Web Browsers

A web browser is a software program that acts as a portal to the World Wide Web, allowing a computer, smartphone, or tablet user to access websites, which contain information, files, and media. It is effectively the graphical user interface that enables users to interact with the Internet and is designed to work simply and effectively. The user is not required to have a degree of technical knowledge to operate a web browser. As such, their importance cannot be underestimated. While it is possible to access websites without a browser, it requires knowledge of text commands. This entry first defines web browsers and discusses how they work. It concludes by discussing the development of web browsers over time and how they are likely to be ...