Download the best browsers. Fast browser for an old computer - myth or reality

As part of my job, I have to maintain several very advanced computers in working order. In terms of hardware, this is not difficult - fortunately, cars produced 10 years ago are often assembled (soldered) to a higher quality than modern consumer goods. But in terms of software the task is more difficult. The biggest headache for me is antiviruses and browsers. Both of them are very eager to random access memory, which, alas, is in short supply (for the last 1.5 years, the budget for upgrading computers at school has been approaching zero, and a small upgrade can only be done if the old hardware completely fails). Meanwhile, it is highly advisable to update both the antivirus and the browser periodically. We'll talk about choosing an antivirus some other time, but today I'll try to find the fastest browser for old computers.

First, a little background. Until recently, I installed the old Opera 12 on all old computers. But, alas, one fine day, this once wonderful browser began to display a vital website crookedly - electronic journal. Well, I had to say goodbye to the old Opera and look for alternatives.

First of all, of course, I checked how the fresh Opera would behave on old machines. Alas, as expected, Opera 30 (this version was current at the time of my experiment) behaved like a typical Chromium browser: it consumed a lot of memory, forcing the computer to swap heavily (IDE disk, heh...). Things were a little better with other standard chrome clones (Yandex.Browser, Chrome itself). The latest Firefox 40 behaves relatively well, but it has obvious problems with interface rendering (it slows down) and memory consumption is still quite high (especially when opening 2-3 tabs). Well, since the browsers known to everyone cannot cope with the task, let’s try different exotic ones.

Part 1. Looking for a fast browser in the Chromium camp

I was pleasantly surprised in terms of speed. Being a superstructure over Internet Explorer, it works very quickly and does not eat up too much memory. But, alas, all this happiness is available only on Windows 7, and my weakest machines run Windows XP. No, the mentioned SlimBrowser works great under Windows XP, but the IE8 engine, alas, is hopelessly outdated and is not much different in rendering quality from the same Opera 12-.

Next, I decided to try out “unusual” variations on the Chromium theme. There were as many as three candidates. The first of them is . It is positioned by the developers as a light and fast browser. In general, this statement is true - for a chromo clone, Midori is really quite light and fast. But, unfortunately, on computers with 1 gigabyte of RAM (and even more so with 512 megabytes) it is not light enough.
The second candidate is Chinese. The younger brother of the well-known Maxthon was born about a year ago. In essence, it is Chromium stripped to the limit. It really works quite quickly, but it still consumes a lot of memory. I would recommend it rather as an addition to the main browser on normal machines (when you need to quickly read something without waiting for the main browser to load - Nitro loads almost instantly). But this browser is not suitable for older computers.

Finally, the last Chrome in my experiment is the OpenSource project. The developer positions it as the successor to the good old Opera, but on a modern engine (guess which one?). True, from a technical point of view, this browser is built a little differently - it does not create a separate process for each sneeze. This feature allows Otter (and this is how the name of the browser is translated from English) to save memory quite well. In terms of speed and functionality, Otter is also doing pretty well. But, alas, it is still very crude and not stable enough for everyday use. And the interface, to be honest, leaves much to be desired... Besides, Otter is essentially a one-man show (in the sense of a developer) and, alas, there is almost no hope for quickly bringing the project to a digestible state.

Otter Browser. In the depths of the tundra Otter in spats...

Part 2. Looking for a fast browser in the Gecko camp

Well, since the Chrome community can’t please us with anything in terms of speed, let’s try to turn to the second opposing side and look at browsers based on the Gecko engine. This engine is no less popular among developers, although it has its own specifics. While browsers based on Chromium (and Blink) are mainly built by various commercial companies (Otter is a rare exception), Gecko is more popular among the OpenSource community. Unfortunately, this community, for the most part, is busy changing the basic functionality of Firefox, as a result of which clones of Ognelis (or Firepanda - as you prefer) with different sets of functions are born. Against this background, several projects stand out that make optimized assemblies for certain platforms. Among them, only two focus their efforts on improving the speed of Firefox. The first project is . Within its framework, they make assemblies that work (according to the developers) 25% faster than the original FF. Until recently, the PaleMoon project even had a separate assembly optimized for Windows XP, but due to the cessation of official support for this OS, its release was discontinued. However, to this day there is a separate build for weak Atom-based machines, which can be used on any old computers.
In terms of speed, I was very pleased with PaleMoon - the subjective speed of launching the browser and loading pages on a computer with 1 GB of RAM is even higher than when working with Opera 12 (although it uses a little more memory). The interface, by the way, is rendered noticeably faster than that of its ancestor in the face of FF (the cut Australis has an effect). True, to make the work more convenient, the “lunar” browser will have to be modified a little (in particular, it will have to be turned on in the settings). In general, the impressions from this browser are the most pleasant. Among other things, PaleMoon supports extensions from FireFox, which means expanding its functionality will be quite simple.

