What are modern browsers. What browsers do and how they work - in simple and understandable words. Torch Browser - browser for downloading torrent files

Novice Internet users ask what a browser is, how it works, and which program is better to give preference to for PC and phone. Other questions arise regarding the use of the software and its installation by default. Below we will analyze in detail all the points that interest beginners.

What is a browser?

So, first of all, let's look at the meaning of the word. So what is a browser? If to speak in simple terms, a browser is a program designed to download and view pages, download files, manage applications, and perform other tasks. The first such software appeared 26 years ago in 1993. Its name is NCSA Mosaic. The creators of the browser were E. Bina and M. Anderssen, who developed a program for Windows. A feature of the software was open source code, which was later used to create more modern software - Netscape Navigator.

Considering what a browser is and why it is for you, one more thing should be noted. This is a special web interface, designed, as a rule, for surfing the Internet. This software is distributed free of charge. It may be supplied as a standalone unit or as an add-on to other elements of the software. For example, Internet Explorer comes with Windows, Safari with Mac OS X, and Google Chrome, Opera and other software as separate software.

Analyzing what a browser is on a computer, you can simply say - this is what you are now reading this text on the Internet in. At the request of the user, the browser submits a request to the web server, from where the response comes and the transfer of the desired page. After processing the information, the web browser provides information to the user in a convenient form.

In general, as you understand, in the realities of the 21st century, it is simply impossible to do without a Web browser. But let's say you already have it, what to do with it?

What is a browser for?

Above, we partially considered what a web browser is and what it is for. At the present stage, the program is used on the Internet and allows you to solve the following tasks:

  1. reading text information;
  2. downloading files;
  3. sharing data with other users;
  4. viewing pictures and videos;
  5. listening to audio files and so on.

Depending on the functionality, the browser may provide additional features, for example, logging into websites via VPN, installing individual settings etc.

Overview of popular browsers

Now let's look at what browsers are available for PCs and phones. Note that the names of web browsers may overlap. This is due to the fact that almost all manufacturers make software for computers and smartphones in order to cover the maximum market share.

For PC

If we select browsers for computers, for 2019 there are five programs in the category of the best. Let's consider them in more detail. Please note that below are the most popular ones. But if suddenly your PC does not pull them, you will need to pick up

Yandex

Yandex is a fast and convenient web browser that has many additional applications(traffic, weather, music, mail, etc.). It has a nice interface, easy to manage, supports extensions from other browsers (Opera, Chrome). When creating, the greatest attention was paid to safety. The program quickly detects and blocks suspicious sites. There is a turbo mode for loading, a smart line with useful information.

Cons - periodically there are problems with the transfer of history, the lack of benefit for people who do not use Yandex services.

Google Chrome

When considering what browsers are, one of the the best programs- Google Chrome. It has a high connection speed with pages, a simple but understandable design, a lot of applications. Here, for the first time, the search bar and address entry for the site are combined. Today, many developers have adopted this idea. It is based on the WebKit engine that was used to create Safari. Security was a key focus during development. Users are protected from phishing, viruses and other online dangers.

Pros - separate services panel, fast with other devices, availability, high speed downloads, monitoring of used resources, possibility of .

Cons - high requirements for RAM (from 2 GB or more), fast discharge of laptops, lack of Russian in many applications.

Mozilla Firefox

This web explorer is deservedly in the top three, thanks to the many useful extensions, automatic ad blocking and other "chips". Here you can quickly create screenshots, there is a built-in reader and a level of security is guaranteed. The control panel is convenient and functional, with support for WASM and WebVR. All updates are installed in automatic mode. You can change the menu settings as you like.

Pros - convenience for web developers, the ability to customize the appearance "for yourself", convenient reader for documents, reliability.

Cons - slower speed compared to competitors, periodic failures in opening pages, large RAM requirements.

Opera

It's no secret that the browser is primarily a surfing tool. In this regard, the Opera does a good job. It has been on the market for a long time (since 1994), uses the same technology as Chrome. Users have access to a turbo mode for faster downloads, a built-in VPN, a convenient access panel, and even voice control. You can watch video content in pop-up windows.

Pros - built-in VPN, widget support, a large selection of hot combinations, versatility.

Cons - less reliability, high system requirements, periodic problems when interacting with WML.

