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General discussion

Is Microsoft Edge worth it, or should I just move on?

Mar 31, 2017 5:06PM PDT

I started having so many problems with Microsoft Edge that I deleted it from my computer. I may try downloading it again, since your suggestions indicate it is still a viable browser. Have other readers had problems with Edge failure? Are there any advantages to Edge versus other browsers, or should I just move on? Thank you for the great work, the advice and recommendation from your readers have helped me solve many problems and given me valuable insights over the years!

--Submitted by Joseph S.

Discussion is locked

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Maybe a difference between....
Apr 2, 2017 5:26AM PDT

Firefox RAM usage in Linux which I use, and that in Windows.

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a thought
Apr 2, 2017 6:51AM PDT

The default cache in FF is 350MB. I wonder if that was set in windows systems to less than that, perhaps to 50 MB for a test, then use your Task Manager to measure it's footprint. You'd need to change the cache size, then restart Firefox to test.

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Edge integration with windows
Apr 2, 2017 5:55AM PDT
One advantage I see with edge is the resource usage. Firefox (FF) uses about 570M, whereas Edge uses 32M. From what I’ve been reading, Chrome is a real resource hog.

Edge is a Windows supplied browser, so the windows system may already open files that also integrate with Edge when it is opened, making it APPEAR to have a smaller footprint than FF or Chrome.

I'm curious on where you go the figures you give, or what means you made that determination by.

Remember the debacle in past years where all were complaining about not being able to remove Internet Explorer completely from windows, if at all? I suspect the same is true of Edge, which accounts for what appears to be less resource heavy, because it's using resources already open in windows.
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Task Manager
Apr 3, 2017 8:35AM PDT

See my earlier response to you: by huzedat / April 1, 2017 9:55 PM PDT

However, you arguing with me about FF figures on different systems (Win 10 vs. Linux) does nothing to help answer the question originally asked.

If Joseph is using Edge, most likely he is also using Win 10. So, information about Linux is irrelevant to his question.

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quite relevant in this regard
Apr 4, 2017 12:19AM PDT
Edge is a Windows supplied browser, so the windows system may already open files that also integrate with Edge when it is opened, making it APPEAR to have a smaller footprint than FF or Chrome.
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Re: footprint
Apr 4, 2017 12:30AM PDT

Who cares about 100 MB difference in RAM use just running the program in a PC with 4 GB or 8 GB RAM? Nobody should.
It only is relevant if there is a noticeable difference per open tab or open window in the browser.

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personally, I don't.
Apr 4, 2017 11:52AM PDT

Or was your reply intended to the person who does care?

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You can't "just move on."
Apr 1, 2017 9:52PM PDT

Well, you're implying you're using an alternate browser -- which one??? Shouldn't you have mentioned that precious piece of information? And is it satisfactory? And if YES, why bother with Edge?
Well, I tell you why, and why you should reinstall it.
I personally use Chrome -- and I would never go back.
BUT, there're certain websites that don't like Chrome. For example, with Chrome I cannot open the movie trailers hyperlinked in Laemmle Theaters weekly Upcoming Movies emails -- they only work with Edge, and I already asked and pleaded with the webmaster to make them available for Chrome.
Long story short, you get the drift: Chrome for regular use, Edge when you run into problems.

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Chrome
Apr 2, 2017 5:48AM PDT

This is what Chrome uses on my Linux system.

Reading before opening Chrome.

$ inxi
CPU~Single core AMD Sempron 140 (-UP-) clocked at 2712.561 Mhz Kernel~3.13.0-37-generic i686 Up~25 days Mem~599.8/3907.1MB HDD~120.0GB(23.8% used) Procs~159 Client~Shell inxi~1.8.4


RAM use after opening Chrome.

$ inxi
CPU~Single core AMD Sempron 140 (-UP-) clocked at 2712.561 Mhz Kernel~3.13.0-37-generic i686 Up~25 days Mem~682.0/3907.1MB HDD~120.0GB(23.8% used) Procs~168 Client~Shell inxi~1.8.4


That puts Chrome using 82-83 MB on opening.

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Edge is now my choice
Apr 14, 2017 5:17PM PDT

Edge with the creator update is my browser of choice. Much faster than the other browsers. It has matured and shines above the others.

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Move on
Apr 14, 2017 5:28PM PDT

Move on, it has little functionality to the point of USELESS!

