Chrome Users Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2024

6 ways you can speed up browser performance on Windows

Google Chrome was initially praised for its speed and efficiency, but users have reported lag over time, a trend also seen in other browsers like Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi. To enhance browser performance, users can take several actions: 1. Regularly review and remove unnecessary apps and extensions, as they consume system resources. 2. Use features that allow inactive tabs to enter "sleep" mode to conserve memory and processing power. 3. Consider disabling the tab-sleeping feature on high-spec computers to avoid delays when accessing frequently used tabs. 4. Utilize script-blocking extensions like uBlock Origin Lite to prevent scripts from hindering browsing speed. 5. Clear the browser cache regularly to refresh performance and load the latest versions of web pages. 6. Enable page preloading to anticipate and load links in the background, reducing wait times. Firefox is generally noted for superior speed and features compared to Chrome, and exploring alternative browsers and extensions can enhance productivity and privacy.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Microsoft Edge is trying to forcefully get your Chrome tabs again

Microsoft's Edge browser has been automatically launching on users' PCs, importing Chrome tabs without consent. A recent update introduced a prompt that encourages users to allow Edge to regularly import data from other browsers, particularly targeting Chrome users. This prompt is designed to be easily overlooked, with a default option checked to confirm data import. Microsoft claims this feature provides users with an option to disable it, but the automatic behavior raises concerns about the company's intentions. Microsoft has a history of similar tactics, including blocking tools that facilitate switching from Edge and complicating the process of changing browser defaults in Windows 11. Users have also reported misleading AI responses in Bing and intrusive prompts urging them to abandon Chrome. These practices have led to distrust towards Edge and Microsoft's AI initiatives.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

How this ‘pop-up’ on Windows laptops and PCs may again lead to Google vs Microsoft tussle

Microsoft has introduced a feature in its Edge browser that prompts Google Chrome users to import their data when they start their PCs. The Edge browser launches automatically and displays a notification with a pre-selected option to import Chrome data. Users can accept the prompt, which allows Edge to import Chrome tabs, history, and bookmarks continuously, even if Chrome is the default browser. This tactic is part of Microsoft's strategy to increase Edge's market share, which has included blocking third-party tools, creating obstacles for changing default browser settings, and displaying warning messages when downloading Chrome. Despite these efforts, Edge's growth has been slow, leading to criticism from consumer advocacy groups and calls for regulatory scrutiny. Users can disable the automatic startup feature, but this requires navigating through multiple settings in Edge.

Winsage

October 19, 2024

Google Reveals New Chrome Update—Microsoft Warns Windows Users To Change Your Browser

Google's Chrome holds a 65% market share and faces potential break-up actions from the Department of Justice. Microsoft is promoting its Edge browser to Windows users, highlighting enhanced security features through Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. Microsoft encourages enterprises to adopt Edge, suggesting that employees may also use it at home, threatening Chrome's user base. In response, Google has launched a campaign to reassure its 3 billion Chrome users about its security measures, emphasizing its innovations and commitment to user safety. Google is also addressing privacy concerns related to tracking cookies and plans to introduce an opt-in tracking mechanism, while Microsoft is developing the “Privacy-Preserving Ads API” for Edge. Both companies are focusing on security and privacy as key competitive factors. Chrome has recently updated to version 130.0.6723.58/.59, and users are advised to restart their browsers after the update for optimal security.

Winsage

October 12, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Change Your Browser As New Attacks Underway

Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows users about increasing attacks that exploit legitimate file hosting services, using tactics to evade security measures. These attacks involve fraudulent websites designed to harvest user credentials, prompting Microsoft to recommend the use of Microsoft Edge, which integrates with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to block malicious sites. Microsoft previously advised Chrome users to update or stop using the browser due to a zero-day vulnerability, encouraging a shift to Edge. The attacks leverage trusted file-sharing platforms like Dropbox and OneDrive, deceiving users into opening malicious files. Microsoft emphasizes using Edge with conditional access policies and Microsoft Defender for enhanced security. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a privacy-preserving ads API for Edge, aiming to improve user privacy while addressing the challenges of third-party cookie tracking. This new API is currently in limited preview and requires manual activation in specific regions.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Change Your Browser To Stop New Attacks

Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows users about an increase in sophisticated attacks that use legitimate file hosting services to evade security measures. These attacks often involve fraudulent websites designed to steal user credentials, exploiting trusted platforms like Dropbox, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge, which can automatically block malicious websites through Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. The company has also advised enterprises to promote Edge and implement conditional access policies to enhance security. Recent trends show attackers manipulating enterprise security systems by using files with restricted access and view-only settings to deliver phishing emails. The ultimate goal of these attacks is typically the theft of organizational credentials for financial gain.

Winsage

September 28, 2024

Google Chrome Security Alert: Indian Govt Issues Major Warning For Windows And Mac Users – News18

The Indian government issued a security alert on September 26 regarding vulnerabilities in Google Chrome, as announced by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Users on Windows, macOS, and Linux are at risk, particularly those using versions prior to 129.0.6668.70/.71 for Windows and Mac, and prior to 129.0.6668.70 for Linux. The vulnerabilities could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code and crash the application, stemming from issues such as Type Confusion in V8, Use after Free in Dawn, Integer Overflow in Skia, and inappropriate implementation in V8. Users are advised to update their browsers to the latest version to mitigate these risks.

Winsage

September 8, 2024

How to Install and Use Gemini as an App on Windows 11

Google has integrated its AI model, Gemini, into various products, including the Ask Photos feature in Google Photos and the Gemini Live assistant. Gemini is available for Google Workspace users and Android users, especially on Google Pixel devices. There is currently no dedicated app for Windows 10 and 11, but users can create a Progressive Web App (PWA) for Gemini using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge by following specific steps. Gemini offers functionalities such as summarizing YouTube videos, extracting information from webpages, and trip planning. Users can uninstall the app through the Start Menu or Settings.

Winsage

August 4, 2024

Google Issues Critical Chrome Update For All Windows Users—Check Your PC Now

Google released a critical security update for Chrome, version 127.0.6533.88/89, addressing CVE-2024-6990, a memory vulnerability in the browser's web graphics rendering engine that could allow attackers to destabilize a user's PC and execute malicious code. The update also includes two additional high-severity fixes related to memory issues. Users are advised to ensure their Chrome browser is updated and to restart it if necessary. Despite the importance of this update, media coverage has been limited, overshadowed by ongoing discussions about tracking cookies and privacy concerns.

Winsage

July 29, 2024

Chrome’s password manager recently swallowed over 15 million passwords

A bug in the Chrome password manager caused the disappearance of over 15 million passwords between July 24 and 25, affecting approximately a quarter of all Chrome users. The issue was specific to the M127 version of Chrome on Windows. Google provided a temporary workaround and has since fixed the glitch, restoring access to saved passwords. Additionally, there were reports of email verification failures for new Google Workspace accounts, which posed a risk of unauthorized access.