Internet Explorer is on the slide
Last year we talk about the different browsers you have the choice of using when surfing the Internet. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer has long been the most popular browser, not least because it comes packaged with almost every computer sold.
IE on a Downward Spiral
Over the last 4 years however, Internet Explorer’s (IE) grip on the market has been loosening. The first upstart to dislodge IE was Firefox, a free browser developed by the Mozilla foundation. More recently, Google have tried to muscle into the market with ‘Chrome’. Last Christmas Google spent a fortune promoting Chrome which they claim is lighter, faster, and crashes less.
Proof from Google Analytics
If you have Google analytics on your website, you can see which browsers your visitors are using to access your website. Here’s a screen shot from WebEden.co.uk’s very own Google analytics:
As you can see IE is still very much the biggest player. But it’s being caught, most noticeably by Firefox. Chrome, whilst small, is growing at the fastest rate.
Indepedent Data
Whilst these figures are for WebEden, independent data from NetApplications has shown that IE market share dropped below 60% in April, for the first time ever. Firefox is 2nd overall with 24.6%. And Chrome has 6.7%.
Google Eating Microsoft
According to Netapplications, Google Chrome’s growth is at the expense of IE rather than Firefox. As Google provides significant funds to the Mozilla foundation, its going to be interesting to see what happens when Chrome starts eating away at Firefox’s user base.
My Favourite
For my part I like Firefox. It’s easy to use, quick, and very customisable. If you need a regular task completed, the chances are that you can find an extension to do that for you. Others here in the WebEden office prefer Chrome. I can’t find anyone still on IE.
Which is your favourite browser and why? Leave us a comment below.