Microsoft Edge For The Download Potentially Malicious

Current Apple Safari users, for example, can import favorites, bookmarks, and browsing history, while Google Chrome users also have the ability to import payment and password information, addresses, settings, and more.

Its the new version of Microsoft Edge, the companys first browser thats based on the open-source Chromium project, the technology behind the industry-leading Google Chrome.

For this okay, boomer, even the thought of ditching an Apple product for one made by Microsoft was like considering an invitation to join the dark side.

Nonetheless, flirting with Microsoft Edge turned out to be a positive experience.

Still, Im not ready to ditch Apple Safari either for the reasons noted below.

Bottom line: Even as an unfinished product, Microsoft Edge is on the right track.

Mac users should take it for a test drive and not feel guilty about it.

After much thought, I decided against taking this approach, although I do plan on writing a separate article for iMore explaining the key differences between the two browsers.

For this review, Ill focus instead on Microsoft Edges broad features, then unpack its biggest strengths and weaknesses and why you should consider adding it to your Mac.

Like all successful open-source projects, its been steadily improved by many third-parties, of which Microsoft is only one.

From there, it has largely been left to others to make browser-specific features worth considering.

No doubt, those on the surface will get most of the attention.

However, Ive been most impressed with whats going on behind the scenes.

While nothing is 100 percent secure, Microsoft is doing its part to push its Edge browser closer to absolute security through tracking prevention and a so-called SmartScreen tool.

The trackers, which collect data about how you interact with a site, includes a mix of good and bad actors.

At launch, Microsoft Edge offers three levels of tracking prevention, Basic, Balanced, and Strict.

The Balanced approach, which Microsoft recommends for most users, blocks harmful trackers and those from sites you havent visited.

The trade-off is you receive a less robust and personalized experience compared to the Basic option.

Under this scenario, your surfing experience becomes even less personalized.

Nonetheless, Im impressed Microsoft has moved past an all or nothing approach when it comes to tracking.

Better still, you can switch back and forth between the three levels at will depending on your circumstances or location.

Microsoft Edge For The Download Potentially Malicious

The tool also sends out an alert if you attempt to download potentially malicious files.

For businesses, theres also the Application Guard, which is designed to help prevent web-based attacks using hardware isolation.

As part of this, it made it easy to import data from other browsers.

Microsoft Edge For The Mac