Once you’ve set up your child’s new computer so that he can go safely online, it’s time to select the best browser for exploring the Internet.
There are many browsers to choose from, but I believe these are the best of the best:
- Internet Explorer – Since it’s usually installed with Microsoft Windows computers, many are familiar with this browser. See Full Review.
- Chrome – Google’s blazingly fast browser has a clean, uncluttered interface with unique tab and analytic features. GeekMaster claims it’s the “best in performance.” See Full Review.
- Opera – Fast and fully-customizable, this can be an excellent backup to have on hand. See Full Review.
- Firefox – Favorite of geeks everywhere, this browser combines speed, ease of use, and lots of bells & whistles. See Full Review.
- Flock – This browser is basically Firefox, but with integrated social media features. See Full Review.
Find more browsers, with side-by-side comparisons, on Top Ten Reviews.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these browsers, and, in fact, I’ve installed all of these on our computers. There are times when a program just doesn’t seem to work as well in one browser as in another. For example, Ning sites such as Twitter Moms seem to run faster and smoother on Firefox.
Although we like all of these browsers, the default on our computers is Flock. I love the ease with which I can customize my kid’s computers so that they can check their Email, upload pictures and videos, and even keep up with their social media sites.
Best of all, I find the Flock tabs to be the easiest to use, allowing me to have multiple windows open with various applications running. These tabs are saved every time I close the browser, so that they launch again easily.
With Flock, it’s easy to set up your child to have all of the most useful digital tools accessible for independent success.
Your Turn:
What’s your favorite browser? Would you recommend it for a child? Why?
Next in this series, I’ll describe how I customized the Flock browser for the kids. In the meantime, click on Fly With The Flock Browser to discover the video tutorials that I used to learn how to download and set up my own web portal.
Home Schooling The Networked Student Series:
- Home Schooling The Networked Student
- How To Set Up Your Child’s New Computer
- Next: Customizing The Flock Browser For Your Child
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great resource!!! Bookmarked!
Thank you for putting this all together. It is very helpful!
Firefox all the way and I’d avoid IE at all cost.
How long will be take for SCAT of 6TH test?
I use firefox, mostly because most of those downloadable toolbars (SU, reddit) only seems to work with Firefox. I tried Flock for a while and stopped using it for a good reason, but I no longer remember what it was. I never use Mac Safari (I’m a Mac girl) because it’s slow and doesn’t talk well with anything on the internet. I’d love to give Google’s new browser a try, tho. Great review.
I really like firefox and had not heard of some of these others! Thanks for the tips!
When I got my mac my brother said just use Firefox and I have ever since. I love it! But I will definitely check out the others for my twins’ computer.
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