Of Course I Know What Browser I Use!

Aside from writing for BellaOnline, I do a lot of work on the side as a computer trainer and tech. I handle a lot of calls on the telephone. Inevitably, I ask THE question: “What browser do you use?” The responses are usually one of the following:

1. “Office 97”
2. “Windows 97”
3. “The Internet”
4. “Yahoo!”
5. “What’s a browser”?

I got enough #5 responses to make a realization. Of course enough people don’t know what browser they are using. Why would they? Most ISP’s now simply give their users an install CD, which usually picks a browser for them. They clickety-click on the icon to get online, and happily surf away. It’s only when trouble arises that they need to know what browser they use for tech support.

It’s back to basics first! Let’s answer response #5 before we go any further. According to Whatis.com, a browser is “an application program that provides a way to look at and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.” What does this mean? When you connect to your ISP and start visiting web sites online, you are viewing them through a browser. Right now, while you are reading this article, you are using a browser to read it. As Marshall McLuhen stated, “The medium is the message”. Well, your browser is the medium by which you see web sites!

Okay, now onto bigger and better things. You know what a browser is. Now it’s time to find out which browser you use. You must have your browser open now, as you are reading this article. From here, look up at the title bar (the bar with File, Edit, View, etc.). Click on the last item. It is appropriately labeled “Help”. I’ve squared it below for you.

Now use the pull down menu to click on the very last item in the list. It will begin with “About… “ (About Communicator, About Internet Explorer). Now it’s your job to read up on what you clicked on. Here is where it will tell you not only what browser you are using, but what version you are using as well. This is equally as important to know when calling tech support. You won’t miss it. The browser type and version are both very clearly marked in big letters right at the top of the About page.

Do I have a choice what browser I use?
Of course you do! The two most common browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator. Both are available to download for free. You can find links to them in the Related Links section on your right.

Which one is better?
Ahh… you’ve stumbled onto one of the most controversial Internet topics yet. We ended the Cold War and stumbled right into the Browser War. The answer is that there is no answer. It’s all about personal preference. Some people like features in Netscape, others like Internet Explorer. Try them both! You can have both on your computer at once.

While I sincerely hope you don’t have to call Tech Support EVER, at least now you’ll know the right answer when they ask you that dreaded question, “What browser do you use?” Feel free to scream common answer #4 when you get it right.