What Browser Uses The Least Resources?

This is fairly common question that many computer users are asking.  Believe it or not, the browsers are all very good at what resources they need. In many instances, the real problem is not the browser but the computer it is running on.

If your computer has up to date hardware, usually the real issue is spyware or malware and some simple software maintenance.

You may be having problems with your browser hogging resources because of malware. Most of the browsers you choose will work more efficiently once your computer is clear of internet trash. 

I suggest you use one of the free ones that are available like Spybot  and do a thorough scan.  (Remember to update the definitions)

Then update your Anti-Virus program and run that one too (I prefer AVAST, free home version).

Another overlooked area that will speed up any internet browser is cleaning out the temp files and temporary internet files. A good program for this is  CC Cleaner, also free.

Finally, defrag your hard drive.

 Once you have done these maintenance tasks, your computer will run like new and your choice of internet browser will be very speedy.

A tech shop will charge you big bucks to “tune up” your computer and then charge you for software…ending with a bill for maintenance you could do yourself.  So, give it a try and if you are not successful, then call your local tech shop for help.

Recommended Programs: Spybot,  Avast,   CCleaner

These are the programs I use and will do my maintenace about once a week.  Takes a few hours but the computer is a lot happier and so am I!

Finally: There is an excellent browser comparison study “Chrome and Firefox 3.5 Memory Usage” done by Dot Net Perls.com that compares Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Safari.  Easy to understand and quite informative.

In this article you will find six simple tips to boost your computer’s performance and keep you safe when using the internet.

1. Get into the habit of using Windows keyboard shortcuts. If you slowly introduce two or three shortcuts you will find your productivity increasing noticably. Windows + M minimizes all open windows instantly. Windows + Tab cycles through open programs if youre using Vista. If you need to leave your desk keep prying eyes out of your Pc by locking the session (Windows + L).

2. Turn off the delete conformation message dialogue. It quite unnecessary since you can always recover a file from your Recycle Bin if necessary. This might sound simple but repetative tasks like this take up a lot of time considering that you will encounter it hundreds of times each month. To turn off this nag, right click the Recycle Bin and deselect ‘Display delete confirmation dialog’.

3. Run Windows defragmenter at regular intervals to keep hard disk performance in good shape.The defragmenter does this by physically organizing the contents of the disk to store the pieces of each file close together on the hard drive. This results in noticably faster performance. Do a defrag once a month, or better still schedule this task (you can do this if you’re using Vista).

4. Devote some attention to Windows Updates. These are extremely important if you are hoping to stay secure and keep viruses out. Approximately once a month, Microsoft will release various security updates that are designed to fix specific security faults (’Vulnerabilities’) in its Operating Systems. If left unpatched, these flaws can easily be used by hackers to infect your computer. Will you remember to check for updates and how will you know when new ones are available? Why not configure Automatic Updates and let it take care of this.

5. Make sure all of your user accounts are password protected, especially the default Administrator account. If this has already been done, think about whether your existing passwords are good enough. Simple passwords are dangerous. If you’re using any of the following for passwords you probably aren’t as secure as you think: names of children, pets, parents, phone numbers or birthdays. Something like Zs86jF03t is much more effective. Notice the mix of upper and lowercase letters interspersed with numbers.

6. Install strong Antivirus Software. Do some research to satisfy yourself as to an effective antivirus software as some programs are decidedly mediocre. A good antivirus will form the mainstay of your computer’s security while on the internet. You can increase your security further with strong antispyware protection. A few years ago you might have got away with neglecting this issue, but certainly not today. Weak security will be quickly exploited by the latest rogues, trojans and rootkits.

Youve arrived at the end. Be a responsible computer owner, head off and try these tips out!

Discover more about Virus Removal, Computer Health Care and the best antivirus software