Google Chrome

[popltree2]

So by now I am sure that most of us have heard of Google Chrome, Google's foray into the browser market. Based off the pictures here (http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/09/01/first-public-screen-captures-of-google-chrome/), it looks to resemble Gnome a bit. Not sure if it will be skinable, but then again I didn't read the whole comic book (http://www.google.com/googlebooks/chrome/index.html). It does look like it will support plug-ins, however. And the idea that there is a process manager specifically for the browser and that each tab is its own "sandbox" (things that occur in one, such as hangs and crashes, don't effect the entire browser) are welcome additions. So, will you be giving Google Chrome a spin?

[popltree2]

Oh, I should also mention that Google is holding a press conference in about an hour, presumable to release the product for beta. Beta, Google really likes beta. I wonder if it is there way of saying that things are forever in a state of trial-and-error and refinement...

[secret-steve-crumbles]

While I welcome newer and better technologies to challenge current technologies and software, this will have to go beyond impressing people to get them to switch from firefox.

Plus, lets say that it has a "slight edge" over firefox. Is that enough to get people to switch? I doubt it, considering who knows how long you'd have to wait for your favorite plugin to get ported. IF it even does get ported.

Not sure how this is going to pan out, but I'd be willing to bet that FF4 will have whatever few new features this thing offers.

[tokenuser]

Probably not.

I run Opera on both PC and Mac. Unless GChrome has something significant to offer, I wont be swapping.

Its not real surprising that it came out. A "mobile" verison came out as part of the Android deveopers kit in the emulator.

WebKit based browsers are pretty standardised. I really hope that it takes off as a framework people develop for.

[bani-banan]

Oh, I should also mention that Google is holding a press conference in about an hour, presumable to release the product for beta. Beta, Google really likes beta. I wonder if it is there way of saying that things are forever in a state of trial-and-error and refinement...

I have a theory about the whole beta thing.

My theory is that if it says Beta on the site, they aren't liable for any loss of information. Ya'll agree?

By the way, is gmail still in beta?

Also, I'm willing to give it a try. Looks... very web 2.0.

edit: it's apparently written for windows. I suspect C# (or I hope).

[gonzooo]

edit: it's apparently written for windows. I suspect C# (or I hope).
Why do you hope it's written in C#?

[bani-banan]

Why do you hope it's written in C#?

It's open source, which means I get to look at the code and modify / learn.
And it's the only PC language I can write more than Hello World.

[tokenuser]

edit: it's apparently written for windows. I suspect C# (or I hope).C# ??

I hope you mean a STANDARD verison of C like C or C++ ... C# is the bastard lovechild between C and Java produced by the evil Microsoft corporation. Being based on Apple's (Opensourced) WebKit platform seems to indicate that it would be something a little more generic than C#.

[gonzooo]

It's open source, which means I get to look at the code and modify / learn.
And it's the only PC language I can write more than Hello World.
Ahh, ok.

If you want to learn I recommend http://projecteuler.net/, a site with small maths-challenges that are usually pretty good for learning how to use your language as well as how to wrap your mind around problems. The challenges range from extremely simple to (what I think seems) extremely hard.

What do you think about programming (so far)?

[gonzooo]

C# ??

I hope you mean a STANDARD verison of C like C or C++ ... C# is the bastard lovechild between C and Java produced by the evil Microsoft corporation. Being based on Apple's (Opensourced) WebKit platform seems to indicate that it would be something a little more generic than C#.
Obviously, it'll be written in befunge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Befunge). ;)

[bani-banan]

I don't know the history behind C#.

Learning C# is mandatory in our school which kind of sucks, but if I learn C#, I guess it'll be easier for me to learn other object based languages.

I love programming. I love using my head.

We're now learning binary and hex. Don't really know if I'm ever going to use it outside of reverse engineering but it's fun.

For the first time in my life I feel passionate about something.

GoNZooo, do you program?

I know tokenuser does.

[kowgod]

I almost don't want to use it based on that comic alone.

But, alas, I will. I love google.

[gonzooo]

GoNZooo, do you program?

I do, yes, and have been in some manner for the last 6-7 years (I started learning C++ when I was 14). Programming and software development in some capacity is the only thing I can imagine doing job-wise in the future.