Internet Explorer

The Internet Explorer browser was once a leader, but today it has lost its position. This program is built into Windows and is installed by default. After the update, the speed of work has increased, the interface has been simplified, supported necessary programs for correct display information. In version 11, a privacy mode appeared,

Pros - does not require installation, there is a SmartScreen filter, combining the address bar with search, speeding up pages.

Cons - small functionality, poor choice of extensions, simple design.

Other developments can be added to the list already considered - Uran, Mawthon, Safari, etc.

For smartphones

Many users are more interested in the question of what is an Internet browser in the phone. In terms of functionality and purpose, this is the same program as for a PC. The difference is that the application is written for the OS for phones - Android, iOS, and so on. Therefore, working in the browser is only available from a mobile device.

The list of the best browsers for smartphones has a different look:

  • Dolphin is an app developed by MoboTap for Android and iOS smartphones. Features - great functionality, fast synchronization, gesture viewing, work with a flash player and much more. The Internet browser has a clear interface, fast download speed and incognito mode. Of the shortcomings - the lack of a mobile version.

  • Firefox is a web explorer for smartphones that supports sync, HTML5 and allows you to use multiple panes at the same time. With Firefox, you can send content to TV and be sure that you are protected from viruses. Available Quick links on a number of social networks. The main drawback is sensitivity to heavy pages that may open unevenly.

  • Google Chrome - convenient and fast browser for a phone with over 1 million users. Its features are HTML5 support, fast synchronization, the option to save data, no restrictions on the number of tabs, and a high level of security. Of the minuses - the absence a large number additions.

  • Opera mini. At one time, this browser gained popularity due to the fast loading of even heavy pages. Today it is one of the lightest and fastest web explorers with integrated security, fast data saving, night mode and news saving function. The weak point is the limited add-ons.

  • Browse Faster is a great solution for users who are looking for a fast smartphone browser. Its feature is the ability to remove ads, a high level of privacy, fast and secure browsing. The app is battery efficient, has privacy plugins, and even a password manager add-on. The downside is that there is no integration with Google.

Today, every user knows the benefits of a browser and why it is needed in the phone. This is not surprising, because surfing from a PC is gradually moving to mobile devices. This fact is confirmed by the activity of manufacturers who are increasingly focused on creating programs for smartphones. Users can only choose or iPhone. As for the above list, it can be supplemented with other programs - UC Browser, Maxthon5 Browser, etc.

How to choose a browser?

Now you know what browsers are, what it is in simple words, and how it is used. The difficulty is that in the variety of programs it is difficult to navigate and choose a worthwhile option. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, it is recommended to follow the following criteria:

  1. Popularity. For 2019, Google Chrome is considered one of the leaders. Other browsers such as Safari are not far behind. Mozilla Firefox. At the same time, Chrome has shown positive growth dynamics over the past three years. According to statistics, browsers that are in demand among users are more in demand and retain positions longer. It is difficult for new web applications to find their place in the market among the incumbent giants.
  2. Reliability. An equally important criterion is reliability, because a lot of unforeseen risks await the user on the Internet. It is important that the browser works stably and does not close due to a crash in any page. Today, major web explorer developers have changed how programs work, making them more reliable. In the event of a crash, Web Explorer restores all tabs.
  3. Convenience. This criterion is individual for each person. Some users scold Mozilla and IE, while others like them. If you look from the position of universality, one of the leaders is Google Chrome, where all the controls are well thought out.
  4. Security. Working on the Internet, a person is not protected from the actions of hackers who can steal confidential or other important information. Of course, some of the problems are taken care of by the antivirus and the firewall, but the browser should also act as one of the elements of defense. Today, all manufacturers pay maximum attention to this aspect, but Yandex and Google do it best.
  5. Speed. In the developing world, web users rely on fast page loading speeds. Frequent freezes are annoying and make you look for other browser options. The most nimble include Google Chrome, Yandex and Opera.
  6. Opportunities. Modern browsers are becoming more than just a shell for browsing. It is a "multimedia center" that replaces mailbox, TV, player and much more. From this position, the leading positions are for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

When choosing a web explorer, you need to consider that the browser is primarily an assistant when working on the Web. That is why reliability, safety and speed of work remain the main criteria.

