"Chapter Six "Web Browsers

Chapter Six
Web Browsers
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6-1 What is a web browser
To access web documents, you need a software program called a web browser.
As with many other types of software, there are many World Wide Web browsers. Web
browsers are interactive access programs utilized to see data on the web with graphical interfaces
to display pictures, text and animations. Additionally, applications viewed through browsers
become “point and click” applications. Some of the popular web browsers include:
Microsoft Internet Explorer http://www.microsoft.com/ie/
Netscape http://www.netscape.com
Opera http://www.opera.com
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6-2 Using a web browser
In order to go online to the Internet, you need to have a web browser installed on your
system. Every machine that comes with Windows installed also has Internet Explorer installed.
To start Internet Explorer, use one of the following methods:
1- Click on Start, All Programs, and then Internet Explorer.
2- Double-click on the icon on the desktop.
3- Click on the icon on the Quick Launch toolbar.
Once the web browser starts, the first page you should see is the home page. The default setting
for Internet Explorer is www.msn.com but this can be changed to a different web page
6-3 Identifying secure sites
When you visit a web site that requests information from you via an online form, there is
the possibility that the information can be intercepted and used for undesirable purposes. You
could use a handle or code name or alias name without providing your personal information if
you want to prevent the web site from knowing your real name.
service for mail purposes; providing your actual e-mail address could result in you
receiving numerous unsolicited e-mail. Another example is when you are making an online
purchase using your credit card, the card information could be stolen and used for illegal
purposes.
On the Internet one uses encrypted transfer for online transactions where your private
information needs to be protected. Basically, Internet security boils down to three issues:
1- Be sure that the e-commerce web site you are visiting really belongs to the company it says it
does.
2-Will the information you submit be “captured” enrooted by other parties to use for other illicit
Purposes.
3-Will the e-commerce company itself use your information for other purposes than just the
current e-commerce transaction?