A tip: Do as much programming as you can. Your projects don't have to make sense and they don't have to be useful to anyone; just program for the purpose of programming if you can't find any other reason. If you get stuck, ask for help and don't be afraid to show what you've done. No one is going to give you the help you really need without seeing your code.

Edit:
Things I've found helpful:
1. Learn how to store and manage information in files. Inspect other file formats. Some of these formats will introduce you to good ideas for storing data as efficiently as possible (I learned about bit masking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mask_(computing)) when I wrote a small app to read TGA (targa) files.).

2. Learn how to use sockets. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_socket) Like file input/output this is largely about identifying necessities (what's necessary to store/send for the reader/recipient to make use of the information properly?) as well as being more in need of optimization than file i/o.

[esophagus]

I have Firefox, IE, Flock, Safari, and Opera currently installed on my laptop. If I here good things I might give Chrome a try, but for now I'm content with what I've got.

[tokenuser]

We're now learning binary and hex. Don't really know if I'm ever going to use it outside of reverse engineering but it's fun.Binary and hex aren't that important in higher level languages, but still have a use ... especially in lowlevel graphics programing where the concept of bitmasking and binary arithmetic comes in real handy. In days of old, manipulation in binary was a common trick og more experience programmers to squeeze performance out of an application - such as using bit shifting to perform mathematical functions faster than doing an integer operation.

To be honest, I am using bit level manipulation in my latest coding project - on an iPhone/iPod touch. Saves on storage and lets me reuse data fields for multiple purposes. It does mean I need a test to tell me if a particualr flag is set, but that is what a mask is for.

Don't abandon or laugh at the old ways of programming. As "cutting edge" as the iPhone might be, and the huge number of existing developers that are out there cutting code for OSX via Cocoa, programming for the iPhone has more in common underneath the shiny GUI (that any monkey can do - thats what the "interface builder" is for) with programming a 1980's IBM mainframe than a next generation personal computer. Storage, limited CPU, and speed are king.

2. Learn how to use sockets. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_socket) Like file input/output this is largely about identifying necessities (what's necessary to store/send for the reader/recipient to make use of the information properly?) as well as being more in need of optimization than file i/o.

Sitting just out of arms reach are TCP/IP Illustrated Vol 1-3 (http://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Volumes-Addison-Wesley-Professional-Computing/dp/0201776316), Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment (http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Environment-Addison-Wesley-Professional-Computing/dp/0201433079) (1st Ed ... maybe its time to upgrade), and Effective TCPIP Programming (http://www.amazon.com/Effective-TCP-IP-Programming-Programs/dp/0201615894).

When you get down to packet shaping and packing, binary really comes into its own.

Sockets are good :) ...

[gi_josh]

Bani-Banan, you should totally learn C++ on your own. You'll like it even more, I'm sure, and its much more of a standard. Also, if you really wanna see awesomeness, check out the Python Language. Its really clean looking and easy to pick up and learn, without some of the sillier things that are required of C++ (like semicolons). Python isn't a compiled language, but it is quite useful for scripting and other small applications. I wrote a tic tac toe game in Python for the final of my first computer science class.

[secret-steve-crumbles]

OK, so, I'm uninstalling it as we speak. No sure what the hype here is, but this sucks hardcore.

You can't even middle click your mouse wheel to scroll up and down on a webpage.

The settings box has like 2 settings.

Crap with a capital C.

[hollywoodbound]

Hey I just figured Id post a new thread being that the browser is now out... My first thoughts.... amazing! Its the fastest browser i've used for sure! Gonna se if I can change the look, it's a bit elmentary. Thoughts?

[gonzooo]

About 4 threads down in this very forum is a thread about this, called "Google Chrome".

[xibalba]

http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22195

[hollywoodbound]

Right well its out now, not a few hrs ago and should be on the front, sorry I didnt see but have you used it yet?

[bani-banan]

Thanks guys for the help! I sure hope I have the patience and the time to learn a new language.

We're actually going to start learning C# in February, but I want to be ahead of the class, so I started a few months ago.

I'll also be taking C++, maybe C. Depending on my schedule. I'm going to be taking a lot of math, English and Chinese.

