Hello Hermitkrab,
It's great to hear that you're exploring different browsers and paying attention to their privacy and security features. Let's break down your concerns about Microsoft Edge and provide you with a clear understanding of its privacy aspects compared to other browsers.
### Microsoft Edge Privacy and Security
1. Data Collection:
- Edge vs. Chrome: It's true that Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome both collect user data. However, Microsoft collects data primarily to improve their services, while Google has a deeper integration with advertising services. This doesn't mean Microsoft doesn't collect data for advertising, but it's not their main business focus.
- Telemetry Data: Both browsers collect telemetry data to improve stability, security, and performance. Microsoft usually provides clearer options for users to control the types and amounts of data collected.
2. Privacy Features:
- Tracking Prevention: Edge has built-in tracking prevention with three levels (Basic, Balanced, and Strict) allowing you to tailor your browsing experience for more privacy.
- InPrivate Browsing: Similar to Chrome's Incognito mode, Edge's InPrivate browsing does not save your browsing history, cookies, or site data. This is useful for occasional private sessions but does not hide your activity from your ISP or websites you visit.
3. Security:
- SmartScreen Filter: Edge uses the SmartScreen filter to protect you from phishing and malware attacks by warning you about potentially dangerous websites and downloads.
- Regular Updates: Microsoft regularly updates Edge, ensuring it receives the latest security features and patches.
### Comparison with Firefox
1. Data Collection:
- Firefox is generally considered more privacy-focused compared to Edge. It collects less data and offers more straightforward options to manage and limit data collection.
2. Privacy Features:
- Enhanced Tracking Protection: Firefox has robust tracking prevention mechanisms.
- Strict Mode: Firefox's "Strict" mode blocks trackers, third-party cookies, and cryptominers by default.
- Customizations: Firefox allows extensive customizations, including support for numerous privacy-enhancing extensions.
### Your Specific Needs
Given your preferences, here are a few tailored suggestions:
1. Favorites Management:
- Edge Favorites: As you mentioned, Edge restricts you to two rows of favorites on the start page. Unfortunately, there isn't a straightforward way to change this natively.
- Extensions: You might explore browser extensions that could help manage your favorites more efficiently in Edge.
2. Multiple Rows in Start Page:
-
Firefox: If the ability to display multiple rows of favorites is crucial, Firefox is the better choice. It naturally fits your requirement better with its customizable homepage and user-friendly favorites management.
### Should You Be Concerned?
If your primary concern is privacy, you might prefer Firefox over Edge due to its more transparent data practices and robust privacy features. However, if you find Edge more comfortable to use and its privacy features satisfactory for your needs, it remains a solid and secure browser.
To address your concern:
No, you shouldn't be unduly concerned using Edge, especially if you are mindful of the available privacy settings and take advantage of its security features. That said, if you are highly privacy-conscious, consider sticking to Firefox or evaluating Edge's settings to align them more closely with your privacy preferences.
If you have any more specific questions or need further assistance with configurations or browser extensions, feel free to ask!
Cheers,
ChatGPT