If you can read this, you are probably using some type of browser. Web pages on the Internet use a particular "language" to hold information. A browser serves as your interpreter for that language and allows you to view and use a web page.
Your computer probably came standard with an internet browser. Common browsers include, but are not limited to, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Apple Safari. These may differ in appearances and options but perform the same basic function - allowing you to surf the Internet. Some service providers may provide their own browsers.
All of the following examples use Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Whichever browser you use will have the same features but they may not look the same nor be in the same locations. Even different versions of the same browser may look different. Play around with your particular browser to see what the process for bookmarking or adding favorites may be.
Two Menus? Which One Do I Choose?
"File," "Edit," "View," etc. are all items on your menu bar. The menu bar is like the control center for your web browser. By choosing one of these headings, you can delve into the inner workings of your particular browser.
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New - Allows you to open a new page without leaving the page you are currently viewing.
- May be chosen by clicking File in the upper left corner.
- Or by clicking RIGHT clicking on the page (a click using your right mouse button).
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Save - Allows you to save the page you are currently viewing.
- May be chosen by clicking File in the upper left corner.
- Or by RIGHT clicking on the page.
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Print - Allows you to print the page you are currently viewing.
- May be chosen by clicking File in the upper left corner.
- Or by RIGHT clicking on the page.
Button. Button. Who's Got The Button?
- Back Button - Looks like an arrow pointing left. Allows you to go back one page in your history.
- Forward Button - Looks like an arrow pointing right. Allows you to go forward one page in your history.
- Home Button - Looks like a house. Takes you back to your preset home page.
- Refresh Button - May look like green arrows forming a circle. Reloads the page that you are currently viewing.
- Stop Button - May look like a red X (or stop sign). Ends loading of the page that you are currently viewing
- Print Button - Looks like a printer. prints the page that you are currently viewing
Additional Resource
For more terms dealing with computers, the internet and browsers, go to The University of California at Berkeley Library - Glossary of Internet and Web Jargon. (If you choose to visit this site, use your browser's BACK button to return to this page OR RIGHT CLICK your mouse on the link and tell your browser to open in a new tab or window).
