10/9:  Web Browsers

·        Define and describe what a web browser is

·        Compare and contrast several web browsers

·        Demonstrate some features of web browsers

·        Participate in some tasks on a number of web browsers.

A web browser is software which is downloaded to your device which is used to locate, retrieve and display content on the World Wide Web.  This content includes web pages, images, videos and other files. 

A web browser uses a special software called HTML, which makes the web page readable.  HTML uses code to create font, add images, and connect to other web pages. 

There are many web browsers, each with their own unique features and characteristics.  They all perform one job well, that is to access the Internet and provide the tools for a satisfactory online experience.  However, there are differences between them, which we will consider as we look at some major browsers.

 Many people ask if they need more than one browser.  The answer is YES!  Different browsers may result in a slightly different look or feel to a web page.  Also, there are instances where a certain website will work better with one web browser over the other.  Some browsers may work better with certain operating systems (Safari is a web browser owned by Apple, Internet Explorer is owned by Microsoft and Google Chrome is owned by Google). 

Some people confuse browsers with search engines.  They are not the same thing.  We will explain search engines later in the lesson.  

 You can use any web browser on any computer, regardless of the operating system and type of computer. 

 Mobile devices use web browsers as well, but these are actually known as “microbrowsers”.  They are optimized for the smaller screen and use less power and memory over the ones used on your computer or laptop.  They may also have fewer features than the computer version.

There are many web browsers.  People are surprised to see that browsers can be very different.  They may be designed with features in place which may enhance AI features, increase privacy, limit tracking and more.

Traditional Web browsers:

Popular web browsers include Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari.  Each of these browsers are designed for quick and easy access to the Internet, and each have unique properties.  These are the ones we will focus on in class.

Nontraditional web browsers

There are browsers set up for unique situations, such as extra privacy, a classic look, or a particular type of audience.   Here are some of them:

Brave: Privacy

Audience: Privacy-conscious users.

Features: Blocks trackers and ads by default, includes a built-in way to support content creators through the BAT (Basic Attention Token) system.

Tor Browser: Anonymity

 Audience: Users seeking anonymity.

 Features: Reroutes traffic through several volunteer-operated servers, making it much harder to trace. It's the primary way to access the deep web and .onion websites.

Waterfox: Classic look and feel

  Audience: Users who prefer older versions of Firefox or want a browser that respects their privacy.

  Features: Fork of Firefox that focuses on speed and privacy. It doesn't collect any telemetry data from users.

Tusk Browser:  Conservatives and Free speech

Audience:  Conservative background

Features:  Description: Emphasizes free speech the dangers of labeling dissent as "hate."

Interesting fact:  I was unable to find liberal centered web browsers, but was able to find conservative alternatives to Facebook, Wikipedia, Snopes and the AARP. 

Maxthon: Cloud integration

Audience: Users looking for integrated tools and cloud syncing.

Features: Offers cloud syncing, integrated ad-blocker, and a unique split-screen browsing feature.

I had found suggestions for kid safe browsers but was disappointed in the results.  Unlike the traditional browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge), most did not have a site to download them online.  Instead, there were other services which allowed downloading. In some cases, when finding the browser, it was much outdated.  As a result, I am not including any web browsers that could not be downloaded directly from the site, or that seemed very out of date.

However, we will discover some kid friendly search engines to work within a safe browser.  If you are doing this, you can create safety filters in your browser, or use filters.  

Things that all web browsers do: 

• Use HTML code to create web pages,

• Open in multiple tabs or separate windows,

• Let you bookmark pages,

• Support file transfers (downloading and uploading files),

• Offer private browsing (which leaves no trace). 

•  Remember passwords and sync them (encrypted) with bookmarks and browsing history· 

• Help find websites by using a search engine  

·        Caching:  As you browse the web, your computer saves files and images that you request.  This is called “caching”.  The web browser may also call them “temporary internet files”.  This process helps speed up the experience on the web.  You can control your caching options by going to tools > Internet options.  You will see an area called Temporary Internet files. 

·        SSL:  You will sometimes see a little padlock on your web address bar.   This means that the site is on a “secure server”, which is important if you are submitting sensitive data.  SSL is a special layer of security.  You will also see it identified in the address as https (instead of http)

·        Tool bars:  Your web browser may show a tool bar (see example above).  These are unique to each browser and can be selected or deselected as required.  Tool bars do things like perform a search, autofill a text box, or block pop-ups. 

