#0033 Chrome vs. Google: What's the Difference?

The Two are NOT the Same

Let's clear up the confusion between Chrome and Google, two words that are often mixed up. Many people think they're the same thing, but they're actually very different. This explanation will help you understand what each one really is.

Chrome

Chrome is a web browser. A browser is a program you use to browse the internet. There are other web browsers too, like Edge, Firefox, and Opera. Chrome is just one option. A browser is installed on your computer, and it acts as a gateway to the internet. Most browsers are free to download and use.

Chrome is also a type of program or application (these terms mean the same thing). Other examples of programs include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and even games like Solitaire. A browser, like Chrome, is just a specific type of program made to help you access the web.

Google

On the other hand, Google is a search engine. A search engine is a tool you use to find information on the internet. Their job is to provide links to billions of websites. Think of it like a huge online directory or a digital version of an old-fashioned library card catalog. You type in what you're looking for, and Google shows you a list of websites that have what you need. The results are ranked based on a multitude of statistics with the best ones rising to the top.

There are other search engines as well. Bing, Yahoo and DuckDuckGo. All of these search engines are free to use. ALL OF THEM collect information about you. Some collect more data than others. The primary purpose is to create a database. This data is sold to advertisers to help them show targeted ads.

Summary

To sum it up, you need a browser (like Chrome) to access a search engine (like Google). I beleive that the confusion happens because when you open Chrome, it automatically shows the Google search engine as the default home page. In addition, Chrome and Google are the same company and many people are mistakenly using the names interchangeably.