What is an Internet Browser and Why Does it Matter?

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It's likely that you don't even think about your web browser, the program that allows you to access the entire Internet. You probably just use it; after all, it's a transparent technology.

Still, there are a few things to know. First, it's important to understand the definition of a browser. A browser is the program that you use to access the Internet. It interprets the coding language of the World Wide Web in graphic form, displaying the translation rather than the coding. This allows anyone to "browse the Web", eliminating the need to know commands used in software languages. The first Web browser, called WorldWideWeb, was created in 1990. The name was later changed to Nexus to avoid confusion with the developing information space known as the World Wide Web. The first browser with a graphical user interface was Mosaic. Later, others like Netscape Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer were introduced. Today, some of the most well-known browsers include Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Opera. It's like a television and the channel you watch - the television is named after the company who manufactures it and the channel is named separately.

Just like an older television cannot display the newest broadcasts correctly, older browsers may not display new web standards as they are intended. Luckly, most new browsers automatically install updates to stay fast and secure. For detailed instructions about how to change or choose your default web browser, visit our customer <a href="/support">Help Desk</a>.

No matter what default browser comes on your computer or smartphone, you can change it. Just be sure to compare security, features, speed, compatibility with your operating system and support options. Since most are free, consider trying them out to see which you like the best.