Lynx vs GNU IceCat
When comparing Lynx vs GNU IceCat, the Slant community recommends Lynx for most people. In the question“What are the best desktop web browsers?” Lynx is ranked 2nd while GNU IceCat is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Lynx is:
Lynx was first released in 1992. Using it is one of the best hands-on ways to understand the history of the Web.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Oldest web-browser still in general use
Lynx was first released in 1992. Using it is one of the best hands-on ways to understand the history of the Web.
Pro Lightweight and lower ram usage than Chrome
Chrome uses like 600+MB of ram just for facebook and an adblocker and idm extension, but lynx runs on command so it's a lot better if you want results quickly.
Pro Still under active development
Lynx offers surprising compatibility with current WWW standards, including SSL/TLS.
Pro Naturally well-suited to accessibility tools
Being a text-based browser, Lynx is easy to operate using text-to-speech or Braille tools for visually-impaired users.
Pro All the benefits of Firefox, but with 100% free software
Pro LibreJS
LibreJS blocks proprietary JavaScript code, ensuring your user freedom.
Pro Protects your freedom, certified free by the FSF
Pro Extra security and privacy features
Pro Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.
Pro No spyware
Pro Https-Everywhere by default
Pro SpyBlock
Blocks privacy trackers.
Cons
Con Too much bloat
The browser comes with 15 addons installed by default, most of which are useless or ruin one's browsing experience.
Con Mainly just an old Firefox
It is mainly a renamend older version of Firefox that comes preinstalled with some extensions.
Con Not up to date
Latest binary is still version 60.7 ESR and was last updated over a year ago
Con Requires too much unnecessary configuration to use
You have to manually delete all the bloated addons from your files (only for them to show up again when the browser is updated) and manually install some addons and themes that the browser labels as "corrupt".
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Can't install some Firefox themes/addons
"Installation aborted because the addon appears to be corrupt".
Con Includes LibreJS by default with no way to remove it
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Dependent on Mozilla
Since IceCat is based off Firefox, it's dependent on all of Mozilla's decisions.
Con Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.