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Since Chrome's initial release in 2008, Google has also released the Chromium source code, which Chrome utilizes as its platform, an open-source project. This open-source code is maintained by the Chromium Project, whereas Chrome is maintained by Google.
Differentiating Chromium and Chrome
The Major Difference Between Chrome and Chromium lies in the fact that while the Chrome browser is based on the Chromium platform, Google also adds some exclusive features to Chrome such as automatic updates and support for various video formats.
Additionally, Google adopts a similar approach with Chromium OS, an open-source project serving as the foundation for Chrome OS - the operating system running on Chromebooks.
What Chrome Offers that Chromium Doesn't
Chrome builds upon the Chromium platform, but Google supplements it with some closed-source code that Chromium lacks in Chrome browser. Specifically, Google adds to the Chrome browser:
- Support for AAC, H.264, and MP3: Chrome includes various codecs enabling exclusive media formats, allowing access to a wider range of multimedia content - particularly websites utilizing HTML5 video to stream H.264 video. Both browsers have basic, free codecs: Opus, Theora, Vorbis, VP8, VP9, and WAV.
- Adobe Flash (PPAPI): Chrome incorporates a sandboxed Flash plug-in API called Pepper (PPAPI) which Google automatically updates alongside Chrome. This is the only way to install the latest Flash version on Linux.
Even on Windows and Mac, Chrome's sandboxed PPAPI Flash plug-ins perform better than the NPAPI Flash plug-in available on Adobe's website. (You can download the Pepper Flash plug-in from the Chrome browser to install and use it on Chromium if desired.)
- Google Update: Windows and Mac users are provided with an additional automatic update program for Chrome. Linux users utilize their standard package management tools.
- Extension Limitations: In Chrome browser, Google disables extensions not stored on the Chrome Web Store.
- Reporting Issues and Hangs: Chrome users can opt to send statistics of issues and hangs to Google for analysis.
- Sandbox Security (?): Google also notes that some Linux distributions may disable Chromium's sandbox security, so in Chromium, you must navigate to about: sandbox to ensure the Sandbox is activated and working by default. This is one of the standout features in Chromium (and Chrome).
Although not Google-branded, Chromium still serves as Google's focal point. Chromium contains some synchronization features found in Chrome, allowing users to sign in with their Google account and sync data.
Downloading Google Chrome and Chromium
To download and install the Chrome browser, simply visit the Google Chrome download page, download the application, and install it. Alternatively, you can download it from Mytour here: Download Chrome
As for Chromium:
On Linux operating systems, you can install Chromium directly from the software repositories of your Linux distribution. For example, on Ubuntu Linux, you can install Chromium by opening the Ubuntu Software Center, searching for Chromium, and then clicking Install. Chromium receives security updates through the software repositories of your Linux distribution.
Using Chromium on Windows and Mac is slightly more challenging. You can download a Chromium build here, but Chromium won't update automatically. Chromium's updater is a closed-source part of Google Chrome. You can download builds from third parties, but these won't update automatically, and the third-party distributor must be reliable.
Download and Install Chromium: Download Chromium
Additionally, you can compile Chromium from source, but the question is, do you really want to do that with every available update? Probably not.
Concerning Spyware?
Google Chrome integrates additional Crash notification feature, however, this feature is not integrated into Chromium. If you enable the Crash notification feature on Chrome, crash error information will be sent to Google. If using Chromium, you won't receive crash error notifications. Additionally, Linux distributors may modify Chromium code before delivering it to you.
If trying to pinpoint some Chrome bugs, perhaps you should use Chrome instead of Chromium.
Furthermore, Chromium also features tracking or 'user metrics' found in Chrome. This is an optional feature to send information about how you use various parts of Google's browser, providing data that users use based on their decisions. (This is the type of data Microsoft said they used when removing the Start Menu because users weren't using it).
Previously, many users worried that each Chrome browser shipped with a unique 'client ID' and Chromium didn't have this process, however, since 2010 Google has ceased doing this.
However, Chromium boasts many features dependent on Google servers, and by default, these features are enabled. On the Chromium Settings page, you'll see the features listed there.
These features include a web service supporting typo correction, a prediction service, Google's phishing protection feature, and several others.
Distinguishing Chromium and Chrome
Which to Use: Chrome or Chromium?
Chromium stands as a great choice as it enables Linux distributions to simply require open-source software to package a web browser closely resembling Chrome and deliver that browser to their users. Linux distributions can also use Chromium as their default web browser instead of Firefox, if desired.
If you're using open-source software and trying to avoid any closed-source code, then Chromium is an excellent choice for you.
However, many Linux users aren't overly passionate about open-source software and tend to install Chrome for use instead of Chromium. Installing Chrome provides users with better Flash Player support if they're using Flash and unlocks a significant amount of online multimedia content. For example, Google Chrome on Linux can stream Netflix videos. This requires H.264 support for HTML5 video, which Chromium lacks.
Differences Between Chromium and Chrome
To better understand the differences between Chromium and Chrome, you can review the comparison table below.
When it comes to uninstalling Chromium or Chrome from your computer, you have various methods to choose from. You can use software or available tools to uninstall Chromium and Chrome from your system and install a different browser for browsing the web, listening to music, and reading news.
Choosing Chrome or Chromium? If you're using Windows or Mac, Chromium is a “difficult” choice to use - mainly because you don't receive official updates. Chromium is a choice just real
