The Rise of Microsoft Edge Browser

One of the first decisions we make after logging onto our computer is which internet browser we are going to use. Typically, we tend to go for the the same browser every time because like the familiarity of it. Should you consider switching it up to see what the other rival browsers, including Microsoft Edge, may provide?

The increase in the amount of our applications that are cloud-based has meant that accessing your data is done through a browser, it is therefore essential that the browser you use is effective. The top browsers that we use have changed over the years, from the Internet Explorer of many years ago, through to Google Chrome more recently, there is always opportunity for the browser we use to change.

A browser in particular that has recently increased in popularity is Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge has been about since 2015 and is a replacement for Internet Explorer – it seems that now is its time to flourish the most. It is positioned at number three within the worldwide desktop browser market share behind Chrome and Safari – less than one percentage point behind Safari and so there is opportunity for it to overtake at any time.

The current desktop browser market shares currently look like this:

• Chrome 64.8%
• Safari 9.77%
• Edge 9.6%
• Firefox 9.46%
• Opera 2.88%
• Internet Explorer 1.14%

But why now has Edge become so popular? It may be due to it having adopted a similar framework to Chrome, meaning that users can have an experience that is the same Chrome users have. There is also an extensive range of extensions and add-ons that can be used with this choice of browser.

Here’s several of the browsers beneficial features that may encourage you to give Edge a try…

Keeping webpages organised with Microsoft Edge

All browsers will have a feature which allows you to save webpage links and it is often referred to as “favourites” or “bookmarks.” Have you ever found that this bar at the top can quickly get messy and unorganized, negatively impacting your productivity?

Edge has provided the perfect solution for this with a feature called Collections. It allows you to save webpages as normal, but the main difference being is that it is in the sidebar, and you are able to group them by particular topic – for example if you were working on a particular project, you could save all your research into one group.

These collections are easy to access through clicking the “+” icon and there are a range of features, including showing you a preview image of the website to visually remind you of what you have saved.

You can edit, update, and delete collections when you have finished with them – so you can keep organised and prevent any inefficiency from occurring.

Integrated discount finder

Another of the browsers perks is that Edge will automatically search for discounts and deals for the site you are on and provides you with a pop up which you can click on to see if there are any discounts available for that site. This means you do not need to install your own discount app into your browser.

Edge prevents you from missing out on any potential savings that there may be – that you may miss if you weren’t using this browser!

Comparison of prices

Searching for discounts is not the only thing Edge will do to help you save money…

Edge will also use pricing history and price comparative information to inform you when you’re shopping if the product you’re having a look at is cheaper on another site.

Through using the data it has collected through price history – it will provide you with insights including if the price you are looking at is high or low in comparison to the related site. Again, this ensures that you are not missing out on a better deal elsewhere.

Microsoft Edge keeping you safe and secure

To prevent you from coming into contact with phishing sites that may be infected with malware – Microsoft’s Edge Browser has a range of security features that are built in to help protect you and keep you safe.

One of these features monitors the passwords you have decided to store and will make you aware if they have been involved in a breach. Additionally, you are kept away from sites that have been used in phishing scams using Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.

In comparison to Google who have been criticised for their lack of privacy, Microsoft Edge are attempting to ensure that your privacy is protected and allow you to choose from three tracking prevention settings to prevent your personal information being collected by advertisers.

Taking a quick screenshot

If you’re using viewing something on a webpage that you want to take a screenshot of then it is simple with Microsoft Edge – all you need to do is select web capture within the browser menu. This will then allow you to drag a rectangle across a certain part of the page of the page in full. You are then able to bring it into a window if you want to add additional notes – making it quick and accessible for future reference.

Is your internet security as safe as it could be?

Ensuring your internet security is safe and secure is important both at home and work and the internet browser you use can contribute towards this. If you need some help in ensuring you have the correct safeguarding in place or feel you could benefit from our IT consulting services, then feel free to give us a call on 01473 241515, email us at info@corbel.co.uk or take a look at our blog ‘How to make your Cyber Security – even more secure’

Ipswich based Corbel Solutions Limited, work as an IT Support partner across Ipswich, Felixstowe, Colchester, and the surrounding Suffolk area to help keep your business protected. With a range of Cyber Security and office 365 support services available, Corbel will work proactively with you to maximize your capabilities and minimize risk.