• Contacts a web server
• Requests information
• Receives information
• Displays the results on the screen

A web browser is software that interprets hypertext markup language (HTML), one of the languages used to code web page content. Other markup languages with more advanced features are part of the emerging technology. HTML, the most common markup language, can display graphics, play sound, movies, and other multimedia files. Hyperlinks are embedded in a web page providing a quick link to another location on the same or an entirely different web page.

Two of the most popular web browsers are Internet Explorer (IE) and Netscape Communicator. While identical in the tasks they perform, there are differences between these two browsers. Some websites may not support the use of one or the other, and it can be beneficial to have both programs installed on the computer.

Netscape Navigator:

• The first popular browser
• Takes less disk space
• Displays HTML files, performs e-mail and file transfers, and other functions

Internet Explorer (IE):

• Powerfully integrated with other Microsoft products
• Takes more disk space
• Displays HTML files, performs e-mail and file transfers, and other functions

There are also many special, or proprietary, file types that standard web browsers are not able to display. To view these files the browser must be configured to use the plug-in applications. These applications work in conjunction with the browser to launch the program required to view the following special files:

• Flash – plays multimedia files, which was created by Macromedia Flash
• Quicktime – plays video files, which was created by Apple
• Real Player – plays audio files

In order to install the Flash plug-in, do the following:

• Go to the Macromedia website.
• Download .exe file. (flash32.exe)
• Run and install in Netscape or IE
• Verify installation and proper operation by accessing the Cisco Academy website

Beyond getting the computer configured to view the Cisco Academy curriculum, computers perform many other useful tasks. In business, employees regularly use a set of applications that come in the form of an office suite, such as Microsoft Office. Office applications typically include the following:

• Spreadsheet software contains tables consisting of columns and rows, and it is often used with formulas to process and analyze data.
• A word processor is an application used to create and edit text documents. Modern word processors allow the user to create sophisticated documents, which include graphics and richly formatted text.
• Database management software is used to store, maintain, organize, sort, and filter records. A record is a collection of information identified by some common theme such as customer name.
• Presentation software is used to design and develop presentations to deliver at meetings, classes, or sales presentations.
• A personal information manager includes an e-mail utility, contact lists, a calendar, and a to-do list.

Office applications are now a part of every day work, as typewriters were before the personal computer.

Lab Activity Lab Exercise: Web Browser Basics In this lab, the student will learn how to use a web browser to access Internet sites and become familiar with the concept of a URL.

     

Web Links Surf the Web: Web Browsers http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/ 12browser.htm