Google Chrome Plus Browser – The Enhanced Version of Google Chrome
If you love Google Chrome for its brute speed with which it allows you to surf the web, then there is yet another clone of it.
ChromePlus. The enhanced version of Google Chrome. ChromePlus adds a few features to Google Chrome browser and make it more feature rich. The additional features included in ChromePlus at present include…
- Double click tab to close page.
- Mouse Gestures
- Super drag
- IE tab
- Download tools supported in context menu.
Nice features, they surely add value to Google Chrome. You can read a few detailed reviews of ChromePlus on my friend Nirmal’s Life Rocks 2.0, Keith’s Techie-Buzz, LifeHacker, gHacks and How-to-geek.
My ChromePlus Review – Do You Really Need ChromePlus Browser
One important thing to remember about it is that ChromePlus, although have all the functionality of Google Chrome, it remains a hard fact that it is not from Google. ChromePlus is a browser, which is developed by 2 main contributors: Jalon Zhai & Laura G.Van.
My point in this era, when hundreds and thousands of security threats surface each day, is that the security of your web browser is extremely important. It is essential that your browser is able to block the PC Security threats as far as possible without leaving any vulnerabilities.
This requires lots of efforts and constant development of the browser. I am not questioning the capabilities of the developers of ChromePlus Browser, but I had a feeling that they cannot match the might of Google, with all the resources it has at its disposal and the vast pool of online information it collects every single second from the web.
My Chrome Plus Review – Features are Good, But Browser Security is more Important
As I said, a few additional features here and there, can never be a substitute to the security of web browsers. You cannot compromise on the security on any aspect. If you really are fond of the additional features provided to you by ChromePlus browser, you can try alternate browsers like Firefox and Internet Explorer. Most of the additional features of ChromePlus are available in them.
Carrying the argument further, browser development is a continuous activity. You have to devote time and effort constantly to evolve it and push the updates to the users to let them update their machines.
I even do not know, how frequent they update ChromePlus web browser, if they update it all. As far as I know, they always lag behind the Google Chrome by a huge margin in updating its funcionality. Can you really trust them in such a case.
At this stage, I cannot vote for using ChromePlus browser, simple because it is not from an established source at present.
What do you think?
[Visit ChromePlus Browser Website]
To some extent I agree, but in order to use Chrome(‘s functionality to its fullest) I’m compelled to use ChromePlus. Why? Because at work only IE works. There’s a IE tab say. Yes, but is doesn’t work half as good as the built-in in ChromePlus. As much as I prefer Chrome and would like to use that one, I’m “stuck” with ChromePlus.
On the other hand, could this difference in hypothetical (yet likely) risks related to development be such a big deal? I mean, which antivirus software you use, how often you update Adobe Reader, which operating system you are running, and so on, makes just as much – if not more – of a difference in security. Besides, the built in security cannot, in my world, match the reasoning of the user or extensions tailored for this specific purpose, e.g. WOT and NoScript (of which the arrival of the latter to Chrome is a day to celebrate). When such extensions are available and Chrome can provide the same level of base functionality you will be 100% correct. At the moment, it’s a hard line to draw though. Nevertheless, I would not advice anyone but the typical standard user to explicitly stay away from ChromePlus.
I totally agree with the your statement regarding the security on ChromePlus. Its a pretty good browser but still news more improvement. I’ve also created my own chromeplus review of the application.
“I even do not know, how frequent they update ChromePlus web browser, if they update it all.”
This is the basis for your negative review, not an informed decision but superstitious fear. Your ungrounded fears for security are a completely invalid reason to discourage others from using Chromeplus. Maybe you should have done some research by contacting the developer before making this review.
Hi Morgen,
Thanks for taking time to comment.
The purpose of this blog post is not giving any verdict or suggestions to the visitors. We are only putting up our views and making the viewers aware of all possibilities. It is for the learned users to decide what is best for them.
You may want to do your research and talk to the developers before posting a silly article without merit.
I agree with your statement about security updates being available, but at the same time do you actually TRUST Google? That seems like an extremely foolish statement in itself. Google embeds Trojans, Spyware, and Malware into it’s Google Chrome browser (which is based on the Open Source Chromium project) and then allows Google Chrome to possibly index your browser cache, transmit encrypted data back to Google, and even sends your search bar data back to Google. Google doesn’t allow you to block ads, or allow any privacy.
Google is a data mining company, and they don’t respect peoples’ privacy. When it comes to security, Google seems the “least secure” of them all. I’d rather go with a small third party Open Source browser that is based on Chromium (open source project) that doesn’t have any of the spyware/malware that Google embeds into their Google Chrome. Google Chrome is NOT open source (but Chromium is).
