What is an internet browser? Definition
The use of web browsersAlthough we are not even aware of it, it is very common. We have them on computers, but also on tablets, televisions, phones… Thus, every time we access the internet (with the exception of using native applications), we use the one we have installed.
This serves, as we say, to access the contents of the network, acting as a vehicle to reach the contents that interest us. But, of course, saying this is an understatement. We will dedicate this page to explain what exactly is this software, how is it used And what is it capable of achieving?
What are browsers or browsers and what are they for? Definition
A browser is a used for interpret the information of the network to which the user wants to have accessso that he can visualize it and interact with it.
What it does is transform the information obtained after a query to a remote server into something graphic to display. This information is grouped into documents that are and which include, , hypertext and other multimedia resources that are decoded to display on a screen.
We can build a very simple simile in which the sea would be the internet, the islands would be the web content and the boat would be the browser, which allows you to go from island to island, visiting them, using the water as a channel.
This is its main task allow the visualization of the pages that exist in the network. The common functions for the vast majority of browsers, at least for the most used are:
Despite being, at the beginning, a basic resource, it currently makes it easier for us to navigate in a way that we cannot even imagine.
Currently we find that we can:
- Save our favorite sites.
- Consult the websites that we have already seen (even knowing what time).
- Synchronize accounts and see connections from other computers.
- Enjoy content hosted on other servers.
- Receive search suggestions, autocomplete them.
- Receive corrections.
- Remember our passwords on all kinds of websites…
Source
The origin of this it occurs with in the year 1990, very graphic and quite sophisticated, but only usable in NeXT, a set of stations for education, something logical considering that we are talking about the first one, a test on how it would work. It originates from CERN, as part of physical-chemical research.
History
It was NCSA Mosaic the first to spread when, starting to work only on Unix XFree86, the NCSA versioned it for compatibility with computers with Y . This one was very different, since it was based on the graphic reproduction and not the text of the results.
The fame of this did not last long (although it will always remain the first to be covered). then came up , available for most Unix systems as well as Windows. This was paid.
After that, takes the risk and launches its own browser, which was, without a doubt, a benchmark, Being used by 95% of Windows users at its peak. This was released for free. Here begins what is known as the Browser War and which gave way to dozens of software of this type.
Evolution
It is at this time when diverse browsers begin to be developed, increasingly diverse, including everything from the most basic and functional to risky bets in terms of customization and functionality.
they follow him , and Edge, which succeeds what was once the king of kings, Internet Explorer and which is currently receiving criticism everywhere, something logical if we compare it with the competition.
Infographic: History and evolution of Internet browsers
But… how does a browser or internet explorer really work?
How browsers work It is based on client-server communication with a DNS server where the information we want to obtain is located.. For this, use is made of (although some others could be used if the software supports them, that is not a problem). This gives access to an address, a URL. A first access is given to an “index” file, which is read and interpreted, and the rest of the site’s components are also searched for.
What it does is download a document in Y , the language of web pages, and display it on your screen. As we have progressed in the subject, they have also been able to show their multimedia elements.
You can also access other resources, not necessarily web pages, although it is usual. As a result starts to display, the software saves the files in temporary folders so you don’t have to use the files from the which you have previously had access to.
At the same time Verification of each certificate and each homologation of the page is carried out. Our antivirus will scan the files that have been downloaded to verify that they are safe.
On the other hand, we cannot fail to mention that currently they will also interact with plugins or extensions additional to gain compatibility, speed or quality of navigation.
What features and functionality should a web browser have to be the best?
Like any other product, and especially when competition increases, the browser requires, in its composition, a set of elements that make it complete, efficient and attractive.
Security
Browsers are not exempt from vulnerabilities, and they are very diverse, in addition. For this reason, it is necessary to choose one that works on security in all aspects: Malware readers of your operating system, executables and hacked components, interception of network communicators…
Privacy and cookies
Cookie, one of the best-known computer concepts of the moment, but… do you know what it is? It is a file that is stored on our computer and that includes information about the sites we have been visiting. Among this we find language preferences, access credentials, session identifiers, consulted content…
The purpose of this is to make navigation easier, although of course there are other purposes. This abuse has served to recently review the subject and now the user has easy access to know the type of information that is saved and even to . The problem with this is that, sometimes, it is very difficult to navigate certain sites if we do.
Thus, it is very difficult for someone to refuse to use them. What you can do, of course, is delete them periodically so that no more account information is saved.
Speed
We are at a time when Internet use is constant for many peopleeven a necessity. Whatever the reason, the truth is that the user does not want to wait.
This translates into a constant struggle between corporations to offer fast browsers but, at the same time, can include the rest of benefits and features that are desirable.
you will find them balanced, fast and less complete and somewhat slower but with all kinds of additional services. Depending on your needs, you can choose the one that best corresponds and that offers you the results you need at all times.
Download management
Downloads are common when browsing, not only for pleasure, but also out of necessity in many cases. Access to offline files, documents to send electronically, direct downloads…
In any case, whether for pleasure or necessity, it is important to take into account the amount of data we download daily and, of course, being able to manage it easily will be important for many people.
If this is your case, opt for a browser that shows you the download processes, the destination folders, the nature of the files…
custom extensions
They are functionalities added to the browser so that it is customized and adequately satisfies our needs, that is, small accessories.
You have integration with other services, show notifications, block pop-ups, search bars, trace removal… Honestly, there is something for everything we can think of related to this type of software.
Be careful with them because sometimes they bring unpleasant consequences such as the introduction of ads or the collection of our data. It also happens that associated applications may be the ones that serve as access to our devices to infect them.
cloud synchronization
Internet access through multiple devices makes cloud storage an increasingly effective reality.
so, certain Information from browsers can already be stored in this way so that we have access to it from anywhere we connect. There is even the option of synchronizing your data to the point of consulting it, even in different browsers.
updates
It is necessary to choose a browser that is updated often, that is, that there is constant development and work behind it.
Like all software, they also have security gaps and it is necessary that you never be exposed to Internet criminals, so that receive constant updates It is an essential requirement to navigate.
Quiet because, in general, you will have the option to update manually or automaticallyalways according to your convenience and without affecting your browsing experience.
private browsing
Although it is increasingly common to see it, it is necessary to indicate that not all of them have options to . Of course, the tabs for this company collect much less personal and browsing information.
In general, privacy is on the other side of the scale in relation to the smartness of the product. The more intuitive and satisfactory results for the user, the greater the collection and interpretation of their consumption habits and their information and, therefore, less privacy.
You will find, as you will see right away, specific browsers for the user who wants to maintain their privacy either way.
List of the best types of internet browsers most used today
It goes without saying that, at a technological moment like this, we have navigation solutions in handfuls, being able to choose from dozens, always based on our preferences and our needs.
Google Chrome
- It has been designed by .
- It is available for all platforms.
- It has a very good design that offers freshness and intuitive navigation.
- It has an extension store to fully customize it, even adding new features.
- It integrates with the rest of Google services.
- Privacy is practically non-existent.
- It has automatic suggestions with popular searches and already visited sites.
- Thumbnails of regular sites, facilitating their access.
- Full history.
- It allows direct access to different applications, creating them yourself.
- Independent faults. An error in one tab does not block the entire…
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