Finally, the last contender for the title of “fastest browser for older computers” is the . This project, which appeared at the dawn of the popularity of Firefox, was in hibernation for many years and only recently began to be revived. Essentially, this is a very distant relative of Firefox, taking only the Gecko engine from its ancestor. Due to its close relationship, K-Meleon does not support extensions from the original Firefox and does not inherit all its problems (working speed in particular). As a result, we have a very fast and quite functional browser. In terms of operating speed today, K-Meleon is the leader. The only thing that prevents us from definitely recommending it for use is the clumsy interface and the fact that it is overloaded with not all the necessary functions.

K-Meleon 74. The fastest browser…

As a conclusion. Based on the results of many days of testing (including on real users), I personally chose PaleMoon (more precisely, its assembly for Atom). In conditions of severe lack of RAM, it works noticeably faster than all other browsers. On computers with 512 megabytes of RAM, K-Meleon showed the best results in terms of memory consumption, but users in almost 100% of cases complain about its inability to user-friendly interface(read - for an unusual appearance and non-standard arrangement of controls). In theory, all this can be solved by fine tuning interface (fortunately, K-Meleon provides such an opportunity), but in practice the difference in speed with PaleMoon is not so great. The final decision, however, is yours.

Updated March 18, 2016
I tested a couple more programs that claim to be the “fastest browser for an old computer.” My impressions are in .

Updated February 19, 2019
It turns out that enthusiasts continue to make PaleMoon builds that work on older computers. Here, in particular, (you need to download the file mypal-28.3.1.win32.installer.exe).

The first association that comes to mind with the term “Internet” is a browser. It is the first program that is installed on a fresh OS or new computer. Without such a program, the user's hands are literally tied. It can't download necessary software for the system, he cannot watch videos or conduct correspondence. In short, this software needed to view any pages.

There are many types for all occasions. The most famous is Internet Explorer. It is a standard program in all Windows versions. Slow and poor quality work forces all users to install third party applications. Luckily, there are several candidates who would be great candidates for this role.

Quality browsers for Windows XP

Google Chrome beta is a very popular browser. Just because of the word “Google” in the name, this product already inspires trust. More than half of all network users are already with it.

Yandex.Browser – the previous browser is used as a basis. The program from a fairly well-known company took over from its father good speed and ease of use. It differs from chrome in design and some other features.

Mozilla Firefox is another famous browser. It is famous for its good work and a large number of functions that can be configured as you please, which makes working with this program comfortable and very convenient.

Do you want more speed on the Internet? Opera is a fast browser that will speed up page loading for you and help you save time navigating the web. Speed ​​is one of our top priorities.

Opera Turbo: low internet speed is not a hindrance

If the speed of your Internet connection leaves much to be desired, for example, in a public Wi-Fi networks, enable Opera Turbo mode. Open websites faster and continue working as usual.

Favorite sites are just a click away

Opera is a fast browser not only because it loads websites quickly. We have developed many features to help you navigate faster and save time. For example, Express panel in Opera - the name speaks for itself. It simplifies and speeds up access to the most important sites. Add them to home page browser, distribute it in a convenient order or put it into folders.

Hotkeys for quick navigation

Did you know that keyboard shortcuts (or keyboard shortcuts) save on average 2 seconds every minute? They can replace almost all the commands you normally perform in the browser with the mouse. In Opera, you can set your own keyboard shortcuts for various actions- try it!

The top ranking in terms of functionality, security and speed are occupied by Yandex.Browser, Google Chrome, Opera and Mozilla Firefox. Only you can tell which browser you choose, so let's take a quick look at the features of each browser again.

If we talk about the simplicity of the interface and innovation in total, Yandex Browser will win. The developers have proven that it is possible to create a product that is equally respected by both “dummies” and professionals without strict restrictions for users. The browser is cross-platform, fast, stable, synchronizes with Google services and Yandex equally. In fact, it is a combination best qualities competitors with two significant additions: a unique search bar with hints and a functional bookmarks panel codenamed “scoreboard”. Recommended for download if you are tired of template solutions and glitches. In addition, this secure browser on a Windows computer is memory-friendly. Other Internet browsers are much more demanding on the resources of computers and laptops.

