web browser

I ocassionally have to use a Mac in my university's sports complex....gosh, what a drag. When I type in address line it shows about one char a second. Two browsing experiences so far: (1) Opened Safari, did some google local search (maps), the addresses in the left panel are invisible. Switched to Mozilla, works ok. (2) Opened Mozilla, went to blogmad.net.... crashes. Never even thought about such problems on XP.