US-CERT Cyber Security Tip ST04-022 -- Understanding Your Computer: Web Browsers

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                     National Cyber Alert System
                     Cyber Security Tip ST04-022

Understanding Your Computer: Web Browsers

   Web browsers allow you to navigate the internet. There are a variety
   of options available, so you can choose the one that best suits your
   needs.

How do web browsers work?

   A  web browser is an application that finds and displays web pages. It
   coordinates  communication  between  your  computer and the web server
   where a particular web site "lives."

   When  you  open your browser and type in a web address (URL) for a web
   site,  the  browser  contacts  that  server, requests the web page you
   asked  for,  and  displays  the  page  on  your  computer. The browser
   translates  the  code  (written in a language such as HTML or XML) for
   the  different  elements  of  the page (text, images, sounds) into the
   appropriate format and displays the resulting page.

How many browsers are there?

   There  are  many  different  browsers.  Most  users  are familiar with
   graphical  browsers, which display both text and graphics and may also
   display  multimedia  elements  such  as sound or video clips. However,
   there  are also text-based browsers. The following are some well-known
   browsers:
     * Internet Explorer
     * Firefox
     * AOL
     * Opera
     * Safari - a browser specifically designed for Macintosh computers
     * Lynx  -  a  text-based browser desirable for vision-impaired users
       because of the availability of special devices that read the text

How do you choose a browser?

   A  browser is usually included with the installation of your operating
   system, but you are not restricted to that choice. Some of the factors
   to consider when deciding which browser best suits your needs include
     * compatibility - Does the browser work with your operating system?
     * security  -  Do you feel that your browser offers you the level of
       security you want?
     * ease  of  use  -  Are the menus and options easy to understand and
       use?
     * functionality  - Does the browser interpret web content correctly?
       If  you  need  to  install  other plug-ins or devices to translate
       certain types of content, do they work?
     * appeal  - Do you find the interface and way the browser interprets
       web content visually appealing?

Can you have more than one browser installed at the same time?

   If  you  decide  to  change your browser or add another one, you don't
   have  to  uninstall the browser that's currently on your computer--you
   can  have more than one browser on your computer at once. However, you
   will  be  prompted  to choose one as your default browser. Anytime you
   follow  a  link in an email message or document, or you double-click a
   shortcut  to a web page on your desktop, the page will open using your
   default browser. You can manually open the page in another browser.

   Most  vendors  give you the option to download their browsers directly
   from their web sites. Make sure to verify the authenticity of the site
   before  downloading  any files. To further minimize risk, follow other
   good  security practices, like using a firewall and keeping anti-virus
   software  up  to  date  (see  Understanding  Firewalls,  Understanding
   Anti-Virus  Software,  and  other US-CERT Cyber Security Tips for more
   information).
     _________________________________________________________________

     Author: Mindi McDowell
     _________________________________________________________________

    Produced 2004 by US-CERT, a government organization.

    Note: This tip was previously published and is being re-distributed 
    to increase awareness. 
  
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