What is browser

Skip to: content search login. Knowledge Base Toggle local menu Menus About the team. Knowledge Base Search. Log in. Options Help Chat with a consultant. Include archived documents. This content has been archived , and is no longer maintained by Indiana University. In certain browsers, pressing Alt on your keyboard shows hidden options.

Nearly all modern browsers today have moved advanced options and features in the upper-right or left corner of the browser window. Each browser's menu button is different:. For example, Internet Explorer uses gear icon , Chrome uses kebab menu , Firefox uses hamburger menu , and Opera uses the icon. The back button visits the previous page that referred you to the page you are currently viewing.

This button often resembles an arrow pointing to the left. The forward button moves you forward a page. It only works if you have previously used the back button. If you have not gone back, and your browser shows a forward button, it will be grayed out. The stop button no longer exists in the majority of modern web browsers. However, its function to stop a web page from loading may still be executed by pressing Esc. As you browse the Internet the browser cache's data it downloads , meaning they store some or all parts of each page you visit on your computer.

This feature is useful as it allows users to not have to download the full page each time they visit the same site. On some sites , you may want to refresh the page to get the latest version e.

The Refresh button can also be used to reload a page that failed to load because of an error. The Home button is used to return users to their default web page; the same page that loads when the browser is first opened. In the past, the Search button opened the default search page or execute a search on the text found in the address or URL text field. Today's browsers have what is called an omnibox , which is a search function built into the address bar. This function is used to make the browser window a fullscreen; temporarily removing the toolbar, buttons, and address bar.

Often, this view mode may be toggled on and off by pressing the F11 on your keyboard. This feature allows users to view the pages that have been visited since the browser history was last cleared or created. All your saved pages are stored in your Internet cache. This folder stores websites or pages chosen by the user. The term "Favorites" is used with Microsoft Internet Explorer; in other browsers this may be known as bookmarks or a hotlist. Extensions are bits of software that you can add to your browser to customize it or add functionality.

Extensions can do all kinds of fun and practical things like enabling new features, foreign language dictionaries, or visual appearances and themes. All browser makers develop their products to display images and video as quickly and smoothly as possible, making it easy for you to make the most of the web.

They all work hard to make sure users have a browser that is fast, powerful and easy to use. Where they differ is why. Mozilla builds Firefox to ensure that users have control over their online lives and to ensure that the internet is a global, public resource, accessible to all.

Download Firefox Firefox Privacy Notice. Get Mozilla VPN. Firefox for Android Get the customizable mobile browser for Android smartphones. Firefox Focus Simply private mobile browsing. Privacy Promise Learn how Firefox treats your data with respect. Firefox Blog Read about new Firefox features and ways to stay safe online. Release Notes Get the details on the latest Firefox updates. Facebook Container Help prevent Facebook from collecting your data outside their site.

Pocket Save and discover the best stories from across the web. Mozilla VPN Get protection beyond your browser, on all your devices. Product Promise Learn how each Firefox product protects and respects your data. Firefox Relay Sign up for new accounts without handing over your email address. Mozilla Foundation Meet the not-for-profit behind Firefox that stands for a better web.

Get involved Join the fight for a healthy internet.