Use Better History Extension in Chrome to Make Your Browsing History Clearer
For frequent users of the Chrome web browser, the history function which lists the most recent web sites viewed can leave a lot to be desired. One doesn't need to be satisfied with that though because the Better History extension for Google Chrome completely replaces the standard history view with something altogether improved.
Access The Past With Better History
Once installed, the same Ctrl + H View history keyboard action will bring up the Chrome history but from inside the Better History extension which avoids the need to memorize a different way of seeing the web history. A time icon will be installed in the graphical extension list at the top of Chrome next to the Menu selector which once clicked opens up the new history and there is also the History menu item too.
Activity Page
The Activity page is perhaps the most useful. It has the usual history search option in the top right corner, but it also lists the recent day and date (with the most recent on the left-hand side) along the top as navigational headers. Below the days is a list of the times of the day. Each are selectable in order to drill down to specific Chrome web activity during the date and time needed.
With the activity display the time is shown near the top with the web sites accessed and downloads completed. Then each earlier time with additional activity information is shown below this. It is very clear and nicely laid out with good use of color so that Chrome users can quickly scan through their recent history and spot the link they're looking for.
Devices Page
The Devices page displays tags at the top for all the devices used with Chrome. This includes everything from a PC and a Mac, to an iPad and a Chromebook. Individual tags can be clicked on to display the activity for that device alone. Simple and straightforward while being useful when using the desktop and wanting to quickly see that web site pulled up on the smart phone on the way home from work.
Searches
Searches can be run for multiple search terms at once. The number of instances found is shown with a breakdown of each page title and linked url with the visited date and time indicated too. Each successful match found is highlighted in the search screen. Using the right click options will add further choices for searching the domain of the site or the web page for the search term.
Regular Updates
The software is now into its third major version. It is frequently updated and was last modified on January 7 2015. The download size has also been kept very reasonable at just 258 kilobytes so despite the many updates the extension hasn't suffered from code bloat.
Watch Out For The Delete Button
One user got caught out when using the Better History extension when he clicked on the Delete Button which is near the search area. The delete button will delete the entire Chrome web history, rather than the search history in order to enter a new search. Don't make the same mistake as one Chrome user did when using this button.
Recommended
Other than this minor issue to be careful about, the Better History extension is well worth considering because it adds some refinement to the history feature built into the web browser without overcomplicating things in the process. Get this free extension from the Chrome Web Store.
