7 reasons why we love Google Chrome

PC Advisor

The web community is split on its view over Google's new browser Chrome. To help you make up your mind we've put together seven reasons why we love Chrome, as well as rounding up seven down sides in our '7 reasons why we hate Google Chrome' feature in a bid to help you decide.

Google's long-in-development internet browser Chrome, became available for Windows Vista and XP users this week, with Mac and Linux editions soon to follow. It seems the web community is split in its decision whether to love or hate Google's assault on the browser market. To help you decide for yourself whether Chrome is for you, we've put together seven reasons why we love Chrome. Also check out our '7 Chrome-related concerns' feature.
1. It won't crash

Perhaps Chrome's biggest draw is its multiprocess architecture, which, in a nutshell, protects you from having a bad web page or application take your browser down. Every tab, window, and plug-in runs in its own environment, so one faulty site won't affect anything else that you have open. This approach also adds another layer of security by isolating each site and application within a limited environment.
2. It's really fast

Again because of the multiprocess foundation, one slow site won't drag down the rest of your browsing. Instead, you can effortlessly click to another tab or window. With plug-ins, the arrangement works similarly: If you open a site that has a slow-loading Java ad, for example, the Java itself will be isolated and the rest of the page won't be affected. The program itself opens within seconds of when you click the icon, too - a distinct advantage over some slower-loading alternatives.
3. You barely notice it's there

Calling the design of Chrome's interface streamlined is an understatement. The program barely looks like a program, and the vast majority of your screen space is devoted to the site you're visiting, with no buttons or logos hogging space. Chrome's designers say that they wanted people to forget they were even using a browser, and it comes pretty close to achieving that goal.
4. It makes searching simpler

One of Chrome's signature features is its Omnibox, an integrated all-purpose bar at the top of the browser. You can type in a URL, search term or both, and Chrome takes you to the right place without asking any questions. Omnibox can learn what you like, too - a talent that goes beyond the obvious automatic completion function.

Say that you want to use the PCadvisor.co.uk search function, for example. Once you've visited the site, Chrome will remember it has its own search box and will give you the option of using it right from Omnibox. The function thus automates keyword searches.

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