What is Microsoft Edge ?

One of the most important applications we choose is our internet browser.  Whether on a computer or a mobile device, we work in the browser app most of the time because many applications are now cloud-based, so accessing them means going through your browser. So what is Microsoft Edge ?

Over the years browsers have come and gone. A little over a decade ago, Internet Explorer was the head of the pack, and now that browser is retired, Google’s Chrome has been in the top spot for several years. Internet Explorer has since been deprecated for a number of good reasons. Microsoft Edge has become its replacement.

But just because a browser is number one today, doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way. One browser that has steadily been making its way up in popularity since its release in 2015 is Microsoft Edge.

Here are some of the features and benefits.

Security Features

There are several built-in security features to help you avoid phishing sites with malware as well as intrusive 3rd party advertising trackers.

There is a password monitoring feature that will let you know if any passwords you have stored have been involved in a breach.

You’ll also get Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protection for keeping you away from sites known to have malware or to have been used in phishing scams.

Google is sometimes criticised for lack of privacy, and Microsoft is trying to go in another direction on this. In Microsoft Edge, you can choose from three tracking prevention settings to prevent as much of your personal information from being captured by advertisers as possible.

Sleeping Tabs

If your machine is ever on a go slow.

If you open up loads of tabs and keep them running.

This is the resource for you.

Sleeping Tabs does what it says on the tin. If your tab isnt in focus, Microsoft Edge puts it to sleep and that free up resources for your computer to keep it running smoothly.

You can also set some URLs and web applications never to sleep as well, for those real time apps that you need to keep running.

Web Capture for Quick Screenshots

It’s easy to do screenshots and mark them up in Edge. In the browser menu, you just choose Web Capture, which will allow you to drag a rectangle across any region you like or to take a full shot of the screen, then bring that into a window if you’d like to add additional notes.

This is similar to the Apple Mac screen grab. Works well

Coupons and Offers

This is something built in for more the personal market, but fits with business as well. You don’t have to add a coupon app to your browser to get site coupons anymore. Microsoft Edge will do this for you automatically.

If it detects that there are coupons for a site you’re shopping on, you’ll get a popup and can click to automatically try any coupons available for that site.

This saves you from having to take the time to search for coupons on your own and ensures you don’t miss any potential savings out there.

Price Comparison

Another way that Microsoft Edge helps you get the best deal when shopping online is through its pricing history and price comparison information. If you’re shopping on a website and the product that you’re viewing is cheaper on another site, Edge will let you know.

It’s also going to provide you with a price history so you can see if this product is at its highest or lowest price related to the site you’re viewing.

This is very handy for saving money and ensuring you’re not missing out on savings by ordering the same item from a different retailer.

Is Your Internet Security Where You Need It To Be?

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