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Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives. - Britannica Explains
In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions. - Demystified Videos
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Britannica celebrates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, highlighting suffragists and history-making politicians. - Britannica Beyond
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Britannica Presents Earth’s To-Do List for the 21st Century. Learn about the major environmental problems facing our planet and what can be done about them! - SpaceNext50
Britannica presents SpaceNext50, From the race to the Moon to space stewardship, we explore a wide range of subjects that feed our curiosity about space!
Google Chrome is a free web browser developed by Google, used for accessing web pages on the internet. As of March 2022, it is the most popular web browser of choice worldwide, with more than 62% of the web browser market share.
Google Chrome is also a cross-platform browser, meaning some versions work on different computers, mobile devices, and operating systems. According to Statista, Google Chrome for Android is the most used version, holding more than 36% of the global web browser market share as of January 2022.
Using Google Chrome
Using Google Chrome is as easy as using the default web browser on your current computer [such as Internet Explorer, Edge, or Safari]. Whenever you want to visit a website, all you have to do is type the web address URL into the address bar at the top and press Enter/Go/Search.
Like other web browsers, Google Chrome includes basic browser features like a back button, forward button, refresh button, history, bookmarks, toolbar, and settings. Also like other browsers, Chrome includes an incognito mode, which allows you to browse privately without having your history, cookies, or site data tracked. It also include an expansive library of plugins and extensions.
Chrome's range of extra features, however, goes well beyond the basics.
A Few of Google Chrome's Standout Features
Here are some of Google Chrome's best features:
- It's fast, secure, and easy to use.
Perhaps the biggest draw to Google Chrome is its raw performance. Web pages can be opened and loaded extremely quickly—even when browsing through lots of pages with heavy graphics, ads, or video content. The interface is clean and simple to use, even for beginners, and updates are rolled out frequently and automatically to keep security in check.
- You can use the address bar to search Google.
Need to search for something? Simply open a new window or tab and start typing whatever you need to search for in the address bar. Then press Enter/Go/Search and you'll be shown the corresponding Google search results page.
- You can sync Chrome settings across devices.
When you use Chrome with your Google Account, you can sync all of your bookmarks, history, passwords, autofills and more. This means that your settings will remain consistent and updated whenever you use Chrome via your Google account on any other computer or device.
How to Clear Private Data in Google Chrome for Windows
Using Google Chrome Extensions
Google Chrome extensions are available for many of your favorite web services, from Dropbox and Evernote to Pocket and Pinterest. They can be searched and downloaded from the Chrome Web Store.
When you find an extension you want to use, just select Add to Chrome and then Add extension.
A small popup box may appear in Chrome confirming the installation along with a short note about how to access it. A new tab may open with more in-depth instructions that show you how to use all the features of the extension.
To enable, disable, or delete existing extensions, select the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of your Chrome browser. Then select More tools > Extensions. Turn the toggle switch on [blue] or off [gray] for any extension. Select Remove to delete the extension.
The 17 Best Plugins [Extensions] for Chrome in 2022
How to Get Chrome
Google Chrome is completely free to download and use, but you'll need to use an existing web browser to download it. All you have to do is navigate to google.com/chrome and select Download Chrome.
Google will automatically detect the platform you're on so that it can provide the corresponding version of Chrome you need to download. If you're on a mobile device, a popup message will appear to direct you to either the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store, where you can download the Chrome app for iOS or Android.
Google Chrome can be downloaded and used on the following platforms:
- macOS 10.10 or later
- Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 64-bit
- Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 32-bit
- Chrome OS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
Google also offers "frozen" versions of Chrome for Windows XP, Windows Vista, macOS 10.6-10.9. This means that updates are not supported for these versions.
FAQ
How do you update Google Chrome?
Generally, Chrome updates automatically. But if you want to manually download and install the latest patch, open Chrome and go to More > Update Google Chrome. If you don't see this option in the menu, you're already on the latest version of the browser.
How can I make Google Chrome my default browser?
Using Windows, open the Start Menu and select Settings > Apps > Default Apps. Under Web Browser, choose Google Chrome. On a Mac, open Chrome and go to More > Settings, and choose Make Default in the Default Browser section. If you don't see the option, Chrome is already your default browser.
How can I get Google Chrome on a Mac?
Navigate to the Google Chrome Home page and select Download Chrome. The site may ask you whether or not your Mac has an Intel chip or Apple chip. Choose one, and the installation files should download shortly after.
How do I stop pop-ups on Google Chrome?
To turn pop-ups on or off, open Chrome and select More > Settings > Site Settings > Pop-ups and Redirects. Then choose Allowed or Blocked.
How can I remove a Google account from Chrome?
While in the Chrome browser, select your profile photo. Then select the gear icon next to Other Profiles. Next, find the account you want to remove and choose More > Delete.
How do you clear the cache in Google Chrome?
Open Chrome and select More > History > History > Clear Browsing Data. Choose which files you want to remove [cookies, browsing history, etc.] and a time range. Then select Clear Data to delete the specified files.
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