Exploring the Benefits of Using Microsoft Edge
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Microsoft Edge has been a long-term contender for my preferred web browser, and I must say, it has truly impressed me. Its simplicity and speed are commendable, and I now understand the buzz surrounding Microsoft’s marketing efforts to encourage users to explore this browser.
Earlier this year, I decided to fully transition to Microsoft Edge after testing it on virtual machines without any hitches. Initially, I used it solely for personal purposes, but I’ve since integrated it into my work routine and for my Tech With Dom project, which had previously required various different browsers.
Despite the negative perceptions surrounding Microsoft Edge, especially due to its past with Internet Explorer, I never quite grasped the disdain. Even before the shift to Chromium, Edge was a solid option. I suspect that lingering sentiments from the Internet Explorer era have contributed to such views.
At this point, I have adopted Edge across my laptop, work computer, and gaming setup, and I'm even contemplating its use on my mobile device. However, I haven't yet utilized it enough on Android to make a definitive switch.
Why Choose Microsoft Edge?
There’s a plethora of browsers available today, including Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Opera. Despite this variety, I have chosen to stay with Edge, and here’s my rationale.
Firstly, the interface of Microsoft Edge is both sleek and modern, utilizing space efficiently and providing a visually pleasing experience. Many browsers struggle in this regard; for instance, while Firefox boasts an appealing design, it often does not make optimal use of space in its default settings.
In my IT profession, I frequently work with a range of virtual machines running Windows, and I’ve observed that Edge outperforms Chrome and even Firefox in this environment. Additionally, given the storage constraints of virtual machines, the ability to avoid installing an extra browser is a significant advantage.
One feature that stands out in Microsoft Edge is its suite of built-in tools that enhance productivity, which many other browsers lack. These features are not only practical but also intuitive to have integrated within the browser itself.
Collections
For content creators, students, or anyone engaged in research, the Collections feature is invaluable, allowing for the organization of useful information in one convenient location. For instance, I am currently delving into smart home enhancements through automation. I've set up a folder within Collections titled “Smart Home & Automation,” enabling me to save relevant articles effortlessly.
This tool also aids in planning; if I decide to book a trip to Milan, I can create a collection called “Things to See and Do in Milan,” making it easy to save all pertinent webpages and suggestions.
Web Select & Web Capture
For those who frequently copy and paste online content, Web Select is a game-changer. It enables you to select content by drawing a box around it, preserving the formatting during the copy-paste process—something I wish I had during my academic years!
Previously, I faced issues with formatting when copying text, often leading to undesired results. Web Select addresses this challenge effectively. Similarly, Web Capture allows users to take screenshots of specific webpage sections, add annotations, and share them as needed. This feature is particularly beneficial when creating presentations, as it allows for visual aids with notes for the audience.
Privacy & Security
For those prioritizing privacy, Edge offers a commendable option with three privacy levels: basic, balanced, and strict. However, it’s worth noting that, like many tech companies, Microsoft may still gather data through other means, even under strict settings. Users can refer to their privacy policy for further details.
Additionally, Edge integrates security features especially beneficial for Windows users, such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which protects against harmful sites and downloads. Another notable tool is the Typosquatting Checker, which alerts users to potential mistakes in website URLs that could lead to malicious sites.
Performance
A key factor that influenced my decision to switch to Microsoft Edge is its superior performance. I’ve noticed that it runs faster compared to other browsers, and my overall computer performance improves when Chrome is not active. This observation aligns with my experiences, as Google Chrome tends to be resource-intensive.
I conducted tests by running both Edge and Chrome on identical virtual machines, and the results were clear: Edge significantly outperformed, especially on machines with lower specifications. This was not unexpected given my background in IT, but it was reassuring to confirm.
Extensions
If you're fond of Chrome extensions, you’ll appreciate that Edge allows the installation of extensions from the Google Chrome web store. While the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store offers many options, this compatibility is a significant advantage for long-time Chrome users.
This functionality works well due to both browsers being based on Chromium, and interestingly, using Chrome extensions doesn’t detrimentally affect Edge's performance, which is a substantial benefit.
Conclusion
Overall, my experience with Microsoft Edge has been quite positive, especially on Windows. I’ve started using it on my Samsung Galaxy Z-Flip 4, though I still prefer the default Samsung browser for now. I've also switched to Edge on my iPad Pro and find it performs admirably.
After experimenting with various browsers over the past year, I believe Microsoft Edge is the right fit for me. It offers an appealing interface, excellent performance, and a range of useful features, some of which I'm still exploring.
Given my favorable experience with Microsoft Edge thus far, I highly recommend giving it a try!
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Originally published at https://techwithdom.com on October 21, 2022.