9 Types of Web Browser You Need To Know
Types of web browser – Before we talk about various types of web browsers that we can use to surf the Internet, we need to know some terms that are used in this article:
Table of Contents
What is Web Browser?
In order to access the internet, we need a web browser, which is installed on the computer. With a web browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge (the successor to Internet Explorer), you can get online and browse the Internet to find information.
Ideally, a website should be compatible with as wide a range of browsers as possible when it is being developed. In order to be available to the widest possible audience.
Web browser features like bookmarking and tabbed browsing make it easier for users to get around on the web and engage with the content on individual pages. The ability to debug websites, examine network data, and examine their source code is now included in many browsers. Spell check, malware prevention, and content screening can all be added via plug-ins.
What does the URL stand for?
A URL (uniform resource location) is a unique identifier for each website. In the same way that you have a physical address, you have an IP address on the internet. When you input a URL in the browser’s address box and press Enter, the browser takes you to the page corresponding to the URL you typed in. URL examples: https://yunarwinardi.com https://www.google.com
Cookies and Cache
Cookies, which make it easier to navigate the internet, are enabled by default in most browsers. In order to save time, the login fields on some websites automatically fill with the user’s login information. This is due to the browser’s cookies.
Login information, screen names, and passwords are all stored in cookies, which are little text files. As a result, cookies must be removed on a regular basis in order to maintain account security and prevent data theft. In order to prevent cookies from being kept on the browser, you would need to surf in private mode.
When typing in a website’s URL, many users may notice that it takes a few extra seconds before the page appears. If the internet connection is slow, it may take longer to complete the task. The files on the server are read by the browser. These files are saved to the device’s hard drive. Caching is the name given to this procedure. By using caching, you can view web pages saved locally on your computer more quickly.
The History of Web Browsers and WWW
In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee created WORLD WIDE WEB, the first web browser. After two years, the Lynx browser was released, a text-based browser. It had a number of drawbacks, such as the inability to display graphics.
Moving on, the first widely used browser, called Mosaic, was released in 1993. It wasn’t until 1994 that Netscape Navigator was released, after a few tweaks. In 1995, Microsoft released Internet Explorer, which was the first browser to support JavaScript.
In 2003, Apple released its own browser, Safari, designed only for Macs. Mozilla released Firefox in late 2004. In 2008, Google Chrome, the most popular browser on the Internet, was created. Later in 2011, Opera Mini, a mobile-optimized version of the browser, was made available. The Microsoft Edge browser was released to the public in 2015.
Search engines vs. web browsers
Many people (including my sister-in-law) think that web browsers is search engines, this is not correct. Because they can be used as search engines, but actually web browsers are not Search Engines.
How do distinguish between Search Engine and Web Browser?
Search Engine
When you try to find an answer on the Internet, you type it into the address bar, that is the search engine, not the browser. Your address bar automatically searches the web for you if it doesn’t recognize an address or domain.
Web browsers?
A viewable web page is generated by web browsers by rendering HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and XML code. The code for a web page is downloaded from a web server by the browser, which then interprets and displays the code.
What you see on your social media is actually thousands of lines of code that have been translated by web browser. Here is the list of 9 web browsers that are available for you to choose from:
1. Microsoft Edge
When you upgrade to Windows 10, you’ll get a new web browser called Microsoft Edge. It is now the default web browser, taking the place of Microsoft’s IE. In addition to being open-source, it supports the most recent web standards.
The integrated PDF reader in Microsoft Edge is one of the most useful. You don’t need to install a separate PDF reader to view and annotate PDF files. However, Microsoft Edge isn’t ideal. It doesn’t have as many extensions as other browsers, and it doesn’t support several older web standards.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge
2. Google Chrome
Google created this browser, which was first made available as a beta on September 2nd, 2008 for Windows users. Chrome has a global market share of more than 50 percent, making it one of the most popular web browsers in use today.
By clicking this link, you may get the most recent version of this browser Install Google Chrome on your computer. https://www.google.com/chrome/
3. Firefox, a web browser powered by Mozilla
Mozilla has spawned a new browser called Firefox. Despite its relatively recent debut in 2004, it has quickly risen to the status of the Internet’s second-most popular browser. Click here to get the most recent version of this browser. https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
4. Safari by Apple Inc.
Apple Inc.’s Safari is a web browser included with the Mac OS X operating system. In January 2003, a public beta version of the program was made available. The most recent technologies, including XHTML and CSS2, are well-supported in Safari.
By clicking this link, you may get the most recent version of this browser Take a look at Safari
Safari lets you know if your activities are being monitored. However, the browser is closed source, so proceed with caution. We advise you to thoroughly consider your options before making a decision. https://support.apple.com/downloads/safari
5. Brave Web Browser
Brave’s privacy scheme has recently come under fire for reasons linked to bitcoin and blockchain.
While other browsers use the Chromium platform, Brave’s built-in ad and tracker blocking, privacy-focused design, and the opportunity to earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) by viewing advertising set it apart from the competition. https://brave.com/
6. Konqueror
Open Source web browser Konqueror supports Java applets, JavaScript, CSS 1, CSS 2, and Netscape plug-ins and is HTML 4. 01 compliant. There are basic cut/copy/paste actions and comprehensive remote and local network file browsing capabilities available in this file manager that also serves as a file manager for local UNIX filesystems.
Click here to get the most recent version of this browser. Take a look at Konqueror
7. Tor
If the exit node issue is just a blip on the radar, we say go for it.
Tor is a free, open-source anonymous web browser that protects your online privacy and freedom from network traffic analysis.
Onion routing is a technique that uses layered layers to encrypt your communication over and over again. The browser then distributes your data to a smattering of machines located all around the world at random. When you utilize the Tor network, websites you visit will only see the IP address of the Tor server, not your own. This makes it far more difficult for someone to trace what you do online. https://www.torproject.org/
8. Lynx
Unix, VMS, and other platforms running cursor-addressable character cell terminals or emulators are supported by Lynx, a full-featured World Wide Web browser
Click here to get the most recent version of this browser. Lynx can be downloaded here.
9. Opera
Opera web browser offers fast, secure, and free ads on both Desktop and mobile. The chat capability is built-in with the browser. Opera also offers a free VPN connection when browsing the Internet. https://www.opera.com/
What is the best web browser for me?
It all comes down to personal preference. However, you might find this comparison table of various web browsers useful in making a decision.
I am mostly using Chrome because it has lots of extensions that are useful for my work however sometimes I use Edge to make sure the website I am working on has the correct look.
You use your preferred web browser listed above. The look and functionality of each browser vary. Add-ons are available for most browsers, allowing you to tailor your browsing experience.
You can use a browser extension to prevent advertising from appearing on online pages.
In addition to ad blockers and private browsing modes, several web browsers have incognito or private browsing modes.
This prevents the browser from keeping information about the websites you visit, thereby protecting your privacy. For instance, when you dismiss the Safari window in private browsing mode, all cookies, website data, and history are erased from the computer.
A private browsing option in Firefox removes all cookies and browsing history when the window is closed. Consider using a browser with tracking protection or do not track options if you desire a more private online experience (like Firefox, Brave, or Tor). When you use do not track, websites are told not to track your online activities.
It’s safest when it’s hidden from view
You can’t afford to let your online security go in the face of the numerous dangers on the internet. That said, a virtual private network (VPN) is the best approach to ensure that your internet activity isn’t monitored. Whatever browser you’re using, a virtual private network (VPN) is always a good idea. So, if you’re wanting to improve your online security.
