The app you use to access the internet.
If you use the internet at all, you’re already using a web browser — even if you’ve never thought about it.
A web browser is the program that lets you visit websites.
Without it, you wouldn’t be able to access the web at all.
What Does a Web Browser Do?
A web browser:
- Connects you to websites
- Displays web pages (text, images, videos)
- Lets you click links and navigate
👉 It’s your “window” to the internet
Common Web Browsers
You’ve probably seen or used at least one of these:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Mozilla Firefox
👉 They all do the same basic job — but with different features and designs
How You Use a Browser
When you open a browser, you’ll see:
Address Bar
- Where you type a website (e.g. google.com)
- Also works as a search bar
Tabs
- Let you open multiple websites at once
👉 Like having several pages open in a book
Back & Forward Buttons
- Move between pages you’ve visited
Refresh Button
- Reloads the current page
Simple Example
If you want to visit a website:
- Open your browser
- Type a web address or search
- Click a result
👉 That’s it — you’re browsing
Are Browsers the Same as Search Engines?
This is a common confusion.
Browser ≠ Search Engine
- Browser = the app (e.g. Chrome)
- Search engine = the tool inside it (e.g. Google)
👉 You use a browser to access a search engine
Which Browser Should You Use?
For most people:
- They’re all good
- Differences are minor
👉 It often comes down to preference
General guide:
- Google Chrome → very popular, lots of features
- Microsoft Edge → built into Windows
- Safari → built into Apple devices
- Mozilla Firefox → strong privacy focus
Do You Need More Than One?
Not really.
Most people only use one browser for everything.
The Most Common Mistake
Thinking “the internet” and “the browser” are the same thing
They’re not.
👉 The browser is just the tool you use to access the internet
Final Thought
A web browser is one of the most important tools on your computer.
Once you understand it: You understand how you access almost everything online.
Henton’s Computer Services — keeping you connected, protected, and productive.
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