Google Chrome FUD
Jan 15, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
I enjoy using Google services and software. I use Google Search, Gmail, Google Reader, Google Adsense, Google Analytics, Google Language Tools, Google Android, Google Maps, Google Navigate, Google Public DNS and more. In very many ways, Google services and software really do help to make my life easier.
Just recently, I switched my web browser to Google Chrome. I also made Google Chrome the default browser in CrunchBang Linux. This change has led to some interesting discussions around the topics of security and privacy.
It did occur to me that the switch to Chrome might cause some ripples and I have not been surprised to read that some people have concerns about how Google Chrome tracks their web usage. A topic about this subject has started on the CrunchBang forums and it is good see people discussing it in a sensible manner.
Personally, I do not have any uneasy feelings of doubt, worry, or fear about using Google services or software; however, with all the FUD surrounding Google, I can understand why some people might.
I am now wondering if I should switch CrunchBang’s default browser to Chromium to appease those with concerns over Chrome. Or, with Firefox 4 just around the corner, should I wait a while longer?
I am also wondering which will be released first, Debian Squeeze or Firefox 4? I read that Firefox 4 could be here next month, and with the number of Squeeze bugs being rapidly reduced, I figure it cannot be too far away either. My money is on Squeeze! :)
12 responses to “Google Chrome FUD”
Add your comment
Use the form below to add your comment. Markdown syntax is available. Note, all comments are moderated.
Jan 15, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
i give my vote for chromium. i don’t see any disadvantages over chrome. i’m not sure how up to date chromium in the squeeze repos is, but it would be the “cleanest” solution.
Jan 15, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
@dominik, I am thinking that including Firefox/Iceweasel 4 would be better. The Squeeze Chromium package is currently at version 6.0.472.63, which is pretty old. To include Chromium, I would need to build some updated packages and include them in the CrunchBang repositories.
Jan 15, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
i haven’t tried ff4 yet. maybe the most important point is the work you have with managing the packages. it’s a one developer distro, so you should go the easiest way…
Jan 16, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
I give my vote to FF4. I have a nice and very fast impression after testing the beta.
Jan 17, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
My vote is for Chromium!
Jan 17, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
I’d be happy with either, Papa. I use Midori and Elinks most of the time anyway, so what’s included in the iso default doesn’t really affect my habits.
My heart says FF4, though. Not that I dislike Chromium, but Firefox sort of got the whole alternative/open source thing started for me (and most people, I might guess).
Jan 18, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
Getting Chromium in last Crunch Bang was really disappointing. I appreciate Chromium users choice, but from my point of view - firefox is best both in usability and safety. So, because I use Crunch mainly as livecd (plus quick-tuning script) at work and other places (where sometimes absent any network), I begin think about other distro. And now I’m glad to hear that “there are voices of hope that are borne on the air” and firefox may return at next releases.
Jan 23, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
People use microsoft windows or MacOS every day, and it really helps them. But it’s not a good idea to use it when you know the problems behind.Crunchbang is like the best linux distribution EVER, since it’s based on Debian instead of Ubuntu. But using Chrome is a bad idea when you know the problems behind. If I could tell only one thing to make free software users do not use Chrome, it would be : “hey dude, google chrome is not free, Iceweasel is.”
Actually, I understand you don’t like Firefox for X reason, but the choice of Chrome is really strage when using Chromium instead would be really better for you and for Crunchbang users.
But hey, I writhe it from an ubuntu pc >
Jan 24, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
My Vote goes for FF4!
Jan 31, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
I use Chrome since it just arrived. And I enjoy using it. Fast and reliable.
FF has some glitches with my own page where other browsers work fine. I cannot work with browser which implements HTML standards in its own way.
Feb 2, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
I’m not a big fan of Google, as you said; “with all the FUD surrounding Google, I can understand why some people might”. I use Google because my wife insists on it, she is comfortable with it. I do NOTHING on the net that I am ashamed of or worried about, it’s just a “the principle of the thing”.
Lets face it and be realistic about things. If the right (or wrong, depending on a point of view) person whats information on you, there are ways of getting it, if they have the knowledge.
But since reading this, I am in the process of updating #! and getting Chromium (I read it is lighter). IW (FF) beta4 was a surprise, that after the initial “Oh no!” reaction and the fixes, has not been a bad experience. But I was surprised to see it in #!, but oh well, such is life.
Now a thought / question;
Since #! doesn’t come with a “default” email program (or didn’t in the past) why not add an option in “cb-welcome” to install: Chrome, Chromium or IceWeasel.
Just a thought.
My second browser that I am using is Midori, who knows that might change once I see Chromium.
Cheers!
Feb 2, 2011 (about 1 year ago)
@Sector11, I think you might like Chromium, I know I do. :)