Internet Web Browsers

You are reading this on software called a Web Browser. Different people have different browsers. However, most people use Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer is provided with most new computers. A customized version of Internet Explorer is also provided by most internet service providers. The most current version of Internet Explorer is known as IE7. If you would like to make sure you have the most current version, you can use the following steps. However, you may want to finish this Beginner's Tutorial first. If you do not want to wait until the end of the tutorial, you will see we have provided hyperlinks for future lessons in case you need any help with the following steps.

To find out what version you have, go to the Help Menu at the top of your browser window. From the drop down list, select 'About'. A new window will pop-up and provide you information about your web browser, including the version.

If you do not have the most current version, you should upgrade now for greater online safety. You may also want to check the upgrade provided by your internet service provider (ISP). They may provide some additional features on their upgraded version of Internet Explorer. We have provided the most popular ISP links below:

The upgrade is free, so there is no excuse not to upgrade now. You should also print out our Menu Bar article before you download IE7 for an adjustment you may want to make after you download the software.

Other Browsers

People with Apple's Mac computers usually have a program called Safari as their web browser. However, those who do not have Macs can still use a windows version of Safari. Others download free programs from the internet such as Firefox and Opera. If you would like to experiment with different web browsers, you will not be alone. For example, over one-third of all internet users download Firefox.

Each browser funcitons in a slightly different way and offers different features. We use both IE7 and Firefox. We find each has its positives and negatives. For example, we find Firefox has a lot more useful features but on a rare occasion we come across a web page that is not programmed properly to work with Firefox. Once you become comfortable navigating around the internet, you may want to try out one of these other browser programs.

Take advantage of Web Browsers

You can learn how to use the various features of your particular web browser by selecting 'Help' from the menu bar. One of the features to be aware of is the ability to increase the size of text and pictures on your web page. You will learn more about his in lesson 12, which covers Web Accessibility. You should also take a look at our advanced lesson on using Toolbars. Toolbars are one way to add features to your web browser. These features will enhance your internet browsing experience. For example, many toolbars will have a search box - let's say a Google search box since that is the most popular search engine. This toolbar is always available on your web browser, even as you change web pages. With this toolbar feature, you always have the search box available to perform searches on the fly. Otherwise, you would need to go to the Google web page by typing in their domain name in the Address Bar. You would need to wait for their web page to pull up before you search for something. These web browser features will help you save time.

That ends this lesson on learning more about web browsers. Now you know what kind of web browser you use. Hopefully, you have updated it to the most current version. You also know the names of other popular web browsers and know that they can provide useful features to improve your internet experience. You can always come back to this article for a refresher by using our 'Quick Access for Beginners' drop-down list in the right column of each page. The drop-down list provides a link to all of the Beginners Lessons. Javascript required.

More Lessons on Internet Help for Beginners
See also Internet Security for Beginners and Email for Beginners

Lesson 1: Computer Mouse - How to use it and when to push the buttons
Lesson 2: Hyperlinks - How to open a new web page
Lesson 3: Back Button - How to return to the previous web page
Lesson 4: Windows - How to manage windows on your screen
Current : Web Browser - What are Internet Explorer, Firefox & Safari?
Lesson 6: Address Bar - How to enter a web address
Lesson 7: Web Page vs. Web Site - Learn the difference between the two
Lesson 8: Menu Bar - Access to everything you need
Lesson 9: Bookmark Favorites - Save your favorite web sites
Lesson 10: Drop-Down-Lists - How to make selections on web sites
Lesson 11: Javascript - Why some web sites do not work for you
Lesson 12: Web-Accessibility - Problems reading web sites

Help Others & Good Luck

Our goal is to make you comfortable using the ever expanding internet. We especially want to reach out to online beginners and let them know it is not too late to get started. As more services, especially free ones, move online, we believe it is important that everyone learn the basics for navigating the internet. Think of a family member or friend who may find this web site helpful and forward it to them today. We wish you Good Luck and an Enjoyable Journey on the Internet.

ShopWithTrust.com also provides easy access to trusted retailers. We keep things simple for you by only listing stores with a long history of name recognition. We would like to be your one stop source for online shopping with stores like Macy's, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. Thank You and Best Wishes.

Return to Top of Page

Find Stores