Google doesn’t respect our privacy. I don’t want my personal computer being searched, indexed, and I don’t want Google Chrome indexing my browser cache, or transmitting ANY data back to Google. I want my privacy to be respected, and Google does not do that.
This is why I think projects like “Chrome Plus” are the future. Firefox/Mozilla are a separate entity, and they are open source, and not part of the large Google or Microsoft empire. I believe in keeping things Open Source, and I like the idea of the “Chrome Plus” project. It’s great to see these new features added to Chromium, and it’s nice that the source code is available, and Chrome Plus doesn’t have all the Spyware/Malware that Google Chrome embeds into their software.
It would be nice to see a great “Chromium-based” browser alternative, that has all the security features of “Iron” Browser added to Chrome Plus, and see the two Chromium-based projects combined into an Open Source “Chrome Plus” project (and the open source community will work on updating “Chrome Plus” with security patches, just like Mozilla/Firefox).
You don’t want a monster like Google or Microsoft making your browser (closed source). Chromium is a great Open Source project, and it’s nice to see Open Source browsers like “Chrome Plus” that are made without all the Google spyware/malware, and with additional functions and security & privacy features that Google Chrome intentionally leaves out.
Security and Privacy are most important, and Google seems to ignore people’s privacy (and security). So a nice alternative browser like Chrome Plus seems like a great future for OpenSource browsers!
@Mark:
Thanks for the detailed comment and thanks for at least agreeing to my point on security updates.
I would refrain to agree to your statements that “Google embeds Trojans, Spyware, and Malware into it’s Google Chrome browser” and “Google is a data mining company” and ”Chrome Plus doesn’t have all the Spyware/Malware that Google Chrome embeds into their software”, which look very sarcastic.
I however agree with some of your observations which suggest that Google does collects personal data in the name of personalize your experience on www. But it is also a fact that this is done by almost every other online business; be it Yahoo, MicroSoft, Apple or anybody else.
Even after following your arguments, the fact remains that instant patching the browser weaknesses and vulnerabilities is most important for web browsing. I would rather let Google have some of my personal data, instead of allowing a criminal or hacker to get it, which might be a possibility in case I continue to use an un-patched, weak and vulnerable browser.
I do not have anything against ChromePlus at personal level. May be some day it gains enough popularity and develops a community behind itself which is able to roll out the security patches like Mozilla / Firefox community, but till that time, I will refrain myself from using it.
Thanks for your review,
At least readers know the risks bared in using the ChromePlus.
@Silki:
“I would rather let Google have some of my personal data, instead of allowing a criminal or hacker to get it”
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Benjamin Franklin
Why do you think it is OK to give up any personal data in exchange for security? No one should take that position. That attitude hurts all of us that value our privacy. People must stand together and not use any software that “forces” you to give up your right to privacy. Yes, Chrome does collect data on your usage. That’s why I will not use it. Try uninstalling it completely. Good luck, it leaves junk all over the place as well as active update services. Chrome is Junk. Use a good Anti Virus and keep your OS patches and fixes up to date. Periodically scan your PC with MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. Avoid malicious sites with Spybot Search & Destroy. Put your hosts file to work for you. http://www.mvps.org/
Better to work smarter rather than giving up any privacy.
John,
It is a stated fact that no Security Software, howsoever smart and updated, is fool-proof. The best way to be secure is to avoid getting infected at the first place rather than rely on any patches, software or cleaners.
Couple this fact with the observation that browsers are our the windows used by a computer to interact with the world. It is the common source through which malware enter your computer. And so you need an updated, strong browser as the first tool against malware.
In this context, if I vote for Google Chrome, a regularly updated browser, instead of ChromePlus, then I still think this will be a wise choice.
I am not saying Chrome is infallible, but definitely, if I have to choose between Chrome and ChromePlus, I will go with Google Chrome.
Thanks for a nice comment.
carrying the argument further??
You haven’t bothered to MAKE an argument. You have vague concerns about security.
What exactly is your argument against using ChromePlus or Iron?
Aren’t Google Chrome and ChromePlus based on an open-source Chromium code?
I’m not a software developer so correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t the Chromium code be the one that is responsible for the meat of the browser and ChromePlus is the just the GUI shell that we interact with to use it?
Besides, I’d rather surf smart and have the functions of C+ and if I’m going to be visiting sites that are either unsecured, I can always use Firefox.
And why do you call it “Google Chrome Plus” in your title? It’s not released by Google. It’s released by Maple Software – not associated with Google – they just both happen to use the Chromium code.
