Understanding Your Computer: Web Browsers
Web browsers allow you to navigate the internet. There are a variety
of options available, so you can choose the one that best suits your
needs.
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How do web browsers work?
A web browser is an application that finds and displays web pages. It
coordinates communication between your computer and the web server
where a particular web site "lives."
When you open your browser and type in a web address (URL) for a
web site, the browser contacts that server, requests the web page you
asked for, and displays the page on your computer. The browser
translates the code (written in a language such as HTML or XML) for
the different elements of the page (text, images, sounds) into the
appropriate format and displays the resulting page.
How many browsers are there?
There are many different browsers. Most users are familiar with
graphical browsers, which display both text and graphics and may also
display multimedia elements such as sound or video clips. However,
there are also text-based browsers. The following are some well-known
browsers:
- Internet Explorer
- Firefox
- AOL
- Opera
- Safari - a browser specifically designed for Macintosh
computers
- Lynx - a text-based browser desirable for vision-impaired users
because of the availability of special devices that read the text
How do you choose a browser?
A browser is usually included with the installation of your operating
system, but you are not restricted to that choice. Some of the factors
to consider when deciding which browser best suits your needs include
- compatibility - Does the browser work with your operating
system?
- security - Do you feel that your browser offers you the
level of security you want?
- ease of use - Are the menus and options easy to
understand and use?
- functionality - Does the browser interpret web content
correctly? If you need to install other plug-ins or devices to
translate certain types of content, do they work?
- appeal - Do you find the interface and way the browser
interprets web content visually appealing?
Can you have more than one browser installed at the same
time?
If you decide to change your browser or add another one, you don't
have to uninstall the browser that's currently on your
computeryou can have more than one browser on your computer at
once. However, you will be prompted to choose one as your default
browser. Anytime you follow a link in an email message or document, or
you double-click a shortcut to a web page on your desktop, the page
will open using your default browser. You can manually open the page
in another browser.
Most vendors give you the option to download their browsers
directly from their web sites. Make sure to verify the authenticity of
the site before downloading any files. To further minimize risk,
follow other good security practices, like using a firewall and
keeping anti-virus software up to date (see Understanding
Firewalls, Understanding
Anti-Virus Software, and other US-CERT Cyber
Security Tips for more information).
Author: Mindi McDowell
Copyright 2004 Carnegie Mellon University. Terms of use