Web Browsers   A web browser is the software program you use to access the World Wide Web. The easy-to-use point-and-click interface helped popularize the Web. The Top Three Although there are many different browsers are available, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox and Netscape Navigator are the most popular which can be downloaded for free from each company's website. Surfing on the web can be tricky. That's where your browser really helps, as it comes loaded with all sorts of handy features. Browser Anatomy When you first launch your web browser, the predefined web page that appears is referred to as your home page or start page. The Toolbar The row of buttons at the top of your browser, known as the toolbar, helps you travel through the web of possibilities, keeping track of where you've been. The arrow pointing left is the Back button that returns you to the previous page you've visited. The arrow pointing right is the Forward button that returns you to the page you just came from. The house icon or web browser logo is the Home or Start page where you started from. The twirling arrows icon is the Reload or Refresh which loads the web page again ensuring the recent data has been updated. The Printer icon will print a hard copy of the current page loaded in your browser. The “X” icon is the Stop button which aborts the browser from loading the current page. The magnifying glass is the Search feature that connects to directories and search tools. The Address Bar Just under the toolbar, you will see a box labeled "Location," "Go To," or "Address." This is where you type the address or URL of a website you want to visit. After you enter it, press the Return or Enter key to access the site or click on the "Go" or Arrow button to the right of the address box. By clicking the small triangle to the right of the Location box, you will get a drop-down list of the most recent websites you've visited. To revisit a site, just click on the address. One final word of advice: Your web browser is your gateway to the Internet. Take the time to learn about its features. In the long run, it will save you hours of frustration and open up a cache of treasures. Back to Tip of the Month

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