Default browser: what is it and how to set it?

When working with a file, you see a link and click it to view the information. Immediately after that, the browser that is set by default opens. In the Windows operating system, this is almost always Internet Explorer, but the user can make changes and install the web explorer that suits him best. The question arises why it is needed. The option is set in order not to make a choice each time to launch any page or file for viewing using such software.

Consider how to set the default browser for different options:

  1. Internet Explorer. Enter the program, go to the Tools tab (at the top or bottom in the form of a gear), and then select Internet Options. Next, click on the Programs tab and select the Set as default section. Confirm your action at the final step.
  2. Opera. Enter the browser, click on the button with the red letter "O" and select Settings. Next, click on the button to use Opera by default. In earlier versions, after going to Settings, you need to enter General settings, and then Extended. Here, find the inscription Programs and check the box next to the box offering to check that the Opera browser is installed by default. Now save and try to enter the program. A question will appear whether to use the default program or not. Here the answer must be positive.
  3. Mozilla Firefox. Open the program, click on the button with horizontal lines on the right and enter Settings. There, go to the Advanced and General section. Click on the link Make Firefox the default browser and agree with the given command.
  4. Google Chrome. Enter the web explorer, click on the three dots on the right, enter Settings and set the program as the default browser.
  5. Yandex. Enter the software, click on the three lines in the upper right, enter the Settings. Next, go to the Settings tab and go down to the very bottom, where you can set the mode of interest.

After completing the above steps, the browser of interest will always open by default.

Where can I find a browser?

Now consider the location of the browser, where it is located in a computer or phone. Applied to a PC already after loading the operating system Windows browser IE can be seen on the desktop. Alternatives- go to the Start menu and find the program in the program list. Alternatively, find it on your desktop. In the phone, the browser after installation will be available from the desktop or the applications section.

How to use?

For dummies, it is very important not only to find and install a browser, but also to figure out how to use it. Each web explorer has an individual appearance and features. Let's take a quick look at each option:

  1. Opera. At the top left are the navigation buttons, then the address bar, and after it the column search engine. When you click on the "plus" is added new tab through which you can enter new page. Thanks to the navigation buttons, you can move forward and backward, as well as refresh the page. There is a convenient zoom control on the bottom right.
  2. Mozilla Firefox. Here the situation is very similar. A menu bar is provided in the upper part, below it there are tabs, and even lower on the left and right are the address entry and search windows, respectively. On the left, next to the address entry line, are the navigation buttons. At the bottom there is a panel of add-ons. Tabs are also opened by clicking on the "plus".
  3. Internet Explorer. Here the situation is similar with Mozilla. The difference is that at the very top are the address entry lines and the search column below the menu. Under it there was a place for tabs. At the bottom right there is a status bar and the ability to zoom in on the page.
  4. Google Chrome. There are tabs at the top. Below you can find a column that combines the input address and search string. To the left of it are the control buttons. On the right - a place for applications and three dots (entrance to the menu).

It is important to consider that developers are constantly optimizing their products and releasing new versions of browsers. As a result, much can change, but the principle of management itself remains constant. At the same time, everything is done so that every beginner can quickly figure it out and start surfing the Web.

Have a great day!

Technically, a web browser is a client. A program that uses the HTTP (or HTTPS) protocols to send requests to web servers over the Internet. Most browsers support email and FTP (file transfer), although a web browser is not required to work with them. There are separate programs for working with mail and file transfer.

The very first browser, whose name was WorldWideWeb, was created in 1990. The name has been changed to Nexus to avoid future confusion. The first web browser with a graphical user interface was Mosaic, which appeared in 1993. Much of the Mosaic user interface has been ported to the Netscape Nsvigator web browser. Microsoft later introduced Internet Explorer (IE), which until 2006 was one of the most popular web browsers. Then I had to choose between IE and Netscape. Today, the user has more choice. And IE has already ceased to be wildly popular, first of all, users install other web browsers for themselves.

