Browser Wars: Google On the Offensive

If you’re like most people you might not pay a lot of attention to the browser that you’re using to access the internet. After all, a browser is simply a program that provides access to the real content that you’re after…kind of like your computer’s operating system provides access to the applications you use. So whether you use Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, or Opera may depend more on what is currently installed on your computer…and for most people running the Windows OS that is IE. When browsers were brand new – in the early 90s – the battle was between Netscape Navigator and IE. But Microsoft’s dominance in the OS wars led to the demise of Netscape and the victory for IE as the default browser. In recent years their market share has slipped significantly, but they still command a decisive lead over the next most popular browser, Firefox.

Enter the new force to be reckoned with: Chrome, the new browser from Google Labs. Released yesterday, Chrome has been receiving favorable reviews for its speed, simplicity, and security. If you are partial to pictures over words, you can check out Google’s comic book for an overview of the new browser’s features! (Be warned, even in comic book format some of the technical issues are beyond my level of expertise/interest!)

But Chrome is really part of a larger strategy for Google…they want to provide a complete user experience. Ideally a user would launch Chrome, conduct a Google search, then switch over to Gmail for communication and even Google Docs for word processing and other “office-like” applications. If the only thing you know about Google is their search engine, check out their other applications…the list is about 45 and growing! But herein lies the rub. By investing more and more of our internet usage/behavior with a single company, any company, do we flirt with personal privacy danger? Google–celebrating their 10 year anniversary this week–is proud of their motto “Don’t be Evil.” But what happens if they change their mind?

11 Replies to “Browser Wars: Google On the Offensive”

  1. Wow, Google really does have it all. As of now I use Firefox as my web browser. A friend recently recommended it over Internet Explorer and I have to admit, I do like it a whole lot better. It’s just a better design. I would really like to try out this Google Chrome. I use their gmail and wouldn’t change back to any other email accounts I’ve had. I also use their web browser (who doesn’t) for almost every search I have.

    I don’t think that Google is going to stray from their “Don’t be evil.” motto. I think they’re bringing great things to their users. I’m always ready to see what they’re going to come up with next!

  2. I’m definitely a Firefox user, much simpler, and slicker looking than IE, but i’m also a GMail user. I know that Google has some of the most innovative, simple to use internet applications, and i’m sure Chrome is one of them. Their search engine has been what i’ve used ever since i was little, and as soon as Gmail came out i had my own account, and have used it ever since.(I’ve had it longer than most people have.) After i’m finished with some more blog comments, i’m sure i will probably end up downloading chrome and i’ll begin to really like it. Google is taking over, and i can see them coming out with alot more in the future. I’d like to say that i dont think they will change their motto of “Don’t be evil” but who really knows. From the twists and corruptions of the governemnt, to the rest of the worlds desire to have more and more money and power… you really can’t tell.

    As of now though, I believe Google isn’t evil, and that they are doing good. When they do have more and more applications that people use, privacy will be at risk. I know i really have nothing to hide, so it doesnt bother me. As long as you have a clear conscience, and aren’t a terrorist, everything should be fine.

  3. I think that this is a good thing. Even though most users us IE, the browser still has it’s number of flaws. Their are many worries about the personal privacy danger. If we all use just one web browser than that danger might become more of a possibility. People think about this and they worry. Microsoft has the largest market share of Operating Systems. Do we worry about that? This is basically the same thing in a way. Instead of using yahoo we use google. Likewise, instead of using Mac, we use windows. Now, the only difference is software, instead of hardware.

  4. You know, I do not think Trevor is to far off with his “Google buying the world” comment. It is surprising just how much t his company has evolved in the short ten years it has been around. What started as a simple search engine is now turning into a maping system, e-mail service, and now a web browser (a neat one at that, I might add). Don’t be surprised if you see Google keep expanding though. It won’t be long until we are driving Google cars on Google fuel to our jobs at Google!

    Alex Lannon
    MCCNM

  5. Google is becoming a very powerful company in the computer industry they are taking leaps and steps that are amazing. It seems like once they dominate and control one thing they grow and go for another thing to becomr the best at. Don’t be suprised in a few years the main browser is Google Chrome and it will have no compettion. This Corporation produces top quality and very popular product that is why it is able to be the consumers choice of software. I have not checked it out alot other then reading this article, but it sounds like another promising piece of software from google that is going to change the industry.

  6. After reading this blog, i came to realize that google is growing way to fast. Whether it’ll be a good thing or a bad thing. As long as they don’t take total control of the internet and call it intergoogle, I’m fine. In the meantime, i will continue using google for my everyday needs.

    Jesse Rodriguez
    Mass Comm 101 11:00-12:20

  7. I can see the headlines in 20 years…
    “Google buys planet formerly known as Earth (AKA Google)”

    I’ve checked out the comic, and it does make the browser look promising. I currently use Firefox, but I would be willing to try this.

  8. Google Chrome is just the begging for Google. Google just announced that their new phone operating system, Android, will be using the new google chrome browser. If you haven’t heard of Android it will coming out on phones probably in September. Android is an open source version of linux. What that means is if there is any code that tracks your habits, people will be able to find that code an disable it without any problems so no worries. Android is poised to be the smart phone operating system of choice for most phone manufacturers. So get used to seeing Google’s new operating system and internet browser. On another note if you are worried about phone privacy stay away from the I Phone. It is know to track your usage, if you have I Phone security concerns visit

  9. Chromes end user license agreement…

    read carefully

    11. Content license from you
    11.1 You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold in Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. By submitting, posting or displaying the content you give Google a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. This license is for the sole purpose of enabling Google to display, distribute and promote the Services and may be revoked for certain Services as defined in the Additional Terms of those Services.

    11.2 You agree that this license includes a right for Google to make such Content available to other companies, organizations or individuals with whom Google has relationships for the provision of syndicated services, and to use such Content in connection with the provision of those services.

    11.3 You understand that Google, in performing the required technical steps to provide the Services to our users, may (a) transmit or distribute your Content over various public networks and in various media; and (b) make such changes to your Content as are necessary to conform and adapt that Content to the technical requirements of connecting networks, devices, services or media. You agree that this license shall permit Google to take these actions.

    11.4 You confirm and warrant to Google that you have all the rights, power and authority necessary to grant the above license.

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