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Cyber Security Tip ST04-022
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.
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 website "lives."
When you open your browser and type in a web address (URL) for a website,
the browser submits a request to the server, or servers, that provide the
content for that page. The browser then processes the code from the server
(written in a language such as HTML, JavaScript, or XML) and loads any other
elements (such as Flash, Java, or ActiveX) that are necessary to generate
content for the page. After the browser has gathered and processed all of
the components, it displays the complete, formatted web page. Every time you
perform an action on the page, such as clicking buttons and following links,
the browser continues the process of requesting, processing, and presenting
content.
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 computerâ??you 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 websites. 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
_________________________________________________________________
Produced 2004 by US-CERT, a government organization.
Note: This tip was previously published and is being re-distributed to increase awareness.
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