The most common browsers

There are quite a lot of web browsers, although most are based on the most common ones. The most popular browsers today are:

  • Firefox. Developed by Mozilla, an open source version of Netscape.
  • Google Chrome. Browser from Google, one of the most popular today, both for desktop and mobile devices.
  • safari. Browser for Apple devices. The third most popular, works only with operating systems from Apple.
  • Opera. Fast, stable, compatible with most operating systems browser.
  • Lynx. Text browser for UNIX and VMS users.
  • Internet Explorer. The browser from Microsoft is still actively updated, maintained and optimized, despite the impressive competition.
  • Flock. A browser based on Firefox with Web 2.0 support for blogging and social bookmarking.
  • Tor. Browser for absolutely anonymous access to the network. It is usually used to bypass a territorial ban on displaying certain pages and access to the darknet.

Modern browsers are constantly updated and provide users with more and more opportunities to visit the worldwide web. So don't forget to update when it comes out a new version. Updates to such client software are completely free.

Basic functions and browser management

The main functionality of all web browsers is the same. They are designed to communicate with web servers and provide user access to websites. You can download them from the official websites of the developers, they are completely free. Each browser has its own toolbar with which you can access your favorite sites. Including ours.

The set of tools and buttons for browsers is usually similar. There is an address bar, forward and backward buttons, a refresh button, and a button to stop loading the page. All have their own menu where you can set custom settings if necessary. Also in the browser you can see the history of the pages that you visited recently. And you can clear it so that no one else gets access to this information. Browsers differ in speed, extensions and user interface.

Before novice Internet users, a huge the world of free information. Unlimited access to it gives people great opportunities: to study any languages ​​and sciences, read books, communicate, etc.

However, many users are stopped by a barrier of a large number of unfamiliar terms. Words such as authorization and browser look unfamiliar to beginners and can be misleading that the Internet is difficult.

These seemingly complex terms have enough simple and clear definitions. With their help, navigating the Internet will become easier even for a beginner.

What is a browser?

The word that a novice Internet user recognizes first of all is browser. Without it, it is impossible to access the Internet. In other words, a browser is special program to view .

The Internet works without a browser, but data cannot be obtained from it. He asks for information world wide web, after receiving it, processes it and transfers it to the user's screen.

Publishing Developers software for free use of the Internet, they are trying to improve web browsers and expand their functionality. Technological progress and constant competition between developers speeds up the process of improving browsers.

Main functions executed by the browser:

  • Opening web pages, i.e. search, receipt and processing of information requested by the user;
  • Download necessary files: movies, games, images, music and more;
  • Information storage: saving browsing history, remembering passwords, the ability to save favorite sites on the quick access panel;

In addition to the main functions, modern internet browsers have and some extras:

  • Change in appearance. Everyone can choose a visual theme for their browser based on their own taste.
  • Providing information about the weather, new messages, important news, etc.
  • Protecting your computer from malicious software. On the Internet, you can find not only the answer to almost any question, but also malicious software. To exclude the possibility of infecting your computer via the Internet, you must install an antivirus and a web browser extension.

There are many more additional applications for the browser, designed for a more comfortable stay of the user on the World Wide Web. Listening and downloading music, fast access to your loved ones social networks and other resources - far from full list extensions that you can add to your browser.

The necessary extensions are installed using special online stores. All popular browsers have it.

Default browser

Modern software for using the Internet is usually released not only for a computer, but also for other popular platforms. Any number of browsers can be downloaded to each device, however, only one can be the main one.

The default browser is the browser with which all links will open provided by other installed programs.

There is several ways set browser as master:

  1. Through browser settings. The “Set default browser” item is in the settings of every modern browser, this is the easiest way to make the browser the main one.
  2. Through the control panel. In all Windows versions up to 10 in the control panel there is an item “Programs”. From it you need to go to “Default Programs”, then “Set Default Programs” and select your favorite browser as the main one.
  3. Answer “Yes” in the pop-up dialog box asking about setting the default browser.

What are the browsers?

It is difficult to name all existing browsers, since there are a huge number of them. However, one can distinguish Most Popular.

  1. internet explorer. For many, the very first browser they had to work with. Comes with a standard operating system.
  2. Google chrome. To date, this browser is considered the most popular in Russia and the CIS countries. Gained popularity due to its simplicity and functionality.
  3. Mozilla Firefox. Browser for advanced users. It has great functionality, and the number of extensions offered.
  4. Opera. The most simple and intuitive browser that has existed for over twenty years.
  5. Yandex browser. Attitude seriously new browser, which has already managed to gain popularity among Internet users.

