Introduction to Browsers

Websites are created in code and are entirely unreadable to the average person. A browser is an app that turns that code into the beautiful web pages you can see on your monitor. The image below shows the code (to the left) and the result of that code executing in a browser.

Your computer or mobile device came with a default browser. Windows computers offer Edge, and Apple computers, iPhones, and iPads have Safari. Android smartphones and Chromebooks feature the Chrome browser. Firefox is a popular 3rd party browser that works on all platforms. These browsers together control over 95% of the market. These browsers offer a variety of user settings for security and privacy, but none consider privacy the primary objective. This course will look at the three most popular browsers that work across Windows, Apple, and Android devices: Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. What you learn here will apply to any of the major browsers.

Edge.  Microsoft product. Edge is the default browser installed with Windows. Microsoft has developed Edge to be fast and use few computer resources. Edge is available for Android and Apple smartphones and tablets. Edge is currently the second-most popular browser and is gaining on Chrome.

Chrome. Chrome is currently the most popular browser in the world. Chrome is the default browser on all Android phones and Chromebooks. Chrome is also a popular third-party browser for Windows and Apple iPhone and iPad users, partly because it is made by Google and works well with other Google products like Gmail and YouTube. (https://www.google.com/chrome/)

Firefox.  This independent browser is a product of the nonprofit Mozilla foundation and is the most privacy-focused of the mainstream browsers. Firefox blocks third-party cookies by default. Firefox has apps for Windows, Apple, and Android. (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/)

Browsers share basic look and functions

Most browsers look and function much the same. All major browsers open web pages in tabs, have similar back and forward and refresh buttons, and have the option to open a private or incognito page for surfing without leaving a history of your internet searches and page views stored on your computer. Let’s take a look at some of the standard tools and features.

All browsers have a combination search/address box

Sometimes called a universal search box, you can type in an address (like “pbs.org”) or a search query (like “restaurant near me”). The example below shows the Firefox browser with the search/address box circled. You can also use the Google search box in the lower area to search or enter an address.

All browsers have a back, forward, and refresh button

Browsers have Back and Forward buttons to go back to a previous page, go forward to a page after you have used the back button, and a Refresh button to reload the current page. The example below is the Firefox browser.

Browsers open web pages in tabs and have a + (plus) button for opening a new tab

Each web page opens in its own tab. Clicking + opens a new tab. Click on a tab to view the page. You can reorder tabs by dragging them left or right. The Chrome browser is pictured below.

Filters and tools

You can customize your results if you just want to see images or videos or want only recent results or results from a specific date range using filters and tools.

Browsers have a private window feature

When you browse in a private window, your search and page view history is deleted on your computer when you close the window. Edge, as shown below, calls it a New InPrivate window, Firefox calls it a New private window, and Chrome calls it a New incognito window. Private browsing does not hide your identity or internet history from your ISP, employer, or the sites you visit.

All major browsers can store your passwords

Using weak passwords and reusing passwords on multiple sites is a major no-no. Browsers can safely store your passwords and help you sign into sites by automatically logging into sites. Some browsers can save credit cards and addresses and automatically fill those in on forms.

How should you choose a browser?

The major browsers (except Safari) are cross-platform, meaning they will work on Windows, Android, and Apple devices. Sticking with one browser makes syncing bookmarks and passwords easier. However, it’s easy to use even a combination of browsers if you prefer one on your mobile device and another on your desktop or laptop.