I want to do more hardware. Unfortunately, our teachers aren't "hardware engineers". But, there's always instructables for the hardware-modding cravings.



Bani-Banan, you should totally learn C++ on your own. You'll like it even more, I'm sure, and its much more of a standard. Also, if you really wanna see awesomeness, check out the Python Language. Its really clean looking and easy to pick up and learn, without some of the sillier things that are required of C++ (like semicolons). Python isn't a compiled language, but it is quite useful for scripting and other small applications. I wrote a tic tac toe game in Python for the final of my first computer science class.

Yes, I know about python. Tried it out a while back and yeah, it's good. Though I had a hard time figuring out how to make a dynamic webpage using it. (I think mod_python is the one to use in web, right?)



Guys, as programmers, how is the job market? I know that working outside Sweden will automatically give me as much as 20-30% more.

But, there are a lot of IT "pros". How come the market in desperate need of them? Consulting pays a lot. Especially security penetrating.

[bani-banan]

So I downloaded and installed Chrome. I can't say much but it sucks. I hate to say that after using it for 15 minutes but oh my. Sites load soooo slow.

Here are a few pointers;

Google apps integration. Make a "special" toolbar available for gmail, calendar etc users. Not a shitty yahoo! toolbar-alike but be creative.

Bookmarks, anybody?

This is the "youtube" generation, nobody wants to RTFM before using a browser.

Since google doesn't care, I don't know why I even bothered writing this.

[xibalba]

It Sucks

[bani-banan]

1) Sites load REALLY slow.

I cleared my temp files, cookies and other crap that is now irrelevant

2) Ugly UI


3) I didn't notice an improved JS "engine"

It's based off of webkit. C'mon! It's a powerfull and popular "platform" because of the JS engine but really? Google, really?

[darknessgp]

1) Sites load REALLY slow.

I cleared my temp files, cookies and other crap that is now irrelevant

2) Ugly UI


3) I didn't notice an improved JS "engine"

It's based off of webkit. C'mon! It's a powerfull and popular "platform" because of the JS engine but really? Google, really?

1) Everything seems fast/smoother to me.

2) Agreed, hopefully it'll get some themes like firefox does (though I use the default ff theme)

3) That's partly the point. I actually did notice Digg loading faster, though.

[karyyk]

It's running well enough on my machine. Pages are loading quickly (seemingly more quickly than in Opera) and it's much more stable than I thought it would be. I will continue to try it...

[ariastar]

I'm satisfied with Firefox, so, unless there's a compelling reason to switch ("everyone else is doing it" doesn't count), then I'm going to stay with Firefox. I don't make changes just for the sake of change.

[ryudo]

Looks horrible.
Will stick to firefox.

[tokenuser]

Right well its out now, not a few hrs ago and should be on the front, sorry I didnt see but have you used it yet?Right, well ... the threads are merged now.

Look first please.

[fuzion]

2) Ugly UI
I thought so too, so I made it darker:
http://nukeit.org/2008/09/02/chrome-dark-a-custom-google-chrome-theme/

[burkhartmj]

Tried it out for sh*ts and giggles, and it's just not up to snuff. It loads pages a tiny bit snappier than my firefox, but I have FF heavily loaded down with add-ons. the scrolling is frustrating, in that it scrolls like IE. you do a little bit [on trackpad] and it goes nowhere, then after a bit more just jumps some huge amount, instead of the smooth scrolling of firefox. It is an interesting concept, but when it gets a lower acid3 score than a well established browser like firefox and definitely Opera, it seems kind of useless in the browser market, existing for the sole purpose of confusing people who might otherwise switch from IE.

[ericjosepi]

I refuse to vote because it's not bad, but there are no "Live Bookmarks" (read: Firefox style RSS bookmarks), and I can't color it to match my Window Blinds scheme :(

[darknessgp]

I thought so too, so I made it darker:
http://nukeit.org/2008/09/02/chrome-dark-a-custom-google-chrome-theme/

amazing that it only took about 4 hours to get a new and better looking skin...

As for all the negative comments and comparing it directly to FF3. Everyone should remember it is in Beta (like every Google product) and it is Google's first public attempt at a browser. It's pretty good considering those 2 things. It's a great start for Google.