Orbitum is considered a relatively young web browser that can compete with any well-known browser, both in terms of performance when working with Internet resources, and in terms of quantity available settings and tools. Its main feature is an interactive chat that allows you to be on any page and at the same time correspond with friends from social networks. networks. Try Orbitum and you will be pleased with the high speed of launching web pages, the benefits of using the built-in loader and the useful omnibox. This a good choice browser on your computer at home.

Not so common: Amigo and K-Meleon. The latter is a serious competitor to its progenitor Mozilla Firefox. However, while it excels in security, the K-Meleon browser loses in the frequency of updates. Amigo's close connection to social networks may be perceived as an advantage for regular visitors to VK, OK, FB and other social networks. But thanks to many extensions, plugins and minimal CPU load, the browser runs smoothly and without glitches. The program will be appreciated by all categories of users.

Unfortunately, our review did not include such products as the cross-platform Comodo iceDragon, good solutions Pale Moon and Srware Iron, the only browser with advanced anonymity - Tor browser, the once famous Netscape Navigator, Torch Browser, intended for true fans Rambler Rambler Browser. Each of them deserves special attention, which we will definitely pay in subsequent publications. I would also like to separately mention the good browser UC Browser. Its creators relatively recently began expanding around the world, and are constantly adding useful features to their brainchild, such as integration with video hosting sites. Already now in the competition “advantages - disadvantages” the balance is positive, but we doubt that UC can be called secure browser. It is often installed on smartphones without the user's consent.

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The Chrome browser has long been the leader among its peers by a wide margin. It would seem that such trump cards as crazy speed and user-friendly interface left no chance for analogues.

But the increasingly hot breath of competitors in the form of Mozilla and Opera, as well as the conquest of their share of the audience with new products such as , and Yandex.Browser, required new accents from developers.

A browser built on the Chromium kernel, which, in addition to incorporating the best from programs built on the same kernel, has significantly improved the security and confidentiality of the user’s personal data.

Perhaps everyone who has access to the Internet has at least once used a browser with a Chromium core, be it a browser from Google, Yandex or Rambler. Moreover, each company is trying to add some of its own functions. The developers from Comodo are no exception. Dragon browser is different increased security and confidentiality for transmitted data.

Mazila Firefox is one of the most popular cross-platform browsers in the world, it provides fast, secure Internet surfing, is flexible in settings and has a huge selection of plug-ins and extensions.

The multimillion-strong fan club of the Mozilla Firefox web browser is driving the market, creating conditions for healthy competition with the Google browser. The reasons why users tend to download Mozilla Firefox lie on the surface - this is an emphasis on enhanced protection from malicious sites, high speed of working with dozens open tabs and the introduction of innovative technologies, such as sockets, web consoles or new generation graphics.

The Opera browser from the descendants of the Vikings is reliable, fast and convenient, and the use of a unique Turbo mode allows you to quickly load pages even with a critically low Internet connection speed.

Opera for computer is a powerful web browser from Norwegian developers who have focused on the reliability and convenience of web surfing.

Pale Moon is the best alternative to Mozilla Firefox. The browser is based on the same software core, but has a lightweight interface and increased performance by 25%.

It provides excellent page opening speed and increased stability by eliminating some tools. According to the developers from Moonchild Productions, a browser should be a browser, and it is not necessary to take on the functions of other applications.

New browser from the developers of Opera, built on Chromium with the Blink engine. It features expanded functionality and increased ease of navigation.

The web browser interface is very reminiscent of Opera 12 - it also has side panel, basket with closed tabs and picture display mode. At the same time, the authors implemented a number of interesting innovations. Among them are tab grouping, integrated mail client, notes on open web pages.

Tor Browser for anonymous web surfing. It is a Firefox web browser with an integrated Torbutton extension, a script blocker and an add-on for logging into sites via the HTTPS protocol.

The program allows you to visit sites prohibited by the administrator or the state, as well as correspond in web chats, place orders and download files, hiding your IP address and other identification elements.

Ya.Browser is a web browser from the Yandex company, created on the basis of the Chromium engine. Combines the best features of popular Chrome browsers and Opera, and also provides unique opportunities to its users.

The Yandex browser is similarly capable of activating the traffic-saving Turbo mode and all the same fast loading pages when the Internet connection speed slows down, as in . Enjoy a minimalist interface, amazing speed and a built-in translator, as well as add extensions from Google store Chrome.