Ah, the humble internet browser. So crucial to our experience of the internet, yet so easy to take for granted. Let's be real, how many of us really think about our choice of web browser these days? If you don't settle for the default browser provided by your operating system, then the first thing you likely do when setting up a new device is to download Google Chrome. It's fast, it's free, and it's convenient -- what's not to like?

Still, Google's ubiquitous internet browser wasn't always the dominant force it is now. Sure, its popularity may make it seem like the browser was always a fixture of the internet, but that's far from the truth. It may seem impossible to imagine in a world where the majority of internet users opt for Chrome, but there was a time when Internet Explorer (IE) ruled the roost. Chrome, on the other hand, was the new kid on the block, trying to catch up to the big names and offer users something different.

From its early days to its ascendancy and culminating in its market dominance today, Chrome has taken quite a journey to reach its current stature. If you've ever wondered how things got the way they are today, then this look back at the birth, growth, and evolution of Google Chrome is for you.