Iron Browser: A Privacy-Focused Chrome Alternative

A Privacy-Focused Alternative to Google Chrome: SRWare Iron Browser

Written by Asian Angel, a new member of the How-To Geek writing team, this article introduces SRWare Iron Browser. If concerns about Google’s tracking identifiers have prevented you from fully enjoying Google Chrome, a solution is now available. You can experience Chrome’s benefits without compromising your privacy by utilizing SRWare’s Iron Browser.

SRWare has built upon the open-source Chromium project, implementing modifications designed to prioritize user privacy. Despite these changes, the browser maintains a remarkably similar look and functionality to Google Chrome.

Privacy Enhancements in SRWare Iron

Several Chrome features have been removed or disabled within the Chromium code to enhance privacy. These include Client-ID, Timestamp, Suggest, Alternate Error Pages, Error Reporting, RLZ-Tracking, Google Updater, and URL-Tracker.

Like Chrome, Iron allows users to detach tabs from the main window, creating independent windows. These separate windows can also be easily re-integrated back into a multi-tabbed main window.

Furthermore, Iron incorporates built-in ad-blocking capabilities. While not as comprehensive as extensions like Ad-Block Plus for Mozilla Firefox, it effectively blocks common advertisements.

Availability and Installation

Iron Browser is offered in two editions: a standard installation file and a portable version suitable for use with USB drives. Both versions can coexist on the same hard drive, and multiple portable versions are possible, provided they reside in distinct folders.

Installation During the installation process, the specific version number being installed is clearly displayed. This is useful for comparing versions with the latest Google Chrome releases. SRWare consistently updates Iron to incorporate new features and bug fixes from Chrome’s Developer Channel.

The installation proceeds similarly to other software installations, prompting for shortcut preferences. A key difference from Google Chrome is that Iron allows installation to the Program Files directory, a feature not available in Chrome.

Exploring the Iron Browser Interface

Menus After installation, explore Iron’s Command and Tool menus, located in the upper right corner of the browser window.

The Commands menu offers standard options like copy and paste, along with a notable addition: “Create Application Shortcuts”. This feature allows you to launch your favorite websites as quickly as installed software applications.

The Tools menu provides access to options, bookmark and settings importing from other browsers, bookmark management, and the Incognito Private Browsing function.

Selecting “New Incognito Window” opens a new window with a corresponding message indicating private browsing mode is active.

Importing and Configuring Settings

Importing Bookmarks and Settings Importing data from other browsers is a straightforward process. The import tool supports various browsers, making it easy to transfer your existing data.

Currently, Opera and Safari browsers are not directly supported, but Google Toolbar is available in the import options.

Options Iron Browser’s options are organized into three tabs. These tabs allow you to customize start-up and home page preferences, including the display of the Home Button. You can also manage your search engine settings and designate Iron as your default browser.

The default download location is a “Downloads” folder within your User Account’s “Documents” folder, but this can be easily modified.

The third tab contains additional options, accessible via a scrollbar due to the window’s fixed size.

Utilizing Key Features

Address and Bookmark Bars The user interface is clean and minimalist, even with the Home button visible. Creating new bookmarks is simple: click the Star button to open a quick-edit window for naming and locating the bookmark. If a website is already bookmarked, the Star button will turn yellow.

The quick-edit window allows for immediate bookmark creation. More detailed bookmark management is available through the Bookmarks Manager.

Creating Application Shortcuts To create a shortcut for a favorite website, navigate to “Commands” and select “Create Application Shortcuts”. A window will appear, allowing you to customize the icon, description, and shortcut types.

Conclusion

SRWare Iron Browser is a lightweight and responsive browser that offers a compelling alternative to Google Chrome, particularly for users prioritizing privacy. If you are seeking a new browser to try or simply want to explore a privacy-focused option, Iron Browser is certainly worth considering.

Iron Browser 2.0.178.0 (Installer & Portable Versions) – SRWare