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What's
a Browser?
A
browser is a computer program that your computer uses to
- locate documents on the Internet
- display documents with text, images, and more
- provide tools to help you navigate the Internet more efficiently (bookmarks, hyperlinks, etc.)
The three most commonly used browsers are similar in design and features. If you can use one, you should be able to quickly pick up the others.
Your Choices
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Internet Explorer | Internet Explorer is a Microsoft product and is part of the Windows operating system. The most current version is 5.0 |
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Netscape Navigator | Netscape is owned by America Online. It is available as a free download. The most current version is 6.0 |
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America Online | America Online is a subscription service that includes Internet access as one of its primary services. In addition to Internet access, AOL offers a variety of other services. The current versionis 6.0 |
Navigation
Your browser
provides a number of ways to navigate the internet. There is a box where
you can type the URL of the web site that you would like to visit. It
is not necessary to type in the "http//:" or even the "www"
for a web site.
The following buttons appear on the browser shortcut bar (symbols vary but are usually pretty obvious):
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Back
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This button takes you backward (in order) to previously viewed web pages. |
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Forward
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Use this button after the 'Back' button to move forward toward your most recently viewed web pages. |
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Stop
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If a page or graphic is taking an unusually long time to load, you may want to put an end to it by hitting this button. |
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Refresh
(Reload)
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Use this button to try again at loading a slow or stubborn page. It is also useful to check for the latest information at sites that are updated frequently. |
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Home
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This button takes you to the web site that you have designated as your starting point (the first page that appears when you open your browser). |
Customizing
Your Browser
Here are some
ways to customize your browser to match your personal preferences:
Customize
Size of Displayed Text
Sometimes the text on a web page is too small to read easily. Here is
how to adjust it to a more comfortable size:
- Internet Explorer - Select 'View' then 'Text Size' from the menu at the top of the window choose the appropriate size from the pop-up list.
Set Default
Display Fonts and Colors
Most web designers will select preferred fonts and colors for the pages
they design. If they do not specify or if you do not have a particular
font on your computer, the browser will substitute your default fonts
and colors. Here is how to set the default fonts and colors:
- Internet Explorer - Select 'Tools' then 'Internet Options' from the menu at the top of the window. Click the 'Colors' or 'Fonts' button at the bottom of the window. Select your desired fonts and colors.
Setting
Your Browser's Home
Here is how to set the page that will be displayed when you first open
your browser (or when you click the 'Home' button):
- Internet Explorer - Select 'Tools' then 'Internet Options' from the menu at the top of the window. Click the 'General' tab (if not already selected) and type or paste the URL of the desired web page in the 'Address' window. Click 'OK' when finished.
Using
Bookmarks
You will soon develop favorite web sites that you will want to return
to frequently. Bookmarks (called 'Favorites' in Internet Explorer) are
shortcuts that allow you to jump to your favorite sites without having
to type in the URL.
- Internet Explorer - With the page you would like to bookmark visible in the browser window select 'Favorites' then 'Add to Favorites'. Type in the name you would like for the bookmark in the 'Name' box (or leave the suggested name) and click 'OK'. To use the bookmark, select 'Favorites' from the menu and choose the desired bookmark from the list.
When Things
Go Wrong
Here are some common "bumps in the road" and what to do about
them.
Nothing
Seems to Be Happening
There are a number of reasons why your browser may appear to have stalled.
- Your dial-up connection may have been broken.
- There may be large images that are loading.
- Internet traffic may be high.
Click 'Stop' then 'Refresh'. Try again later if the same problem exists.
Page cannot
be displayed/Error 404 File not found
You may get these messages if:
- you have been disconnected.
- the web server for the site is down
- the page may no longer exist
- Gemlins
Click 'Refresh'
(or 'Reload'). If still unsuccessful, try again later.