An Internet browser, also known as a web browser, is a software program that allows a computer user to view documents on the Internet. It translates code into text, images and sounds. Microsoft's Internet Explorer is one commonly used browser.

History

Mosaic was the first browser to make the world wide web accessible in the early 1990s, according to yourdictionary.com. Within several years, Netscape became the most popular browser, competing with Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) for market share.

Other Browsers

Internet Explorer is a widely used browser, partially because it comes installed on many personal computers. But, according to web developer site W3Schools.com, Firefox has nearly the same percentage of users as IE. Other options are Google Chrome, Safari and Opera.

Process

An Internet browser interprets HTML (hypertext markup language) code. To view a web site, type the address (uniform resource locator, or URL) into the browser's address bar to load the web site's main page.

Features

Browsers allow you to choose your own home page, the web site that loads first every time you log onto the Internet. You can also add other web sites to your favorites (or bookmarks) list so you don't have to type the entire URL each time you want to visit a site. This is a good idea for the sites you most frequently visit.

Mobile Devices

Due to the popularity of mobile devices, developers are creating mini or mobile browsers to enable users to browse the Internet on a smaller scale from their cell phones or other mobile devices.

Source:

Your Dictionary

W3 Schools

University of California, Berkeley Library