Technology Tip Number 84
Browsing the Web with a Browser

Web browsers are programs that are used to view the internet.  The most popular web browsing program had been Microsoft's Internet Explorer.  Chances are rather high that if you are work you are viewing this webpage through Internet Explorer right now. There are other web browsers out there and they are usually free to download.  At home you might be using another browser like Firefox, Chrome or Safari. Here are some statistics on the most popular web browsers:http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp

Below is a screenshot of some of the most common web browsers and a link to more information about them:

Internet Explorer:
This had been the most common web browser.  Just in case you’re curious here’s a link to more information about Internet Explorer: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx

Firefox:  
It is said to have better security than internet explorer.  Currently it's the second most popular browser in the world.  Here is a link to the free download for more information:  http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

Opera:
This one is supposed to be popular in Europe.  Here’s a link to their free download in case you’d like to try it at home:  http://www.opera.com/

Safari:
This is the official browser from Apple and it is available as a free download here:  http://www.apple.com/safari/

Netscape:
This was the first really big web browser.  It has since declined and is no longer available.  You can read about it here:  http://browser.netscape.com/

Chrome:
From Google this free browser is quickly becoming a popular choice for it's ease of use and speed.
http://www.google.com/chrome 

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Take a look at one or two of these other browsers sometime today.  If you'd like to, you could even download one and see if you like it.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  To find out more about different web browsers try searching the internet for:

How web browsers work
New web browsers

Looking for Something?