Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Iron is a free Web browser from SRWare. It's based on Google's Chromium core, which is the basis of many browsers, including Google's own Chrome. Like Chrome and the others, Iron is super-fast and accepts extensions, themes, and developer tools. What sets it apart is a lack of the Google-centric features that some have criticized for violating users' privacy, such as reporting your browsing habits and suggesting content (and advertising) based on the results.
Iron's start page offers quick Web and Image searching and a Quick Access section that let us upload pictures, access Chrome-compatible extensions and themes, rate our home page at a ratings site, view info about our IP address, and even watch funny videos at Epic Fail. Of course, we could customize the view, including the Quick Access links, using the usual Chrome-style options. We could import or export our bookmarks, create application shortcuts, and manage search engines, to name a few. We browsed to some Web sites, which loaded as fast as with other Chromium-based browsers, which is to say about as fast as browsers get nowadays. We saw no functionality issues that seemed to be due to Iron's breaking the umbilical cord to Google HQ, or any functionality issue at all, for that matter. The program installed conventionally and left user data behind in its program folder when we uninstalled it. That's not necessarily a bad thing since many users may prefer to delete such data securely.
Of course, not everyone looks at Google and sees the Borg, but if Chromium's built-in reporting and Web integration raise issues with you, resistance is not futile. You simply need some Iron in your online diet.
Publisher's Description
From SRWare:
SRWare Iron is a Browser, Google's Web browser Chrome thrilled with an extremely fast site rendering, a sleek design and innovative features. But it also gets critic from data protection specialists, for reasons such as creating a unique user ID or the submission of entries to Google to generate suggestions. SRWare Iron is a real alternative. The browser is based on the Chromium-source and offers the same features as Chrome - but without the critical points that the privacy concern.
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All versions:
4.4 starsout of 61 votes
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Current version:
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"Good Chrome Alternative, but..."
Version: SRWare Iron 25.0.1400
Pros
Light and fast; accepts most chrome extensions; eliminates Google tracking (but not sure if SRWare is tracking instead); seems stable, but haven't had it long enough to really tell.
Cons
As with all Chrome knock-offs, updates will be lagging. For something critical, this could be a major flaw. Also, I'm not sure if it will work with all AV programs that use "web-guards". Security remains an open question.
Summary
I was glad to have the chance to try out Iron, but ultimately, feel that it's not for me. A lot of people will like it, though, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. For many, a much better alternative would be Comodo Dragon, but it's a true security browser and may conflict with your Anti-Virus (it does with mine). Still, I applaud the efforts of the SRWare group in providing a Google-less Chrome as privacy is becoming a bigger and bigger issue, and I wish them well.
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"indexed searches / built in advertising - SUCKS"
Version: SRWare Iron 24.0.1350
Pros
its fast
no issues installing
Best out of a bad bunchCons
Advertising
indexed searches
searches containing adverts
website tracking is done by SRIRONSummary
ive sent several emails to sr and the same reply is always sent back " we have to make money somehow " ( summed up )
if they index searches and send unique user id's then there is no PRIVACY as they state
unless you live in the USA search is useless ( generic results with little to no reference on what you searched )
SR is misleading users into thinking it is a secure private browser - you still need to add things like adblock plus , do not track , remove google tracking 1.6 , just to name a few
over last 6 months sriron has changed to be just like the rest of them -
"Runs well and very similar to Chrome itself"
Version: SRWare Iron 23.0.1300
Pros
fast load times...handles Java well at 32 and 64 bit - transition is smooth
Cons
Noticed a slight glitch when downloading files...seems to bog down at some points
Summary
Very Good simple browser with changeable skins - found only 1 minor glitch and some of the skins are a little junky..but other than that it is a Good browser overall
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"Not What I hoped For"
Version: SRWare Iron 23.0.1300
Pros
Quick browser
Like how it switches to ie platform when having issues with various sites that don't work well with other browsers.Cons
Freezes almost as much as chrome did for me.
Has many fatal errors. Especially with streaming radio.
Many contractions come up errors with the automatic spell check.
Had more junk around the tool bar and on the side then needed. That could also be due to the skin I had appliedSummary
Overall, I wasn't impressed. I changed Chrome because I was having issues with it freezing, and this one did almost as much. Isn't as quick as Avant.
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"Do not like the new version..."
Version: SRWare Iron 23.0.1300
Pros
I have none.
Cons
Will not install Java Plug In. I have it installed on my computer and it still doesnt work. I use alot of web site that need Java. Where can I get an old version?
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"Superb browser!"
Version: SRWare Iron 22.0.1250
Pros
Clean Google-based GUI. Handles Web Store add-ons well. Very fast, secure,efficient & no memory bloat! A pleasure to use!
Cons
None at this time
Summary
It's Free! Give it a shot!
Good Chrome knock-off. Sometimes has trouble handling downloads from CNET correctly.
Updated on Oct 17, 2012 -
"If you like Google Chrome, this is Chrome, but..."
Version: SRWare Iron 22.0.1250
Pros
It's basically Google Chrome. Looks almost exactly the same, but without the tracking, privacy invasion of Google's Chrome by default. Since it is basically Chrome, it supports the same extensions & themes. Doesn't install hidden services either like Google Chrome does.
Cons
Like most browsers if not all, the newest source updates are lagged behind the main project which Google Chrome. For example, the version Webkit engine may be outdated by a month, or more. This is not unexpected, but it is what it is. Google Chrome gets updated the earliest, while other browsers based on it, take a while to catch up.
Summary
Great browser overall for those who don't want to have Google tracking & analysis within their browser for purpose of marketable data mining. It's basically the exact thing as Google Chrome minus those privacy invasive things by default & removed.
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"SUPER fast and no errors!"
Version: SRWare Iron 21.0.1200
Pros
MUCH faster than Chrome, Firefox or IE.
Based on Chrome, so it's easy to use
Will open CLEAN links that other browsers won't
No DNS pre-fetching
Built-in ad blockingCons
None so far!
Summary
Was getting really sick of having to switch browsers all the time based on which one would "allow" me to open web pages, see pictures, or even do my on-line banking without telling me, "This browser not supported." Read a lot of GOOD reviews about Iron from more than one source and I immediately wanted to try it! It's fast, safe and I can surf the web, view pictures AND do my banking quickly and safely. Hope this one sticks around for a LONG time!
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"Fast Browsing, No Tracking!"
Version: SRWare Iron 18.0.1050
Pros
Love this browser! All the goodness of Chrome, none of the crap from Google.
Cons
Getting NativeClient working is another story....
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"Awesome browser with a clean GUI!"
Version: SRWare Iron 20.0.1150
Pros
Good Chrome GUI. Very fast and stable. No memory bloat. Clean install in Win 7. Am trying Iron as my default browser. Chrome Web Store extensions work well in Iron!
Cons
None to report yet.
Summary
Like Chrome? Try Iron: it's an excellent alternative and it's free!
