An open source, or also known as is the term that receives all software developed and distributed under a parent license. It allows developers to make modifications without any limit. It is characterized by allowing free access to the source code, and offers the possibility of being redistributed, as long as the terms of its acquisition are respected.
In 2008, the first version of chrome, a browser developed by Google. Some time later, the company released its source code, and called it “Chromium”.
The project sought to include the greatest optimizations coming from the user community on the Internet. Today, this open source software is the basis of several popular browsers on the web.
What is Chromium and what is this browser for?
chromiumIt gets its name from the chemical element “Chromium”. It’s a open source browser developed by Google, whose main function is to allow modification of the base Chrome software. The design is designed to provide a more stable, fast and minimalist interface to the user.
In simple terms, Chromium It is used for the development of new browsers. The advantage of open source is that it supports all kinds of improvements. These fixes are of benefit, both for its original creator, as well as those who want to design a new browser, based on the source code.
Its first version appeared in 2008. Back then, it was a system that lacked full functionality. It contained builds to work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Starting in 2009, it underwent major changes, which reduced frequent errors and evolved positively. Today, the most recent version of the browser is Chromium 80.0.
Downloading Chromium can be tedious for the common public. However, lovers of web development can obtain the software from the official page of the project. You will need to download the most recent and stable version of the browser, then unzip the file.
You will have to locate the executable “chrome.exe”, which is characterized by having a blue icon; the open source mark. Later, it creates a shortcut to be able to access it from the desktop. By running the browser, you can configure it as best suits you.
What are the main features of the Chromium browser?
Chromium is characterized mainly by its blue hue logo, although its design is the same as that of Google Chrome. The browser supports various audiovisual codecs, such as: Theora, Vorbis, Opues, WAV, VP8, VP9 and the most recent, AV1. Likewise, the versions distributed by Linux include technical support for other codecs.
Unlike a finished product, Chromium does not have error reports and usage statistics. Because it is not a software completely under the supervision of Google. Open source has multiple licenses, among which MIT, LGPL and MPL stand out.
Secondly, your code can be modified by any distributor, with the intention of adding a modification or developing their own version of a functional browser. In fact, each new version is taken care of by the developer who designed it.
Chromium vs Chrome Which is better and how are they different?
It is difficult to determine which of the two browsers is better, as each one is designed for specific audiences. Chrome is a product that covers all possible user needs and its updates have been authorized and tested by Google.
Chromium, for its part, offers the possibility of modifying the browser’s code to adjust it according to the developer’s requirements, as long as he has the necessary knowledge. Therefore, it can be concluded that Chromium is the ideal software for web browser vendors and developerswhich need a light, minimalist and fast open source, to continue innovating in the field.
While Chrome is perfect for users who need an easy-to-use browser. The product lends itself to both work activities, entertainment or leisure. In addition, Chrome has notable differences, compared to Chromium, which make it more friendly for the regular user. Highlights:
- Chrome It has an automatic update system, known with GoogleUpdate. The company’s services remain always active and working correctly in the browser.
- Comes with integrated Adobe Flash Player. Google takes care of keeping the player plugin updated. Although it is not included in Chromium, it is possible to install it from the Linux distribution repertoire.
- Sandboxing is turned on by default in Chrome, while Chromium, will depend on the distributor in charge of the version used. Normally it is disabled.
- google chrome too It has the basic audiovisual formats that Chromium has. However, it has other proprietary codecs, such as MP3, AAC, and H.264.
- Finally, crash reporting and user metrics can be enabled in the browser settings, unlike Chromium, which does not provide these options.
As you can see, the most notable differences are found in the audio, video and Adobe Flash sections. The rest of the details are mostly technical, and some depend on the dealer. It should be noted that, Both Chrome and Chromium allow the option to sync with your Google account.
List of Best Chromium Alternative Open Source Browsers
In the wide world of the Internet, there are numerous examples of Open Source web browsers. The vast majority were developed based on Chromium. However, there are other alternatives designed with Firefox code.
Next, Here is a list of the three best active open source browsers to choose from:
brave
Developed by Brave Software Inc., is an open source web browser based on the Chromium project. He specializes in the improved privacy options and loading speed. It even provides more fluid navigation, compared to Chrome.
However, its most striking feature is its decentralized ads system. On the one hand, it is capable of block third-party ads, and give priority to users’ favorite projects or sites who use the platform.
Pale Moon
It is a popular Open Source browser, based on Firefox software. Pale Moon gives higher priority to privacy options, with the aim of safeguarding the user’s personal information. Likewise, it offers the possibility of customizing its interface, to adjust it to the maximum of your needs. It is available on Windows and Linux.
waterfox
Another Open Source project, based on Mozilla code. It is a veteran software, as it has been active for many years. Its main objective is to improve browsing performance for the user. In addition to this, it also provides multiple advantages in the area of security and privacy.
The browser does not have trackers, therefore it does not collect any user information and does not allow a website to track your position or data.
There are numerous open source browsers on the market based on Chromium or Firefox. Between these, we can highlight: ComodoDragon, Torch, Maelstrom, Dartium, and many more. Each one provides different benefits, including enhanced privacy and performance features. Some even allow you to torrent downloads. Choosing the best open source browser will depend on your needs.
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