Internet browsers let you search, visit and explore websites, stream videos, shop online and use web apps. Modern browsers also improve privacy, security, accessibility and speed for a better user experience.
An internet browser—also known as a web browser—is a software application used to access, retrieve, and view information on the World Wide Web. When you type a website address (URL) or click on a link, the browser sends a request to the website’s server, fetches the content, and displays it in a readable format, typically combining text, images, and interactive elements.
Modern browsers also play a critical role in web security. They help enforce encryption (HTTPS), block harmful scripts, detect phishing attempts, and offer sandboxing to isolate harmful processes. Some even integrate password managers and tools to block trackers or ads.
Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari are the primary four, with honourable mentions to Opera and Brave. There are well over 20-30 actively maintained browsers that are available for people to use but most use the core four listed.
Apart from Firefox and Safari, all of the browsers listed are built from a Google project called Chromium. This is the code for the foundation of an Internet Browser. Companies take this code and use it as the foundation of their own browsers then tweak the design, add features like ad-blockers, privacy tools, performance enhancements, account syncing, etc. These customised versions of Chromium are then released by these companies as Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera and more. Each one bringing a slightly unique experience.
Google Chrome has long been one of the most popular browsers for home users, Microsoft Edge has taken over from Internet Explorer as the corporate browser of choice, Safari is the typical browser associated and used on Apple products and Firefox, arguably the primary browser used on Linux, has a dedicated following of people who prefer not to use a Chromium based browser due in part to privacy and tracking concerns.
This is not to say these browsers are only used in the scenarios above. You can use whatever you want on your personal devices and you may find some organisations use Chrome or some other browser instead of Edge.
It’s easy to assume everyone’s familiar with using an Internet Browser because you’re reading this page on one right now but just because you’ve clicked a link and some software has opened automatically doesn’t automatically mean you’re familiar with how to use it.
It’s easy to assume everyone’s familiar with using an Internet Browser because you’re reading this page on one right now but just because you’ve clicked a link and some software has opened automatically doesn’t automatically mean you’re familiar with how to use it.
| Feature | Description |
| Address Bar | The address bar, sometimes known as the search bar, normally runs along the top of the browser and allows you to type in website addresses (URL’s) or keywords which begin a search |
| Favourites | A favourite is a saved link to a website you want to visit again easily. Just like adding a page to your reading list, it lets you return to a site without remembering the address. Most browsers let you organise favourites into folders or add them to a toolbar for quick access. |
| Tabs | Tabs let you open multiple websites in one window, like flipping through pages in a notebook. Each site stays open in its own tab at the top of the browser, so you can switch between them without closing anything. |
| Incognito | Incognito mode, also known as InPrivate mode or Private Browsing, lets you browse the web without saving your history, searches, or cookies. It’s useful if you’re shopping for a surprise gift, using a shared device, or don’t want the browser to remember what you did. Most people use it for porn. Be aware that incognito only stops your browser from remembering your browsing activity after you have closed the browser (or tab). It will not hide your browsing activity from your Internet Service Provider. |
The primary part of an Internet browser is the bar that allows you to type website addresses, IP addresses and search terms which ..
http://www.example.com
https://www.example.com
http://example.com
https://example.com
www.example.com
example.com
Break down a URI ( https:// + www + example + .com )
As browsers continue to become more advanced, new features are being introduced to help with disabilities, tackle [adverts?Tracking?Privacy?], protect against malicious [_______], and more.
Audio Naration, Distraction Free Focus Mode, integration with Artificial Intelligence Assistants, automatic translation, Light/Dark/Colourful Themes
Another big area with modern browsers are extensions to help enhance and customise your browser.
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site: reddit