'What is Google Chrome?': How to use Google Chrome and set it as the default browser on your computer

If you're a Mac user, then you're probably pretty familiar with the web browser Safari, and if you're a PC user, you're likely familiar with the Microsoft Edge browser.

Google Chrome, on the other hand, is a web browser that can be used on both Mac and PC, as well as mobile devices.

Here's a breakdown of what Chrome offers, and how to make it the default browser on your Mac or PC.

A breakdown of Google Chrome's features

Google Chrome allows its users to customize and control their user experience to a degree most other browsers don't, and this is largely thanks to Chrome extensions.

A Chrome extension is a software modifier that can block ads, translate languages, manage your browser's theme, and so much more. 

While on the surface, Chrome might seem a simple browser, once you customize it with extensions it can be a tool that's both powerful and easy to use.

Extensions added to Chrome from the Chrome Web Store will appear at the top-right corner of your screen.

Google Chrome is also unique in how much you can customize your homepage experience. You can choose from thousands of themes, or even upload your own images to use as your background.

But what really sets Chrome apart from other browsers, is its security. Chrome is excellent for its protection against malware, which is important whether you're using macOS, Windows, or any other operating system.

So, now that you know the benefits and features of Google Chrome, here's how to set it as your default browser on a Mac or PC.

How to set Google Chrome as your default browser on Mac

1. First, download Chrome for Mac, if you don't already have it. 

2. Launch Chrome.

3. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of your screen. 

4. Click "Settings."

5. Under "Default browser," click "Make default."

How to set Google Chrome as your default browser on PC

The process for setting Google Chrome as your default browser will slightly vary depending on which version of Windows you're using.

Here's how to do it if you're using Windows 8 or older:

1. Click the Start menu at the bottom of your screen, represented by the Windows logo. 

2. Click "Control Panel" and then "Programs."

3. Select "Default Programs" and then "Set your default programs."

4. On the left hand side, select "Google Chrome" and then "Set this program as default."

5. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Here's how to do it if you're using Windows 10 or later:

1. Click the Start menu, represented by the blue Windows logo.

2. Click Settings, represented by the gear icon.

3. Click either "System" or "Apps," depending on if you're running the Original or Creators version of Windows, and then "Default apps."

4. Under "Web browser," click your current browser.

5. In the "Choose an app" window, click "Google Chrome" to set it as your default browser.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to block websites on Google Chrome using a simple extension

• How to add a Google Chrome shortcut icon to your desktop on a Mac or PC

• How to clear the cookies in your Google Chrome browser on a desktop or mobile device

• How to allow pop-ups in a Google Chrome browser, from all websites or specific ones only

• 'What is Google Chromecast?': Everything you need to know about Google's smart streaming device