Your choice in web browsing software has a dramatic effect on the way you access information on the Web. We beleive everyone should make an informed decision about which software they use, one based upon the necessary features of any such software and the pros and cons of each individual option.
A brief introduction to the World Wide Web
Whenever we say the Web, we are referring to the vast collection of interlinking web pages that make up the entity known as the World Wide Web. Like many other computer systems, the Web is based on the client-server model of software design. Powerful servers all over the Internet are home to the code, text, databases and multimedia files that combine to form web pages and applications. Your computer is the client; the client sends a request for a web page to a server, and in most cases the sever responds by sending back the requested web page.
The role of the web browser
A web browser is a piece of client software that enables you (the user) to request and display web pages. When you type in a URL (address) such as www.ofzenandcomputing.com or click on a link, the web browser looks up the numerical address of the server associated with that URL. Once the server is found, the web browser sends a request for the web page located at that URL. If the server sends back a web page, the web browser will read and interpret (and in some cases execute) the code sent by the server, download any multimedia files referenced by that code (such as images), and draw the web page on your screen as it is described by that code.
Common features of web browsers
You’re going to run into many strange words and acronymns when comparing the features of different web browsers. Here’s a list of common web browser vocabulary.
- Extension - A small add-on program that can give a browser extended functionality for almost any task imaginable. Automatic form completion and visual modification to web pages are some examples of what extensions are capable of.
- Open Source - A term referring to software whose code is available for review, modification and/or redistribution under the terms of an open source license.
- Pop-up - A type of advertisement that appears in a new window on the user’s screen in an attempt to draw attention to itself.
- RSS - A method of syndicating content on the web. See our non-technical explanation of RSS for more info.
- Search Integration - The inclusion of a search box directly in the browser, which is often powered by a third party search engine such as Google or MSN. Previously, a user would have to visit a search engine’s site before being able to search.
- Spyware - Malicious software whose purpose is to covertly record your activity, and possibly report back to its originator.
- Tabbed Browsing - Organizing multiple web pages in the same window via folder-like tabs, as opposed to opening up a separate browser window for every site you visit.
- Widget - A small “mini program” that runs independently of your browser window and usually has one very specific function, such as checking the weather or downloading sports scores.
Camino
Camino is a Mac-only browser, designed from the ground up to run on Apple’s platform. Camino is based on technology from the Mozilla Foundation, meaning that Camino displays web pages using the same software as other Mozilla products such as Firefox. Camino is Open Source Software and is based on Mozilla.
Flock
Flock emphasizes interactivity in the web instead of simple observation. Flock employs a number of additional features, and even integration with certain websites to empower you as participant in the “social” aspects of the Web. With Flock, you can share photos, socialize with others, publish your own content, and more. Flock is Open Source Software, and is also based on Mozilla.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer has traditionally been a staple of the Microsoft Windows operating, and ships with all Windows PCs by default. IE’s broad availability and tight integration with Windows has made it the most widely used browser on the Web. With the upcoming releases of Internt Explorer, Microsoft is focusing on many of the features that are causing some to switch to alternative software. Some of those features include tabbed browsing, pop-up protection, and various security & privacy features.
Mozilla Firefox
The Firefox web browser is the flagship product from the Mozilla Foundation. Firefox features tabbed browsing, spyware, virus & pop-up protection, and numerous privacy features. The Mozilla Foundation stresses security, privacy, fast browsing and accessibility as the key reasons for choosing Firefox. Additionally, Firefox allows developers to create their own add-on programs that increase the browser’s functionality, so it has a large community of enthusiastic users producing handy extensions to the program.
Opera
Opera is a browser that aims to match the strengths of its competitors and then set itself apart with an expansive range of features. In addition to security, privacy, tabbed browsing, and search integration, Opera features BitTorrent, chat, widgets, voice recognition, and more. Opera also has versions of its software aimed at the mobile market, aptly named Opera Mini and Opera Mobile.
Safari
Web browser Safari comes pre-installed on all of Apple’s computers just like Internt Explorer on a PC, although it’s not as tightly integrated into the rest of the operating system as MSIE is. Safari puts a familiar Apple face on browsing the Web by including features such as RSS functionality, speedy browsing, tabbed browsing, and parental controls. Safari lets you sync up your bookmarks and RSS feeds across numerous Apple computers by connecting to the .Mac service.
Other Browsers
We’ve covered the major players in the web browser market, but there are dozens of other choices available if you’re willing to dig a little deeper. Wikipedia’s list of web browsers serves as a good source of continually updated info.
[tags]web browsers,firefox,opera,internet explorer,safari,world wide web,www[/tags]
