6 Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Internet Browser

Make the Most Out of Your Internet Browser

Internet browsers are some of the most important applications used on computers and mobile devices. Given how much time we spend online, be it work or entertainment, it would be impossible to do that without an internet browser.

Now, while such an app has its purpose, it would not be a stretch to suggest that most users are pretty casual and do not bother optimizing their experience.

In other words, they simply download and install the browser and leave it as it is. However, there are plenty of neat things one can do to make more out of the application. Let’s take a look at how to do that.

Disable Notifications

Notifications have their uses, particularly in instances when there is something important that the browser wants to announce to the users. For example, an available update.

On the other hand, some internet browsers can get pretty annoying with their persistent notification push. Thus, it makes sense to disable them. You can learn how to remove Chrome notifications or other browser notifications and how to re-enable them again if necessary.

While not seem like much, optimizing browser notifications makes a difference, especially when you are looking for an uninterrupted experience while surfing the web on a computer or smartphone.

Keep an Eye on Updates

As already mentioned, notifications announce available updates. It is crucial to run the latest internet browser version regardless of what device you are on.

Missing the latest updates means not taking advantage of the following:

  • New features
  • Security upgrades
  • Overall performance improvements

Of course, the updates are not that frequent, but they still happen. Make sure to download and install them as soon as they become available.

Clear Cache

Over time, browsers accumulate cache. The purpose of this data is to speed up the browser. When you visit a new website, it has a lot of images and other information. The browser cache stores these details and functions as a reminder for the browser. The next time you visit the same site, it should load faster.

The problem with cache is that the amount of information can reach critical mass. Once that happens, the browser’s speed plummets.

As a rule of thumb, you need to get in the habit of clearing the browser cache on a regular basis. The process should not take too long unless you have not bothered cleaning the cache for a very long time.

Check Extensions

Google Chrome is the most popular browser at the moment, having the lion’s share of the market. One of the primary reasons behind this popularity is the availability of extensions. The default browser is perfectly fine for surfing the net. 

But if you add even a couple of extensions, your overall experience can improve tenfold. Ad blockers are a great example.

It gets annoying when you have to manually close advertisements or skip them on YouTube. Ad blockers eliminate the problem completely. You will notice an immediate difference and appreciate the fact that there are no more ads on your feed.

Then there are extensions that let you compare prices from multiple online stores. Or extensions that find you the best deals for specific goods or services.

Open the Google Chrome extensions store, and you can browse through a plethora of available options. 

Disable Password Memorization

Since you are online, you are probably using a lot of online accounts. Security is one of the most underrated aspects among people who spend time on the internet casually. 

Carelessness leads to potential problems, such as personal information exposure. There is no telling what that might lead to. In the worst case, you stand to deal with identity theft.

A browser might ask you to save a password. Disable the feature whenever a prompt appears so that the browser does not store your login credentials.

Also, be mindful of other security measures when surfing the net. Identify shady sites and avoid them so that you do not have to bother with potential threats.

Try Different Internet Browsers

The odds are that you are attached to a specific browser. It makes sense to stick to one you are comfortable with.

Nevertheless, you can always try alternatives. The most popular browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and so on, are free. You can simply download and install one and give it a try. 

Who knows, you might find a browser alternative that is much better than what you have right now. And if so, switch and use that instead.