Which Internet Browser is the Fastest? Jason Toff & Andrew Warshaver Grade 9 Parkland High School, Allentown, PA
Abstract
The advent of the Internet has made a multitude of information available to the average person. With this new technology came a variety of choices; while some choose wisely, the majority of people do not. While there are many Internet browsers, three dominate the field. For the science fair competition this year, we chose to research and experiment to find out, not only which browser transfers information the fastest, but also which one has the most capabilities. We hypothesized that Microsoft’s Internet Explorer would lead in all fields followed by Netscape, and lastly Neoplanet. Our common usage of different browsers led us to this conclusion.
To perform our experiment, a test computer (866mHz, 256 ram, running
Windows 2000©) was set up with the latest versions of each of the Internet browsers to test: Microsoft Internet Explorer©, Netscape©, and Neoplanet©. At the different times of 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m., each browser ran an automated test which determines the rate at which the data is being transferred. These tests were conducted at the exact same time on consecutive weekdays using the different browsers, in order to achieve the closest level of Internet traffic possible. After the computer performed all of the tests, we inserted the gathered information into data tables, charts, and graphs. Through our experiment, we discovered that Internet Explorer was indeed the fastest, however Neoplanet – not Netscape, was second fastest. When dealing with capabilities, Internet Explorer prevailed (followed by Netscape and then Neoplanet).
1 Statement of Purpose
We chose the topic, Which Internet Browser is the Fastest, because among the many different Internet browsers, some are bound to be faster and some are bound to be slower. It is our goal to gain the knowledge of which browser is the fastest, and then share this knowledge with others so that everyone can enjoy a faster Internet. In addition, further research will show which browsers have the most capabilities (i.e. JavaScript, frames, etc.). In turn, after sufficient data is collected, we will present the optimal browser for surfing the web.
When all tests are completed, we believe that Internet Explorer will be the fastest of the three competitors. Following Internet Explorer will be Netscape, and last of all,
Neoplanet. When dealing with capabilities, we believe that Netscape will have the most, followed by Internet Explorer and lastly, Neoplanet. Netscape’s complicated and thorough navigation bars have led us to believe that Netscape will have capabilities surpassing Internet Explorer. The preceding predictions were based primarily on personal use and publicity. We have used various Internet browsers and Internet
Explorer seems to be the quickest. Moreover, since Internet Explorer and Netscape are widely recognized and used, they are logically superior to their competition – which in this scenario is simply Neoplanet.
2 Background research
Our background research was quite inconclusive. The web-browser-related sites we visited were generally biased towards specific browsers. Obviously, this deters a fair analysis. On the other hand, definitive patterns were noticed through, not only research, but also interaction with others. Through careful examination of numerous users, we noticed more experienced people use Internet Explorer, while others who use the Internet more sparingly are more likely to use whatever is recommended to them (or whatever is most accessible). Evidently, most people do not know an Internet browser can determine how fast a page will load. Nor do they know that their browser may inhibit specific web content.
3 Materials
• Pentium 3 (866 mHz) Computer and monitor
• Stopwatch
• Connection to Internet via Cable modem
• Phone line
• Cable line
• Pencil
• Paper
4 Procedure
1. Download the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer.
2. Repeat step 1 for all other browsers to be tested, namely Netscape and Neoplanet.
3. Install each browser
4. At 8:00 a.m., visit www.i-bench.com with Internet Explorer and run the online speed test, while timing it with the stopwatch. Repeat this 5 times, record, and average results.
5. Repeat step 4 with all other browsers to be tested.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at 12:00 P.M., 3:00 P.M, 8:00 P.M., and 11:00 P.M. for accurate averages.
7. Record results into proper data tables (preferably using Excel).
8. Browse information databases and record compatibility with different Internet material (i.e. Java, frames, etc).
9. Combine time trials and Internet-capabilities to logically name the optimal Internet browser.
5 Data and Observations
HTML Average Initial Load Speed
320 316 314
310 310
300
290 289 289 286 285 285
280 Loading Time 276 (in seconds) 273 Internet Explorer 270 Netscape 270 269 267 267 Neoplanet 265
260
250
240
230 8:00 AM 12:00 PM 3:00 PM 8:00 PM 11:00 PM Time of Day
6 Data and Observations
HTML Average Subsequent Load Speed
35
30
25
20
Loading Time (in seconds) Internet Explorer Netscape 15 Neoplanet
10
5
0 8:00 AM 12:00 PM 3:00 PM 8:00 PM 11:00 PM Time of Day
7 Data and Observations
We found a distinct difference between Internet Explorer and Netscape. As seen on the diagrams, Internet Explorer outperformed Netscape in both speed tests. Internet Explorer also has more capabilities than Netscape. Specified security zones, P.I.C.S. (Platform for Internet Content Selection), and other security devices are among these capabilities. Neoplanet had speed results between Netscape and Internet Explorer’s, but in most cases, was closer to Internet
Explorer.