Each of these browsers is good in some way. It's worth choosing The most convenient for myself. You should analyze the functionality of each Internet browser and install the most suitable one.

The browser is a tool for accessing the World Wide Web WWW. To get the most out of the internet you need to understand and know various functions web browser.

In this lesson, you will learn what a browser is, and we will also talk about navigating the Internet with a browser, downloading files, bookmarking your favorite sites, tabs, and plugins.

A browser is a program for viewing web pages. With the help of a browser, you have the ability to surf the Internet, visit websites, view images on the Internet, movies, listen to music, etc. Right now you are reading this material using a browser.

What are the browsers

There are many web browsers nowadays, but the most popular ones are (Chrome) and firefox(Firefox) . Other browsers: Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari. Each of the above browsers has its own look and feel and navigation, but they share the same goal: to load web pages correctly and quickly.

Like most modern programs, browsers use graphical user interface (GUI), which means you can navigate and perform actions with the mouse, and not, as in the early days of the computer, by typing commands.

Some devices, for example, use different types graphical interfaces such as touch screens. However, many principles remain unchanged.

In the image below GUI a computer where we use a mouse and a smartphone touch interface where finger touches are used instead of a mouse.

Navigation

To better learn how to work with the browser, you should know some basic concepts.

All browsers have an address bar that shows the web address (also called URL) of the page you are on. To go to another page, you can enter the URL in address bar and press Enter.

Links

Basically, to go to another page, you can go by clicking on the link. They may be in the form text or Images, and usually they stand out. They are mostly blue in color and can be underlined. If you do not understand this link or not, then move the mouse cursor over it, and it should change its appearance to a hand icon.

Sometimes after you click on a link, you may want to return to the previous page. To do this, you can use the Back button. , then you can click on the Forward button to follow the link again. You can use the Refresh button in cases where the page did not load correctly, pictures are not visible, or part of the text is missing, etc. This happens sometimes.

There are times when you shouldn't use navigation buttons. For example, in online stores, you should not refresh the page after purchasing a product or during a purchase, because this may result in the purchase of the product twice.

Many browsers have combined the address bar and search bar into one bar. Line where to be Page URL, in the same place you can write the search conditions. However, there are browsers that have a built-in search bar as a separate panel.

Adding a bookmark

If you find a page that interests you on the Internet, you can bookmark it. They are added to bookmarks in order to make it easier to return to the page later and not forget it. This is convenient and easier than memorizing long obscure addresses and constantly typing them into the address bar.

  • In Chrome, you can add a bookmark by clicking on the star, which is located at the end of the address bar on the right. Bookmarks are added in the same way in other browsers.

History

Suppose you visited a page a few days ago but forgot to bookmark it. You can find this page using history, which is a list of sites/pages you've visited before. Pages usually remain in history for a certain number of days. For privacy, you can delete the history at any time.

View history

  • To view the history in the Chrome browser, click on the button in the upper right corner and select the History item:

Deleting history

  • To delete history in Chrome, go to history and click Clear History.

If you have a different browser, the process for viewing and deleting history will be different.

All browsers allow you to open the link in a new tab. This allows you to leave the current page open. For example, if you are reading an article that contains a link, then you can open the link in a new tab and finish reading that article and then switch to the new tab.

Tabs are designed to make browsing more convenient. You can open as many tabs as you want. They will stay in the same browser window without cluttering the screen with multiple windows.

  • To open the link in a new tab, click right click click on the link and click "Open link in new tab"

File upload

You can download various types of files from the Internet using a browser. Suppose you need to fill out and print a form that you found on the Internet. You can download it to your desktop and then open it with an appropriate program (for example, with help from Microsoft word).

How to download a file?

If you click on the link under which there is a file you need, it can automatically download. And sometimes it will just open in the browser instead of downloading. In this case, to download the file, you need to right-click on the link and select "Save target as ..."

This does not mean that you can download anything from any sites. Some sites do not allow you to download content.

Some sites do not allow you to save their images.

Plugins

Plugins are programs installed on your browser that allow it to play videos and flash animations. For example, the plugins Quicktime Player and Flash Player. If you do not have the required plugins installed, the site will give you a link to download the plugin instead of playing the video.

If you have the necessary plugins, you will be able to enjoy video streaming and play games.