That said, I enjoyed your article, though I would appreciate some of this security-fallibility proof or at least an example…
Silki u mentioned that the best way to get protected is to avoid being infected at first place but u nver got to mention that Chrome plus has malware embeded in it and u went on to say inorder to be secure u dnt need to depend on any patches….to my understanding patches are updates dat u first complained about when u said chrome does not offer updates…can you get your facts right coz u are confusing us
@blast: i never said that ChromePlus has malware embedded in it.
Here’s the thing: the auther equates bigger with safer in this instance. “A big man can protect me better than a medium sized man, and either of them will protect me better than a small sized man.” Simple logic, but wrong. The fact that a company is larger, employes more people, and has more money does not mean that it can, will, or cares to serve you better. A little research would have yielded you the following information: many banks suggest that online transactions not be conducted via Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). IE has more unresloved security vulnerabilities than Chrome and Iron COMBINED. You may verify this on via the references on wickipedia.
In truth, Microsoft is not in the business of innovation. It is in the business of buying those small companies you so fear, and appropriating their excellence of concept and product to incorporate into their otherwise mediocre coding. They do not make breakthroughs: they buy breakthroughs. Then proceed to stifle any advance in that particular promising direction. The result is invariably a bloated, cumbersom hodge-podge of clanging bells and shrill whistles that completely overshadow the neat, effective and elegant software they co-opted.
This so that they can say they “developed” the software.
I apologize for going on so. You don’t need all this background. The overview is this: Judge a tree by the fruit it bares. If you pick off apples you need not heed anyone that tells you it is a pear tree. The fruit Microsoft bares is loaded with additives that are not good for you. Google is a fine company that is not in the software business. They are in the advertising business. They bought and incorporated the largest internet marketing/advertising company on earth as only a part of their overall strategy. To survive they MUST sell your personal information. Your buying habits, your searches, the “hot button” words in your gmails. For those that would gladly live in apartment with all glass wall and see no reason to door on their bathrooms and feel the lose of privacy is a small price to pay for a life of more ease, they are a fine choice. Yet there many who realize that to abandon privacy without a fight is to relinquish freedom without a struggle.
May you experience the world request… but please, none for me.
If I wnat to use a WebKit-based or especially a Chromium-based web browser I will use either SRWare Iron or Chtome Plus Or Chromium itself, I have all them and they are quite suitable for usb sticks because they all are either portable or at least have portable version. And I trust them because they do not come from an established source of spyware such as Google, that’s why I will always avoid Comodo Dragon, another Chromium-based browser, because it comes from another established source of spyware- Comodo Inc. More, a very important feature that Google Chrome lacks and which is present at these three browsers is the possibility to disable automatic updates, in fact this was the major reason I abandoned Google Chrome for good, If I am not given the option to disable automatic updatng by an application, I uninstall it immediately.
My ChromePlus Just update/upgrade it self with a Trojan-Downloader.Win32.BHO.rjv.
Don’t know what it means … But to me it means the last time I use ChromePlus.
ChromePlus is based on chromium, so when chromium gets updated so does ChromePlus albeit a bit slower depending on the developer. This view that ChromePlus won’t have the same updating as Chrome is quite faulty since they’re based on the same engine, thus when the engine gets updated they both get updated. Thats the beauty of variants of opensource products.
Further I also agree that Google isn’t this large corporation that cares about your privacy needs or about every individual using their browser. They’re a business that runs on money, and like previously stated that business is built on tracking users. If you think they only track your usage for personalizing the browser to suit your needs, your dead wrong. They sell your data to advertisers to make money, also any and every move you make on the Internet is logged and viewable by anyone at Google. I for one do not want to be constantly monitored and tracked when I’m on the web, but then again if your ok with it you might as well use chrome to make other people rich.
Anyway I kinda diverged but, still this thing about Chromeplus not being up to speed on security measures. I mean cmon really whens the last time Chrome ever did a hotfix they only update every 6 months. And then in chromium the source is available so when its updated so are most of the chromium variants, the manner in which you speak can really lead people to believe that ChromePlus isn’t in active development. You give off the idea that its a dead project that doesn’t receive one update, and that its just disrespectful to the developer.
@Virgo: I accept that ChromePlus also gets updated as and when Chrome gets updated.
But as you rightly observed that there is a delay in the process – when Chrome gets updated and after that when ChromePlus gets updated – and that delay is crucial. Today’s malware spread so fast that you cannot risk running your browser to an older version, when you know that there are already exploits circulating and targeting that vulnerability.
