Without Google Chrome and Safari, we’d be pretty stuck on the worldwide web. Still, a digital mistake is easy to make.
Google Chrome and Safari are undoubtedly the favorite browsers of many Internet users. They are known for their user-friendliness and uncluttered interface. Yet many people unknowingly make mistakes that slow down their browsing experience or make it less efficient.
From a sluggish browser to privacy problems, there are all sorts of ways in which you are unwittingly getting in your own way. Fortunately, most problems are easy to fix.
Google Chrome and Safari: the most common mistakes listed
These are the most common mistakes in your favorite web browser and how to fix them.
Not clearing cache and cookies regularly
Your browser stores all kinds of data to make websites load faster, but over time this can actually cause slowdowns. Moreover, old cookies can continue to track your online behavior even when you don’t want them to.
That’s why it’s smart to occasionally clear your cache and cookies through Google Chrome or Safari’s privacy settings. If you are afraid of having to log in every time, you can selectively choose what to delete in the advanced settings.
Ignoring updates from Google Chrome or Safari
It may sound like a small thing, but updates often contain important security patches and performance improvements. An outdated version of Google Chrome or Safari not only means more risk of security breaches, but also websites that no longer load properly.
Most browsers update automatically, but it’s good to check occasionally to make sure you have the latest version. This can usually be done in the ‘Info about the browser’ menu in the settings.
Search! (Image: Pexels / Firmbee)
Using weak or reused passwords
Many people use the same password for multiple Web sites because it is easy to remember. But if one site is hacked, attackers can easily gain access to other accounts using the same login credentials.
A password manager can help with this by generating and storing strong, unique passwords. In addition, setting up two-step verification is a good way to make your Google Chrome or Safari extra secure.
Installing too many extensions
Browser extensions can be useful, but some secretly collect more data than you’d like. They can also make your Google Chrome or Safari slower or even pose security risks.
It’s wise to take a critical look at the extensions you use and regularly go through the list of installed add-ons. Anything that you no longer use is best removed.
Clicking on suspicious links in Google Chrome or Safari
Phishing websites and malware spread at lightning speed, and even a link that looks trustworthy can be a trap. A simple way to check this is to hover your mouse over a link and look at the real URL before clicking on it.
In doubt? Then manually type the website into your address bar instead of relying on a link.
(Image: Apple)
Leaving too many tabs open
While it’s nice to have multiple pages available at the same time, each tab consumes memory and can make your browser slower. Some browsers automatically disable unused tabs, but it’s still smart to clean them up yourself from time to time.
You can also use bookmarks or install a tab management extension to keep your tabs organized on Google Chrome or Safari.
Not using adblockers or privacy tools
Ads can not only be annoying, but they also slow down your browser and track your online behavior. Google Chrome and Safari both have a built-in feature to partially block tracking, but for a truly ad-free experience, you’re better off installing an adblocker such as uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus.
Privacy tools such as Privacy Badger or Ghostery additionally help block hidden trackers and improve your online privacy.
