What is a web browser?

A web browser is a program on your computer that allows you to access websites on the internet.

The web is written in a computer language called HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Browsers translate this so that we can read it easily.

There are many browsers available. If you're using a Windows PC,  your machine probably came with the browser Internet Explorer. If you are using an Apple Mac, you'll have been supplied with Safari. No matter which browser you're using, you'll find that they all do more or less the same job.

Here are the  most popular browsers:

• 
Internet Explorer (Microsoft)
• 
Safari (Apple)
• 
Firefox (Mozilla)
• 
Chrome (Google)


Browsers' benefits and key features

• They're free to download.
• You can have more than one on your computer.
• They all work in a similar way.
• They allow users to explore websites anywhere on the internet.
• Can be personalised by allowing users to add favourites or set a different home page (the first page that you see when you open your browser).

INTERNET

How to connect to the internet

Today, it’s possible to connect to and use the internet in many different ways

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In summary

• It’s possible to connect to the internet via a range of devices these days — though desktop and laptop computers, mobile phones and tablets are the most common.
• However, everyday items such as watches, even central heating systems and refrigerators, are now capable of using the internet.
• In order for any device to actually get online though, requires signing up for a specialised service for accessing the internet. 
• These internet access services are generally of two types: internet fixed to a specific location and provided by internet service providers, or mobile internet that can be used out and about, which are provided by mobile phone networks.
• People use one or the other (or both) types of internet access — fixed or mobile — depending on the device they’re using, their immediate environment and budgets.

INTERNET

What is the Internet?

The internet is a telecommunications network that uses telephone lines, cables, satellites and wireless connections to connect computers and other devices to the World Wide Web. All modern computers can connect to the internet, as can many mobile phones and some televisions, video game consoles and other devices.

 

The internet can be used to:

 

• access a huge 'library' of information from the millions of websites around the world that make up the World Wide Web
• send and receive email messages
• share photographs and video clips with your friends and family
• buy goods and services (and often save money!)
• carry out online banking
• use Skype to make free phone calls to other computer users
• play games with other people online
• catch up on TV and radio programmes that you've missed – or watch them again
• learn something new with an online course