Quexim

What’s [in] a browser?

If the above is a question you’re not sure of the answer to, then why not take 5 minutes to stop and improve your internet experience?

An internet browser is what lets you navigate the web and view and interact with websites and web applications.  Some people are peripherally aware of browsers, though they may not be familiar with the term, others have a decent idea of the differences between the options available to them.

Here, for your delight and delectation is a quick run-down of the most popular options:

Internet Explorer

Most people’s first experience of the web comes through using Internet Explorer.  This browser is included with Microsoft’s Windows operating system and new users often [wrongly] presume this is their only option for browsing the internet.

Many people are using an out of date version of Internet Explorer, which means less compatibility with modern websites as well as more security vulnerabilities.  If you don’t want to change browsers, the very least you should do is update to the lateste version,  Internet Explorer 8.

Download the latest version of Internet Explorer at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/

Firefox

Pretty much the most popular browser overall in Europe, used by approximately 47% of people online, Firefox is fast, strong and easily adaptable.  If you currently use internet explorer, Firefox can import all your bookmarks and settings to make the transition seamless.

You’ll find many addons for Internet Explorer also have Firefox versions, so it is unlikely that you’ll encounter any problems at all in switching over.  Best of all, Firefox has a massive repository of addons that you can install in one click: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/

Download firefox at http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/

Opera

Opera is a browser with a rich history, originally created in 1994. Over the past few years Opera has become totally free, eliminating the browser adverts that originally came with it. Opera has long been standards compliant, adhering strictly to internet design protocols, but remaining user friendly and fast.

Download Opera at http://www.opera.com/

Safari

Safari comes pre-installed on Apple computers.  Versions are available for Windows computers as well.  Safari performs well, though lacks the range customisable features in Firefox and Opera.

Download safari at http://www.apple.com/safari/

Google Chrome

Chrome is the most recent addition to the web browser market, created by Google. Chrome has a slightly different modus operandi to the other popular browsers and is optimised for fast speed with web applications, most notably Google’s own online office and email applications.

Whilst Chrome is probably the fastest browser on this list, it is still in its early stages and lacks the ability to customise it to any great extent.

Download Google Chrome at http://www.google.com/chrome