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EDGE SUX!!!!
Apr 14, 2017 5:38PM PDT
Edge sux because Windows 10 sux - I have been using Microsoft products since DOS 3.3 and Windows 10 is a piece of trash so far as I am concerned. Windows decided to throw everything it had plus the kitchen sink into 10 and it is a real stink bomb. Getting back to Edge, it is another piece of trash,
and I have resorted to Chrome in self-defense. I liked Firefox but ran into too many problems and so stuck with Chrome which is a very average program. Oh, for the days of XP when everything was simple and easy, and before MS decided to bomb the world with 10.
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Changed to Chrome
Apr 14, 2017 5:51PM PDT

I always used IE until Windows 10 brought in edge. I found it slow and when bidding on Ebay it would stall. I changed to Chrome and it worked well for Ebay until mid 2016 there is so many adds on Ebay and I found that the adds were causing the problem, so I added the extension AdBlock and this fixed the problem. Have a go at all the web browsers out there and make your choice I'm sure you will find one that suits you.

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I use Firefox
Apr 14, 2017 6:08PM PDT

I've tried Edge, and it's an updated version of IE. I've had great results with Firefox. I suppose if I used Edge exclusively for awhile I might get used to it, but as long as Firefox works as well as it does, I stick with it.

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Edge works for me...I
Apr 14, 2017 6:20PM PDT

I find Microsoft Edge worth it. I use it for alot of surfing. It's a nice feeling. My other choice is (believe it or not) ...Baidu Sharp Browser. Edge is quick. Anyway for my computer. And ie11 is "same ol', tractor plowing the fields". Foxfire I use here and there, because of the "favorites", I have on it. But Baidu is usually the one I use the most. Don't know why.. just a solid feeling when I'm using it. Tried many others and deleted them. Not that "solid feeling", I have with Edge, Foxfire and Baidu.

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Not Always a Personal Choice
Apr 14, 2017 6:29PM PDT

I to am one that uses multiple browsers, but personal choice is not always a factor. Anything from Oracle/Micros "LIKES" FF better. Hangs up in Edge most every time, and doesn't like Chrome either. My parent company's sites search, location function, and all training material will only work in IE. My two biggest gripes against Edge: #1 is that when a page has a video embedded in it, it slows the whole loading process to a crawl. #2 my chosen add blocker software will not work with it. Really bad when going to any news site.
My other reason for using different browsers is that each one is set to a different home page for what I normally use that browser for.

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Interesting That You Said That
Apr 14, 2017 8:52PM PDT

My girlfriend used to teach web page development and one of the basics was to always test you website in as many web browsers and versions as you can. Yes, you can code "if browser = IE" then do one thing but if Firefox do something else. It isn't easy but it helps in the global effort to let people (or employees) use whatever they want. Unfortunately, not all developers do this and you've seen the result. Then there is the issue with people using really old stuff or companies coming out with new technology in their browsers that nails your site. I don't think there is really a way to get everyone to do what they should do especially with a manager and a stupid deadline breathing down your neck. Also, you always need to keep a MS browser around for the few "internal" Windows functions that require it such as .NET and Windows Update. You don't have to use them though.

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Page Design
Apr 15, 2017 1:56AM PDT

At one time I was responsible for designing and maintaining a commercial site. I had three browsers and two monitors (with different resolutions). Each page was checked in all three browsers and on both monitors before going public.
Comparing sites in different browsers, or with different resolutions, indicate the website designers aren't doing that. They write the code for whatever browser/resolution they are using and don't think about what the general public will be using.
That's why it's always a good idea to have more than one browser. Resolution can always be changed, but it's a pain to have to do it for different sites.

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Edge browser is totally new and different
Apr 14, 2017 7:16PM PDT

My understanding from Microsoft is that Edge browser was completely written from scratch with no legacy Internet Explorer code. The objective is performance and security at the sacrifice of some functionality. From what I recall hearing, the web rendering engine of Edge browser is actually part of Windows OS so no Chrome or Firefox has that advantage. Also Edge browser runs in it's own memory "sandbox" to forever avoid those buffer overflow vulnerabilities that have been plaguing web browsers for eternity. Edge does not support Flash or Java but fully supports HTML 5 standards. So yeah Edge is probably the way forward but some people just go along kicking and yelling. This reply was typed on Edge browser - works great!!!!!

