Microsoft Edge

Though many associate Internet Explorer with Microsoft, the company also created Microsoft Edge, which is a newer and more efficient browser. Though only available on certain Windows 10 devices right now, this browser will work well with both standard computer screens and devices that use a touchscreen.

Originally called Project Spartan, Microsoft announced that its new browser would use the name Edge and that Edge would eventually replace IE. As past versions of IE featured a number of bugs and other problems, many look forward to trying Edge out for themselves. If you have the chance to preview this new browser, you'll love some of the features it offers.

Microsoft created this web browser to work with any Windows device, including computers, tablets, and phones. It has a sleek and basic look that features less buttons and bars than even Chrome does. One large address bar at the top of the screen also serves as your search bar. As you open more tabs, you'll notice the size of the bar changing. Hovering your mouse over each open tab shows you a preview of that page to help you open the right tab. Other buttons at the top let you minimize or maximize the size of the screen and close individual tabs.

Microsoft Edge comes with a reading mode that removes ads and other elements on a website to help you focus on the content or text instead of pictures and comments. If you like the way the page looks, you can add it to your reading list. Each time you come back to that page, the browser will show you a stripped down version of the site that emphasizes text over photos.

If you use the browser with a touchscreen device, you can actually use your own finger to highlight words and phrases. Copy and paste that content to use on OneNote when writing notes for work or finding references for a school paper. The browser also works with Cortana to keep track of your browsing history. It will learn through Cortana and make recommendations based on your history.

While some have issues with Microsoft Edge, keep in mind that it's still in the early testing stage. Microsoft will likely make some changes to the browser in the future before replacing IE. To try Microsoft Edge, you must be a member of the Microsoft Insider Program. This browser is better suited for use on tablets and phones than on laptops or desktops.

Pros:

• Sleek and basic design
• Lets you copy and paste words with your finger to OneNote
• Works with Cortana
• Reading mode removes elements to let you focus on articles
• Keep track of favorite sites on your Reading List

Cons:

• Only available for Windows 10 devices
• Must join the Microsoft Insider Program to use it
• Better for touchscreen devices than standard computers
• Still in testing