I’ve gushed before about my web browser preferences, but these are exciting times for web surfers. Since the world-wide-web came into existence, web browsers have been like Sith – there are only two…two that count, anyway. And just like Sith, they may play nice while secretly desiring to destroy the other and rule the universe web. In the early days, it was Netscape dueling it out with Mosaic. That eventually turned into Internet Explorer vs. Netscape, which gave way to the Firefox/IE deathmatch. Web browsers have been like the de-facto two-party American political system, with fringe contenders getting very little attention despite frequently having what people are looking for. Although, now that I examine my metaphors a little more closely, I’m a bit concerned over the American political system’s similarity to those who practice the Dark Jedi arts.

Well, all of that is about to change in a very exciting way. Um, not the American political party part…we’re all still pretty screwed when it comes to that. But, the web browser market is about to become very, very interesting today with the launch of Google Chrome, the brand-spanking-new open-source web browser from Google. Yes, the Google. After reading their comic book that details the features and process of developing development process [edit: what was I thinking?], I’m pumped about getting the chance to put Chrome though its paces.

Of course, Chrome’s not the only thing to get excited about in the browser wars. I’m still a big fan of Opera’s speed and stability, even though it throws an occasional hissy-fit with plugins (especially flash). Microsoft recently released IE 8 beta 2, which finally displays this website correctly (horray for standards!), and has some usability and security features similar to Chrome. Even Apple has a web browser…you know, if you’re into alternative lifestyles. And there’s that other browser that people yammer on about…what’s it called, fireblah or something?

I’m traveling this week for “business”, so I won’t get a chance to play with Chrome too much until the weekend, but let me know in the comments below if any of you get a chance to tinker with it.