[ericjosepi]

I thought so too, so I made it darker:
http://nukeit.org/2008/09/02/chrome-dark-a-custom-google-chrome-theme/

Dude that helps so much! Now all Google needs to add are FF3 style Live Bookmarks and it's a snexy little browser. Also Adblock Plus support but considering how many Google ads that blocks, i doubt that happpening.

[fuzion]

ABP is one thing that is keeping me in Firefox right now. Anyone else notice a somewhat random mouse stuttering? It's really bugging me.

[az0madman]

Tested it out, and there are a couple of things I do like. It doesn't take up a lot of memory, expandable text boxes are nice (though kind of useless), ability to see what's loaded in browser and shut them down if necessary (tabs, flash, etc), and it has WMP support, though I still can't use the Netflix instant watch with it.

Overall, I don't think it's horrible, but no reason to switch over from FF3.

[samureye]

I want something quick and light to get stuff done sometimes. This is my new default browser for the time being. I like it.

[edge.]

I had a look at it,

Am a bit concerned about it being installed in application data directory.
Bizzare, the point of appdata is to keep the users profile settings etc separate from the application allowing the application to be protected by Windows.

In Vistas case User Account Control kicks in if a rogue app attempts to tamper with applications in Program Files, it has free reign in user settings.

Plus the added annoyance is that it means it needs to be downloaded/installed on to every user account that wants to run the program.

One would hope they'd fix this in later betas :)
Hi everybody BTW ;)

[fuzion]

I've been wondering the same thing, both Local Settings and Application Data are hidden by default.

[scoobydiesel]

when it see's some mac love i will try it out

[darknessgp]

I thought so too, so I made it darker:
http://nukeit.org/2008/09/02/chrome-dark-a-custom-google-chrome-theme/

interestingly enough, the Vista theme is aero and then a dark black-ish when full screen... it looks really good, too bad they didn't make that the default theme on XP.

[burkhartmj]

A lot of the problems I have with it are interface issues that are not fixable without significant changes in the UI itself, which is unlikely to happen. It's the same reason I can't use Opera. they won't grab IE users by making the interface so drastically different from what people are used to.

Opera can get away with it because it's marketed to more techy people who are flexible with interface or just dislike the old model, but this browser seems like a bastard child of Opera and IE that offers no benefit to the browser market.

[mikec]

I'm satisfied with Firefox, so, unless there's a compelling reason to switch ("everyone else is doing it" doesn't count), then I'm going to stay with Firefox. I don't make changes just for the sake of change.

I agree. I will keep an open mind and monitor the reports/reviews on Chrome but right now I have no plans to change.

[rowlodge]

as long as it stays fast, no problem here. my default now, but that can be changed in an instant.

[hollywoodbound]

I have a theory about the whole beta thing.

My theory is that if it says Beta on the site, they aren't liable for any loss of information. Ya'll agree?

By the way, is gmail still in beta?

Also, I'm willing to give it a try. Looks... very web 2.0.

edit: it's apparently written for windows. I suspect C# (or I hope).

I have always thought the "beta" thing was sort of a conspiracy

[gonzooo]

Opera can get away with it because it's marketed to more techy people who are flexible with interface or just dislike the old model...
You can customize Opera's interface and change things around pretty drastically too, which, if you have the time and energy for it, makes it the only browser to have a perfect or good UI for everyone, in my opinion.

With that said, I don't run Opera right now; I'm trying FF3 out and have been for a long time.

[murphy1d]

I'm starting to have an allergic reaction to the Googlification of everything. Its the same reaction I have to Macs. If the utility of the browser is legit, I'll switch. But just slapping a Google name on something won't get me to switch just yet.

[apocxp]

I already downloaded it on my work laptop and gave it a quick try. Nothing too impressive yet. Anyone know why smooth fonts aren't enabled on it?

[gonzooo]

Its the same reaction I have to Macs. If the utility of the browser is legit, I'll switch. But just slapping a Google name on something won't get me to switch just yet.
And you actually believe there is no upside to a Mac?

[jaygeel93]

tried it
starts up faster than firefox (for me)

but not gonna be compatible w/ firefox's extensions
actually no extension support

and i love firefox too much to switch over now

so uninstalled it
but might comeback, i'll wait till its fully finished