Enable Chrome's Best Features in Firefox --> http://lifehacker.com/5044518/enable-chromes-best-features-in-firefox

[Black Viper]

I wonder if there will be another browser war?

Nope.
Not unless Google starts making computers to put AMD and Intel out to lunch, then make their own OS to knock Windows/OSX/Linux out, then and only then, they would have a winner... because Chrome would, of course, be installed on desktops by default. However, then they would have a monopoly... oh... wait, that does not matter anyway.

[KCMD4]

I was on the fenced with this one, but I realized that I'm very satisifed with Firefox and wouldn't want to try something else or have an unknown browser screw up my computer.

[myminpins]

I hate it.  It doesn't reliably work with GMail (that's hilarious!!) and I can't customize it at all.

I am an exclusive Opera user except for GMail and Facebook and, for those, I use Firefox.