Avant Browser 2012 build 16

Overview

Even though it is a relatively unknown browser utility, the Avant Browser is one of the best alternatives to the most famous internet navigation software. First of all, this browser does not use as many as the computer’s resources. In fact, as its developers straightly put it, compared to other Windows browsers the Avant is the lowest memory usage software. Since memory consumption is one important criteria in the performance evaluation of browsers, this software utility looks promising so far.

While the Avant Browser is built on the famous Internet Explorer engine, the truth is that unlike the Windows default browser, this one does not present the same security vulnerabilities. Moreover, its interface is more appealing and it most certainly has more options and features to enhance any user’s browsing experience. Since the developers had a wider audience in mind when they designed this browser, they enable a customization feature with many skins incorporated and included a few quick links that allow users to access pages in languages they do not know.

Installation

If you are thinking of installing the Avant Browser on your machine, then it is important to note that you need to have the latest version of the Internet Explorer, as the software will build on top of it. However, you can rest assured that it will add its own innovative features and unique interface once the installation process is over. In case you are worried that you will modify or lose IE in the process, then you should know that the Windows default browser will remain unaffected by the installation.

After you download this software, run the .exe file and follow the instructions that are prompted onscreen. Similar to other browsers, once the setup is over, the software will open automatically and allow you the possibility to add it as the default browser. In case you want to use it as your main internet navigation tool, then do not forget to import data from the other browsers you have been using.

Interface

One of the things that you will appreciate about the Avant Browser is its appearance, as it includes twenty-one skin options and you can even create your own skin if you want to. In addition, the software presents a lot of customization options, since you can arrange all the toolbars as you see fit, you can access any function you need directly from the toolbar and you can hide and show the buttons and menus that you want.

The tabs of the browser are also eligible for customization via a drag-and-drop feature and you can choose to show the loading or downloading progress of each of the tab. The undo command is highly advanced and hence, in case you have a power out or system crash you can be sure that you can access all the last twenty-five pages that you looked at. What Avant Browser brings new to the picture is that it allows users to add multiple home pages that will run in a single process.

Pros

The greatest benefit of the Avant Browser is its resource consumption, as not only it is the lowest memory usage browser, but it incorporates a “no memory leakage” technology that will instantly release the entire memory occupied by a tab once you close it. In addition to its superior speed, this software utility also features an anti-freezing technology and hence, makes internet navigation more smooth and fluent.

Another great feature of the Avant Browser is that it includes a flash animation filter, which will enable users to save some bandwidth by blocking downloads with just a click of a button. Since you will be able to choose to block pictures, movies, ActiveX or sounds on various websites, you will gain a faster page loading speed.

Cons

Even though the Avant Browser opens a wide array of possibilities for the future of browsers, the truth is that the technology behind it is not optimized yet, as users claim that the software renders certain pages useless and that the utility experiences crashes.

Alternatives

Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are the two browsers most people are very accustomed to and they can be considered viable alternatives to Avant Browser.

Conclusion

Even though it seems like an above average browser, the main disadvantage of this software is that for now it is relatively unknown. Nonetheless, it definitely deserves a try.