8 Variables and Controls
In our experiment, the controls were the sole computer we used, and the identical times we tested each browser (on subsequent weekdays). This control was needed to keep the amount of Internet traffic constant so that the information obtained would be more accurate. The variable tested was the Internet browser, however indirectly also tested were the times at which the Internet operates fastest. Other factors that may have altered results slightly were the amount of RAM available on the computer during testing and the system clock accuracy. These unwanted variables were limited as much as possible. For example, the computer was restarted before each test to clear up excess
RAM and refresh video card components.
9 Discussion
There is only one way to test the speed of a browser, and that way is isolation.
This also holds true with all other types of experiments, however in this one it is profoundly noticeable. In examining results, conclusions can be reached about the overall picture, which browser is fastest, etc. However, an accurate reading of how much faster one browser is than another is seemingly impossible without more money to set up an experiment. If we had the capability to do this experiment as said, we would have done the following. First, we would set up a network consisting of five computers, connected all by a 10/100 basic switch/hub. Then, a server computer would make a sample Intranet web page, covered in basic graphics and consisting of huge amounts of
HTML tags and text. Next, using each mentioned browser, we would clock the amount of time it took to open the intranet page with the specified browsers. Using five different machines to test this checks for any hub errors that could be related to port used, and a different operating system would be used, namely Linux or Unix, in an effort to prevent integration between program and operating system that could occur when they are produced by the same company. Overall, the data we received was conclusive – but only to a point. The fastest browser was uncovered, however the degree that it was faster than the others was not conclusive.
10 Conclusion
In the beginning, it was our prediction that Internet Explorer was going to run fastest. This proved itself true in most respects. It was actually Internet Explorers’
DLLs* that were the fastest, because through further investigation of Neoplanet, we found that it uses the same DLLs provided with Internet Explorer (in other words,
Neoplanet is simply a modernized Internet Explorer). This explains the similarity in their
Internet speeds. However, Netscape is independent from these DLLs, and it’s DLLs do not use Windows’ capability to the fullest, simply because this would be impossible for the Netscape programmers to understand without being able to view the Windows source code.
Capability-wise, Internet Explorer conquered the trio. While all browsers tested were significantly up-to-date and, in turn, supported most internet-formats, Internet
Explorer triumphed slightly. Its ability to have specified security zones, P.I.C.S.
(Platform for Internet Content Selection), and other advanced security devices put it ahead of the competition. In addition, Internet Explorer comes with Microsoft Wallet, which makes the process of buying online a breeze. While Netscape Composer was an impressive tool, FrontPage and its ‘parent’ - Internet Explorer - took the gold.
*A DLL is a file, normally in the operating system directory, which is the core of a program and stores all its primary functions. This is not very understandable to most people, however all that really needs to be known to understand this theory is that they run the program.
11 Acknowledgements
Our experiment was generally self-completed. We set-up and ran all of our tests by ourselves. The process of creating our paper and display board was more challenging. When drafting our lab report, we followed the guidelines given to us by Mrs. Simpson’s web site. We would like to thank her for making this informational resource available. In addition, we would like to express our thorough gratitude towards Ms. Heffner. Without her, our project would not have grown to the full potential it has. Lastly, we would like to thank Microsoft,
Netscape, and Neoplanet. These amazing corporations have opened the gateway of the Internet to people all over the world.
12 Bibliography
• "Internet Explorer Home Page." Microsoft Windows Technologies
• "Netscape Browser Central." Netscape
• "Neoplanet Download and Installation." Neoplanet
• "I-Bench test." I-Bench at ZDnet
• "I-Bench test." I-Bench at ZDnet
• "Battle of the Sumo Browsers: Internet Explorer and Netscape" C| Net
• "Internet Explorer 5.5 Goes for the gold" C|Net Internet
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