The Advantages of Obscure Open Source Browsers

What are some of the advantages to checking out a non mainstream web browser?

First, you will get to see your favorite web sites, or any sites that you happen to own, in a whole new way. If you've only ever viewed pages through one browser, then you may not know that different rendering engines will interpret the code in sites slightly differently. This gives each site a different look and feel on each browser.

Depending on the code, changes can range from none to pretty drastic. If you're a programmer trying to make your site look consistent across browsers, you owe it to yourself (and your clients) to try out a few of the less common browsers. Not everyone uses Internet Explorer to surf the web, after all!

Second, you can have different add-ons and plug-ins on each browser. You can have some for music, others for social networking and still others when you want to load up with the RSS feeds for your blogs. This will help you to keep from being distracted by new posts in your favorite blog when you really should be getting your work done. After all, the best way for you to focus is to simply remove distractions.

Third, any piece of software that is less popular is less likely to be breached by viruses or other forms of malware. Crackers like to go for the highest number of potential victims possible. While it's true that open-source browsers aren't completely secure -- after all, nothing is -- having a second browser for things like your banking logons will give you a little bit of extra security.

Fourth, it will give you a certain amount of street cred in certain circles. If you socialize in geeky circles, having tried every browser may be considered a badge of honor.