Web Browsers

A web browser is the software that you run on your computer to make it work as a Web client. The Internet connects many different types of computers running different operating system software. Web browser software lets your computer communicate with all of these different types of computers easily and effectively. The two principal web browsers software programs are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

	To open a web browser, double click on the appropriate icon on the desktop of the computer.
	You can also access the program through the START button located on the taskbar.
	Netscape Navigator: Click on the Start button, point to Programs, point to Netscape communicator, then click Netscape Navigator....
	Internet Explorer: Click Start on the taskbar, point to Programs, point to Internet Explorer, then click Internet Explorer.

Important terms.....

Maximize button - a button on the title bar, press it if the program does not fill the screen.

Title bar - shows the name of the open Web page and Web browser's program name and contains the Minimize, Restore, and Close buttons.

Menu Bar - provides a convenient way for you to execute typical File, Edit, view, and Help commands and provides access to specialized command sets for the browser that allow you to navigate the Web.

Scroll bar - allows you to move up and down or move right and left if a Web page is longer or wider than the window.

Status bar - indicates the name of the Web page that is loading, the load status (partial or complete), and important messages such as "Document Done." When you point to a hyperlink, its URL also appears in the status bar.

Back button - allows you to go back to a previously viewed Web page. If you have just opened your Web browser, the Back button will be dimmed.

Reload button or Refresh button - allows you to load again a Web page currently appearing in the Web browser window. You use the Reload button or Refresh button to update a page that contains current information such as news headlines.

Home button - allows you to return to the home page (or start page) for your Web browser.

Stop button - allows you to stop loading the contents of a Web page. In Navigator, the Stop button will be dimmed if you just loaded the program.

Finding a Web Site:

Click to enter a URL

	In Navigator, click the Location text box
	In Internet Explorer, click the Address text box
	Type home.attbi.com/~trodolico1
	Press [Enter]
	Type www.mec.edu/nsths
	Press [Enter]

Navigating through a Web Site

	Point to Home, High School, Athletics, etc.
	Point to the buttons Parent Links, Teachers, School Committee, etc.
	Notice that your pointer changes to a hand.
	Click the hyperlink to go to that page
	Click the back button to return
	Right click anywhere in the Web page area, a shortcut menu will appear.

Using the History Feature

	Hold down the drop down arrow at the right of the Location or Address text box. View the sites that you have visited.
	In Navigator, click communicator on the menu bar, then click History. View the history list. Click the close button when done.
	In Internet Explorer, click the History button on the toolbar. A panel listing previously viewed pages opens. Notice the folders and dates.