@Silki: I don’t think the current version of chromeplus lacks security compared to google chrome. Also the page : http://www.chromeplus.org/chromeplus_privacy_policy.php
can encourage a lot of people to use chromeplus. Browser privacy relates to security as well. You are not comparing chromeplus and google chrome, but only mention one minor issue about chromeplus. Your article is biased. You said “The purpose of this blog post is not giving any verdict or suggestions to the visitors”, but your article is discouraging people from using chromeplus.
I really love google chrome but haven’t tried chromeplus but I still wanna try this one. One thing I like about chrome is it’s really fast and no hang ups compare to others and when it comes to security I think whether its google chrome or chromeplus they’re secured enough so we shouldn’t worry on that. If the chromeplus is the updated version then maybe it is more useful but whichever the two you just have to know which of which fits you and stick to that.
I like chromeplus, a fun browser! thanks!
Silki why exactly are you writting reviews about things like that? You obviously know very little about computers and you are a pretty novice user, why do you think you should be talking about things you don’t understand. I am an electronic engineer and a very advanced user compared to your average user and still I would not presume that my opinion matters much as there are MILLIONS of people who are professionals of the field and much more equipped than me to offer comment and discussion. How did you decide to actually offer the world your opinion when you obviously have such a crude and basic understanding, I cannot fathom..
If you really want to express opinions about things online try a subject matter you are equipped to comment on. Seriously you really shouldn’t be concerning yourself with that kind of subject, please..
@nasson: I would have appreciated if you had presented some arguments, which would have contributed to the discussion. I refrain myself from commenting on personal stuff. You are absolutely free to form your opinions.
What are you talking about? ChromePlus rules. Chrome or Chromium are vulnerable as well, use the NoScript extension if you’re so worried.
@smragdus Could you please provide fact behind the Comodo comments? I am desperately trying to come up with a viable solution for safety that does not involve google. I was doing a web search on safe browsers or dragon VS firefox when I found this article and discussion. Please provide your alternative opinion on a safe brower/ utility
@SIlki, u said:
“I accept that ChromePlus also gets updated as and when Chrome gets updated.
But as you rightly observed that there is a delay in the process – when Chrome gets updated and after that when ChromePlus gets updated – and that delay is crucial”
Unfortunately, you really don’t understand the situation. Both Google Chrome and ChromePlus are based on the open-source CHROMIUM – ChromePlus is not dependant on Chrome being updated. They are both updated when Chromium is updated.
Although i understand u wish to help people – u really need to do more research
that said, there is an installer that directly installs the CHROMIUM latest safe build – this is a far safer and faster browser than either chrome or chromeplus as it the the original source of both (and doesn’t include all the reporting shit that Chrome has)
http://dirhael.dcmembers.com/cnu/
more info on CHROMIUM:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromium_(web_browser)
Just now chromeplus,wanna to try later.Now .I am using google chrome.
Easy with it.
Just known about chromeplus,wanna to try later.Now .I am using google chrome.
Easy with it.
It is funny!
I don’t know why you defend Chrome and criticise Chromeplus, which is based on!
In the same time, you recommand firefox too, which is not so different from ChromePlus ,in security and development term!
Google Chrome is shit! You don’t know what happens while it is downloaded, installed or even updated! Everything id done secretly, in background, and you don’t see anything!
There is no transparency!
The whole reason for using ChromePlus (or even SRWare Iron Browser) is to get away from the spyware built into Google Chrome. That in itself makes it worth it. Google’s entire company is based off of spyware, because thats all they ever do, they have even been caught at it, even with their cars that do their mapping.
So, yeah. The main reasons to avoid ChromePlus is that it’s developed by only 2 people and that it’s not backed by a huge company like Google.
Right.
Except that ChromePlus is based on Chrome. That is: ChromePlus is the same as the latest stable Chrome plus some enhancements. Hence the name ChromePlus. Who develops Chrome? Google, a big company. ChromePlus’ 2 developers just add the cherry to an already made cake.
The point about ChromePlus not being as safe as Chrome, IE or Firefox is moot. ChromePlus gets security updates quite frequently. As frequently, or more, than Firefox, Safari or IE. Chrome may get more updates, but not all of them are security updates.
And also, let’s not forget that there are many good anti-virus scanners, firewalls and security extensions –many of them free.
I don’t use ChromePlus, but saying that people shouldn’t use it because of some vague security concerns is a moot point.
