Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Growing Accustomed to Using Your Web Browser

The web is built upon a layer of HTML. Your browser is a software program that interprets the HTML and delivers a translation that can be viewed and easily understood. These programs have evolved dramatically over the last decade as dial-up access has given way to broadband connections. The most popular among them - Internet Explorer (IE) and Firefox - are loaded with an assortment of features and security protocols.

Below, we'll provide a brief history of the web browser. We'll take you back to the beginning and introduce you to a humble piece of software called Mosaic. We'll also compare IE and Firefox so you can choose the program that best meets your surfing preferences.

A History Of Surfing The Web

In the early 1990s, a young programmer named Marc Andreessen designed Mosaic. Prior to its debut, most people did not have access to the internet. Many thought they did through AOL and similar services when, in fact, those services were merely closed systems. Mosaic introduced the public to the net by interpreting HTML code. Within a few years, Andreessen had finished developing a new program called Netscape.

The next few years were tumultuous. Due to its phenomenal success, Netscape came to the attention of Microsoft. Microsoft had developed their own browser (IE) and began integrating it within their operating system. Because their operating system was so pervasive, IE eventually wrenched the market from Netscape, despite its lower quality. Netscape was sold to AOL which later gave development authority to the Mozilla Foundation. Netscape eventually evolved into Firefox, which currently battles Internet Explorer for market dominance.

Internet Explorer Versus Firefox

Both pieces of software offer attractive features. For example, both can read RSS feeds, an option that is increasingly important as more websites generate such feeds. Both offer convenient tabbed browsing rather than forcing you to open multiple windows. They also provide strong security protocols and easily-installed patches, an early stumbling block for both browsers.

Internet Explorer offers users an enhanced search facility that mines multiple search engines and other information databases. Its printing functionality has also been bolstered with small, but useful upgrades; for example, it will automatically shrink text to fit on the printed page.

Firefox is supported by an enormous developer community that continues to create useful add-ons and extensions. Mozilla has also created a feature that gives you the option to restore your previous session in the event of an unplanned shutdown. If you have a dozen tabs open, you'll find this option invaluable.

So, which browser is better: Internet Explorer or Firefox? It depends on your preferences. Both companies have dedicated fans who enjoy browsing online with their favored program. Download and install both of them. Explore the features and gain some experience before making your choice. You may find that having both browsers at your disposal is the best way to enjoy your residential broadband service.

Read more: http://goo.gl/ChW9a

No comments: