Google Chrome / Chromium

Google Chrome / Chromium Portable

Chrome has made a strong showing.  While initially fast it can also become a resource hog.  Partially driven by the popularity of Android and the synchronization options in Google services.  Some reports have Chrome at a 45% market share of all browsers.

Chrome also shares the two main values as Firefox over IE, flexibility and a large selection of extensions.

Flexibility
Chrome is a casual browser that I use and I have not yet personally looked at any of the 'about:' menu options.

Extensions
For me Chrome does not have comparable versions of  all the extensions that I like and use in Firefox.  One of the reasons Firefox continue to be my primary browser as mentioned in the previous post.  However Chrome does have a version or comparable version of extensions for all your primary security and privacy extensions.
ScriptNo
AdBlock
Netcraft AntiPhishing
Ghostery
Collusion


If you do not like the heavy hand of big brother Google, you can alternately run Chromium, or like I do Chromium Portable.
Chromium is the original open-source project on which Google Chrome is based.  It has all the same base browser functionality but does not have all the integrated Google services.
If you are familiar with "portable apps" there is also a custom Chromium Portable available for use.  I personally prefer the portable apps when I can find them.  The concept behind portable apps is that they are "self-contained" and do not use the typical Windows installer and does not write to the registry.  This allows for the application to be stored on a usb drive and easily used on more than one system.  For example if you travel and want to carry your favorite apps without losing your preferred settings etc.  Or simply if you do not want to clutter your Windows OS with a ton of installation data.  I highly recommend giving Chromium Portable a spin around the block.


Alternately if you are looking for that Chrome feel with pre-built security in mind check out the custom version from Comodo, Comodo Dragon


Google Chrome / Chromium Portable