All controls are buried beneath two icons to the right of the Omnibar (as Google refers to its address bar): a page icon for managing tabs and using Google Gears to create application-like shortcuts from your desktop to a Web site and a wrench for history, downloads, and other browser options. There is no full-scale menu bar and no title bar–and few distractions. Like its Google stablemates, Chrome has a remarkably minimalist interface. A separate recent-bookmarks box appears at the right of the screen. Chrome’s layout is very simple: You’ll see a row of tabs running along the top, a Web address bar, and a bookmarks bar that runs beneath the address bar. It even can grab username and password data, and it automatically populates those fields for you when you use Chrome for the first time to visit a particular site.Īfter running through a quick import checklist, Chrome opens on your desktop–and right away you begin to experience the Web in a new way. When you first run the application, Chrome imports your bookmarks, passwords, and settings from Firefox or Internet Explorer.
Chrome automatically detects the Web browser you’re using and prompts you through the process of installation (right down to telling you how to access downloaded files within Firefox, for example).
