What browser to use with Snow Leopard?

Roger Wilmut1 wrote:

You can't update Safari any further. You would be better off with FireFox; the latest version will run on Snow Leopard and it's a good, stable browser which is kept updated.

Thanks, I used Firefox once but eventually left because of its lack of active user support (including that available via the 'community'). I'll give it another try.

notcloudy wrote:

dymar wrote:

Although not my main computer, my old (2006) MacBook still runs and I use it. Sometimes -- e.g., when my MBP is out for servicing, etc. -- it's temporarily my main computer.

Safari is making it very clear that it doesn't like my using v. 5.1.10. However, as far as I know that is the latest supported version for Snow Leopard.

Is there a more recent Safari 'update' I can download and use?

If not, what alternative browser is recommended (for Snow Leopard)?

Thanks.

I switched to OPERA - latest version and have not had any problems with it.

OK, I never hear much about OPERA but I'll check it out and compare it to Firefox. Thanks.

Lanny wrote:

I'd recommend FireFox or Chrome, in that order. Chrome is a resource hog though.

Thanks, Chrome does not support Snow Leopard. But you're one of a chorus here recommending Firefox, so . . .

Lexicat wrote:

I have used iCab as my default browser for well over a decade. iCab is a German-developed browser based on Webkit (same as Safari), but with far more bells and whistles and (IMO) a much better user interface.

I running Snow Leopard (10.6.8) on my Mac mini. The version of iCab I use for this system is 5.2.0.

The developer, Alexander Clauss, is an expert on Apple development and internet standards. He has responded personally to every e-mail query I have made during the past 12-14 years, ever since I discovered iCab while still using Nubus Macs. He produces frequent updates as Apple upgrades OSX. And don't worry: He and the iCab website are bilingual.

He has also developed iCab for iOS, and I use it on my iPad and iPhone.

iCab comes in a free and a pro version ($20, I think). The home page is at http://www.icab.de/

Thanks, definitely going to check iCab out. 'German developer' is usually a good sign.

Lanny wrote:

Thanks, Chrome does not support Snow Leopard.

Don't know where you heard that one, but it's not true.

I still prefer FireFox over it, but Chrome does work well with Snow Leopard.

I tried to edit my reply -- too late. I was really referring to the browser limitations imposed by the OS (Snow Leopard). The latest browser versions (of Chrome and Safari) under Snow Leopard aren't supported -- in fact, no recent versions have been. So Snow Leopard can still be used, but browser features are missing. And, relatedly, because email providers have also bailed out of supporting Snow Leopard browser versions, I'm limited, e.g., to plain text emails.

I also continuously get reminders that I'm using unsupported browsers when I'm using either Safari or Chrome under Snow Leopard. Even though for the moment both Snow Leopard used with either browser continue to 'work,' the browser experience they offer is far from optimal.

I'm currently trying iCab, recommended above, and so far so good. It's also nice to see that all of my 2GB of RAM (the maximum allowed on my old MacBook -- currently limited to using it, i.e., my fallback computer, because my MBP is being serviced) isn't being hogged by the browser, as happens all the time with Safari and Chrome.

Lanny wrote:

You would need to verify that you have the latest version of Chrome.

Can't do that. Chrome continuously sends the following message: "This computer will no longer receive Google Chrome updates because its hardware is no longer supported."