What Is a Web Browser?

A web browser is a software program that allows you to view and search the Internet from your computer. Without a browser, you cannot view web pages. The browser’s primary function is to retrieve a requested web page, convert the code, and display a readable page; however, browsers also offer tools and features to help you find and organize information from the web. The most widely used browsers are:

Browser Tools
Most web browsers feature a toolbar similar to the one below, which displays buttons you can click to perform common functions.

Web browser toolbar screen shot

Buttons usually include:

  • Back: Returns you to the previously viewed web page.
  • Forward: Returns you to the page from which you have backed up.
  • Stop: Stops the browser from loading a page.
  • Refresh (or Reload): Downloads the current web page from the server again.
  • Home: Returns you to your homepage (as specified in your browser preferences).
  • Favorites (or Bookmarks): A place to save your favorite websites.
  • History: Lists recently visited websites.
  • Print: Prints the contents of the browser window.

Navigation Basics
There are two ways to navigate the web:

  • Click on links that appear on web pages, which will then take you to other web pages.
  • Navigate to a page directly by typing the URL into the address box (or location box). (It is not necessary to type the http://because the browser automatically inserts it.) Press the Enter key.

Remember not to confuse your browser's address box with a search engine box (such as Yahoo, Google, or AOL).

Screeen shot of the address box and Google search box

Each time you click on a link or enter a URL, the browser requests the page from the web server that stores the page. If the browser displays a 404 error message,check to be sure the URL is absolutely correct — even one typo can prevent the browser from finding the page. The 404 error message can also mean that the server that hosts the website is currently unavailable (or "down").

While waiting for a web page to appear (or "load") you’ll see the browser icon in the upper-right corner of the window moving; when the page has loaded the icon will become static. The status bar located at the bottom-left of the browser window also indicates whether the page is in the process of loading, or if it is done. Load time for web pages depends on the type of Internet connection you have.

Browser Versions
Most web pages are designed to be viewed in newer versions of Internet Explorer. (IE is the most widely used browser because it comes installed with the Windows operating system.) Be aware that the same web page may look slightly different in another browser or in older versions of IE. Downloading the latest version of your browser when it is released will help to ensure the most up-to-date functionality.

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