I have used Google Chrome as well as Chromium and I have tried ChromePlus. I don’t like the fact that Google pretty much sells your data but their business is advertising so that’s what they do. I also don’t like the fact that Google Chrome seems to use way more system resources than it’s open source counterparts. Some if not most of the add ons that are included within ChromePlus, you can add on to Chromium so really, what’s the point?? I use Firefox and Chromium and I’m happy with that (especially because it’s open source) I wish that there was an Android browser (that’s open source too). In my personal opinion, it seems like when a big company gets a hold of something like a browser, they mess it up. So with that, ChromePlus LOOKS GOOD but I’ll stick with the original and that’s Chromium. Thanks for reading and thanks for your opinions about ChromePlus.
Tim, you couldn’t have said it better than myself. The privacy issues behind Chrome is the reason why I decided to use Chromeplus (and Srware Iron as a backup) instead of Chrome itself.
Chromeplus was okay at first but I found it to be too slow so I use Iron now.
Oh, and @De Vio,
Chromeplus does not have any malware in it. It’s probably a false positive.
pheldespat makes some good points too.
Oh, and this is a very interesting read.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/219384/10_ways_google_is_the_new_microsoft.html
Try IE? did you just say try IE?…….. HAHAHAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA
IE is not a browser, it’s a browser downloader.
Chrome is r eally teeing me off at the moment with Shockwave Flah crashing ..
#
Tried everying I can find to fix it .. would switch to another browser but I use several computers, and Chrome allows me to access my bookmarks by signing on ..
does any other browser have that facility?
I have been using ChromePlus for several years and the question raised about browser security is pointless. ChromePlus is built upon nearly identical source codes with the major difference being that Chromium for non-Google builds does not automatically update when a new version of Chromium is released. This is of nominal concern as the developers of ChromePlus and SRWare Iron begin developing the next version of their browser as soon as the Chromium update is released. Since it is an open source project, it behooves Google to release it ASAP and by comparing the release dates of the browsers, I can only see a one or two week lag. As far as I’m concerned, the browser security is top notch and all I’m awaiting at this point is a 64-bit browser, but they can stall that until Adobe releases a 64-bit version of Flash.
i think you have been paid by google to back up google chrome..sucks..
First and foremost, most of you seem not only willing, but determined to attack the OP for not doing _his_ research but don’t care enough to actually do your own. As of writing, the current version of ChromePlus is 1.6.3.0 which is based off of Chromium 12.0.742.122 [1] – which was released on July 12th, 2011. [2]
However, the current version of Chromium is 13.0.782.220 which was released Sept 3rd, 2011. [3]. A couple days behind is one thing, but ChromePlus is almost 60 days behind at this point. To further that point, take a look at the security updates during that period (_any_ security mailing list or full-disclosure site), and you’ll see how big of a problem even a week behind actually is.
In closing, the majority of the people in this post are absolutely clueless and are basing their opinions off of things that others have said, how many of you did any research of your own on this? The OP is correct: privacy aside (as it should be, because application security was the point: NOT privacy) – Google’s product is significantly more likely to be secure than two nobody’s whose focus is NOT primarily on their browser (which can be noted by the lag in updates, the changes to their domain over the last year, and so on). Regarding actual privacy comments: unless you’ve analyzed every line of code powering ChromePlus, you zero credibility to claim that your private information is more secure or more respected.
In response to the guy who claims that Chrome has viruses/malware/spyware embedded into it – how stupid are you? You remember when the PSN got hacked, right? You remember that they had to testify before congress because the number of users who were effected, right? Now consider the number of people who use chrome and the private information that passes through it on a daily basis.
Above all, perhaps _one_ person in this post knew what he was talking about (OP aside) but the rest of you oughta read a book or subscribe to bugtraq. You’ll quickly learn just what he’s talking about.
And as a side note – are the developers of ChromePlus offering thousands of dollars to anyone who can find holes in their software? No? Funny, because Google is [4].
[1]: chromeplus.org/version.php?hl=en&os=win&version=1.6.3.0
[2]: googlechromereleases.blogspot.com/2011/07/beta-and-stable-channel-update.html
[3]: googlechromereleases.blogspot.com/2011/09/stable-channel-update.html
[4]: http://www.google.com/about/corporate/company/security.html#section-reporting-issues
I am a system administrator for more than 30 years, before PC era. I will retire
soon. I have experience with all kinds of users and I can say only this:
Browser security is not enough. You should have a well configured firewall,
antivirus (at least two of them), a good port blocker, and also the hardware
firewall properly configured in your ADSL router or cable adaptor (modem).
Even all that will not protect you if you cannot resist the dancing pigs (nice
Web contents that will make you disable all protection to get it, and then
you will accept a malware).
Please excuse my bad English, I know it should be better.
People behind chorme plus should think original and get their own browser instead of copying Google’s most shining product.