·        Cookies:  Cookies are small text files that live in the browser directory.  They are used by web developers to help users navigate their websites efficiently.  They are created when the browser loads a particular website.  The website sends information to the browser which creates a text file.  Each time you return to that site, the browser retrieves and sends this file to the website’s serve.  Some uses for cookies:

o   They are used to authenticate, storing login information so users can enter and leave without having to re-enter the same information over and over. 

o   They can store information about what you did while on the site, so you can easily pick up where you left off when you return to the site.  Because web pages don’t have memory, cookies tell the server what pages to show the user so they don’t have to navigate the site over and over.  They are like bookmarks in this way.

o   They may also store user preferences, such as themes and site layouts.

o   Cookies are NOT viruses.  They are a plain text file.  However, since they store information about your browsing preferences and history, they can be used as a type of spyware.  This is why anti-spyware products will frequently warn you about deleting cookies. 

o   Your browser lets you set a level of cookie acceptance. 

o   Most sites will warn you if they use cookies. 

Viewing all options:

Browsers offer a number of services, some unique and some shared to all browsers.  All will have some sort of 3 dot or 3-line icon to the far right of the browser, same level as the web address.  From there, you can sign in to sync, open new window, open incognito window, history (clear history), downloads (on that browser), extensions and settings. 

Settings:   

You will find different options depending on the browser, but you should know where they are, and should spend a little time with privacy and search.  Consider:

·        Having web browser to continue where you left off, or by opening a new page, or a specific page (Startup)

·        Clear browsing history (Privacy or history)

·        Safety check (Chrome)

·        Permissions (privacy and security)

·        Sync to other devices

Bookmarks:  Adding, deleting, organizing and importing: (Chrome)

·        Add:  Click on the star, name bookmark and say where to store (Bookmarks bar, other bookmarks, folders you have set up)

·        Delete: Highlight bookmark, right click, delete

·        Organize in Bookmark manager:

o   3 dots, click Bookmarks and then Bookmark manager

o   Move folders and files in left pane (left click and drag)

o   Delete folder on left (left click, delete)

o   Organize into alphabetical order. Can do this by folder, from large folder (Bookmark bar) to smaller folders (good health).  Click on folder.  Click on 3 dots next to search bookmark bar.  Click sort by name

·        Import/Export bookmarks: 

o   Click on the 3 dots

o   Click “export”.  File will be saved as an HTML document.

o   Click “import”.  Find the file from the previous browser. 

§  For this, went to Edge.   Clicked on favorites and then import.  Prompted to download from Google.  No need to get file.

§  Firefox:  Right Click on the show sidebar icon (next to library), select bookmarks. (Make sure you have also enabled ‘menu bar’).  On Menu bar, hit ‘file” and ‘import from another browser’. 

§  On all, select browser (must be closed at the time).  Hit finish when done.

§  They will end up in their own folder.  You can delete the folder if you change your mind.

·        Bookmarks bar:  This is a bar just below the address bar.  Any favorites that you have saved to the bookmarks bar will appear hear. 

·        Other bookmarks:  This is where you will find the rest of your favorites.

Extensions

Extensions act as part of the browser.  They are very specific apps, designed to do one thing well.   An example of a valuable extension is a password manager.  Extensions are unique to each browser.   Note:  Extensions can slow down the browser and if it is not reputable can be malware.  Download them carefully.

§  Click on the 3 dots or lines to find extensions

§  See what extensions you have on your system

§  Disable or remove those that you are not sure of

§  Find more in “get extensions”

Save password

All save passwords.  You can set up or disable in settings.  You can also delete passwords if you wish.  Caution when syncing your browser to other devices, because this will also expose your passwords if someone gets your device.  The Save Password feature is unique to each browser.

Update browser

Most will be automatically updated.  You may be asked when you log in to complete the update, or you may see a notice (update pending).

Unique to some browsers:

Edge: 

§  Read aloud (3 dots, read aloud).  Will read webpage for you.

§  Collections (next to the star of favorites)

§  Either create new collection (or add to a collection)

§  Find a webpage which is related to that collection

§  Click on “add current page”

Chrome: 

§  Task manager (if something is stalling the browser, you can access and end this here).  3 dots, more tools, task manager

§  Safety check (safe from data breaches, bad extensions, etc.). Settings, safety check.

 Firefox: 

§  Protections dashboard (3 lines, protections dashboard)

§  Pocket:  Use this to save websites.  Click on library and pocket list.  Sign up.  Use email but make up new password for this.  Click on discover to find some interesting things.

• Safari:

  • •  All preferences, views, bookmarks, etc. found on menu bar while in Safari

    • Select Help>Safari Help to see a User Guide for Safari

Tutorial:  Here is an excellent tutorial from GCF Learn Free

Tutorial:  Here is another tutorial which demonstrates some features of web browsers. Keep clicking for more information on the site. 

Tutorial on TOR:  Use this comprehensive guide on Tor to learn more.