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Trust in windows ...?
Apr 14, 2017 7:52PM PDT

I am an unsophisticated computer user who doesn't follow trending items or look for new apps because I have all I need now. Straightforward and simple. I turned on this machine two days ago and immediately saw across the screen a fearfully huge notice that "Windows 10 is right now being upgraded /made way better ... Don't turn off the computer or your world might explode!", etc. I assumed Windows needed an update to run properly, so I let the machine have its way - for the next several hours. However, ultimately I realized I was being conned into using a different browser; no changes were needed for the operating system to work. And this is what bothers me about the 'Microsoft Edge' blurb - How can I trust a company that rams such stuff down my throat?

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Wrong Culpret
Apr 15, 2017 2:01AM PDT

What you got wasn't from MS or Edge. It is one of the old malware scams that appear to be from them. I get these all the time - mostly for other companies' products, but occasionally purporting to be from MS.

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Browser Preference
Apr 14, 2017 7:53PM PDT

Never ran Edge and don't plan to. I've been using FireFox for many years, first on a desktop and then switched in 2010 to my now 7 year old laptop. Never had a problem. I use IE only occasionally when I absolutely have to. Also use several add-ons which in most cases FF was first to implement and IE and all the others played catch up.

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Keep Edge and learn about it.
Apr 14, 2017 9:17PM PDT

One problem Microsoft seems to have is that they come out with edge and at first glance you're like here they go again. Problem is that there are a ton of new hidden features balled up into this browser from being tablet friendly and allowing you to make notes and edits right on top of a web page down too turning a site to read mode incognito and all else.

Problem is in order to know most of these changes you need to do a lot of youtube vids or take a week course on it.

If you only new the full power capability of Windows 10 it blows your mind with all the hidden functions available. But to the general public it is defiantly overkill.

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Hidden features
Apr 14, 2017 9:34PM PDT

You just touched on one of my pet peeves in the last few years of interface design: Hidden features.

Phones and tablets have perverted the affords that used to be considered a goal of a good user experience. There are many facets of modern computing that definitely do need to be buried from everyday use. But, since about Win 8, the practice of hiding core features has been accelerating. Sliding from the edge of the screen, with literally zero indication that there's something "out there" *waves hand* is, to me, extremely poor interface design.

I'm a proud geek, and I'm on the computer all day. But even I find that features I need and which I used to be able to find with just a little logical exploration are now buried and grouped and hidden to where it becomes a chore to find them.

To me, "New Hidden Features" border on useless.

Drake Christensen

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(NT) Edge will get you everywhere! It's the best!
Apr 14, 2017 9:54PM PDT
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Edge will get you everywhere! It's the best!
Apr 14, 2017 9:57PM PDT

Edge finds everything, because Bing is better than Google. It downloads expertly. It prints expertly. It fills in blanks. It keeps passwords. My only comment is that a new favorite does not get alphabetized. One has to drag and drop it. The reading pane is the best. You can draw on it. You can share. you can pin a site to the start menu and look at it later. It is simply the best. All the others cannot do it all, as does Edge.

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Bing is a poor excuse for a search engine,
Apr 14, 2017 11:33PM PDT

In my experience,. Bing is next to useless, so even if you decide to use Edge, change your default search engine to Google.

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Internet Explorer still needed with WHS2011
Apr 15, 2017 2:40AM PDT

If you want to access your home network remotely through Windows Home Server, you still need IE, as Microsoft checkes the browser you're using and rejects signons from any other browser. It would have been simple to permit access from Edge, but I guess they just couldn't be bothered.

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OK but not great
Apr 15, 2017 5:51AM PDT

I've not had problems so see no reason to delete Edge, but no compelling reason to use it either. At this point it simply lacks some features, so mostly I watch and wait for it to mature. Cortana uses it, so if I use the voice interface I get Edge instead of my usual Firefox. And since Edge uses Bing instead of Google to search, I keep up with that experience as well.

I use Chrome on my smart phone, so I keep my hand in with all the major browsers.

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I use Chrome and Avast safe zone
Apr 15, 2017 6:27AM PDT

I know I will hear a lot of crap about Chrome spying and such but I use it in incognito mode and it's fine. I also have user accts in chrome so I can open 2 different accts at the same time on the same site.
I deal with a lot of older people who play a lot of games on facebook and Chrome works best for them. I'm sure Opera would do just as well but they never heard of it so they don't want to try anything new. Using Edge is a major drag because it lags with flash a lot and firefox is very glitchy in their games.
It all depends on what you do but I have found I have no need at all for firefox, which had been my go to for many years. I don't know if you can get the safe zone browser without installing avast.
Edge, like IE before it is still the most popular browser for installing a good browser