- Image by smemon87 via Flickr
While most Internet users are familiar with the concept of Web browsers, or at least of their own favorite Web browser, many people don’t know what a Web browser really is. Is it something that simply makes it easier to use the Internet, or is it the only way to use the Internet on a computer or mobile device? Is it something that really changes the user experience depending on its features, or is that just a lot of marketing hype?
A Web browser is a piece of software that allows your computer to retrieve and present the Internet to the user. It allows the view of Web pages, videos, pictures and anything else that is available online. Web browsers not only give you a way to access the Internet, they also allow you to connect with private networks and to receive information that is sent that way.
The many features that are offered do offer a different Internet browsing experience, but often that depends on the user taking advantage of the features. These include tabbed browsing, which allow users to conveniently keep many sites open at once, private browsing, which keeps websites form tracking your actions, and various “favorites” features that allow you to save sites, bookmarks and even a full row of tabs. Some features, however, are built into your user experienced and do not have to be specifically accessed in order to be of use. Most Web browsers today support the safety features of websites, including the HTTPS safety features that can help keep Internet users safe when buying or filling out forms online. Other automatic features include the saving of cookies and the speed at which an Internet user can browse the Web. Which operating system that you use may also affect how well a particular Web browser works for you.
