Difference between revisions of "Web browser"
From Internet User Guide
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| − | A web browser is a software application | + | A web browser is a software application that finds and retrieves information resources on the [[web|World Wide Web]], and presents the retrieved information on the user's computer. |
| − | == | + | ==Finding and retrieving information== |
The browser's first task is to find and retrieve the desired information resource. Each information resource on the [[web]] is identified by a [[Uniform Resource Identifier]] (URI) and located by a [[Uniform Resource Locator]] (URL). When the URL is entered into the browser's [[address bar]], the browser sends a request to the [[website]]. The request is processed and answered by the [[web server]] running the website, which sends a copy of the corresponding information resource to the brower. | The browser's first task is to find and retrieve the desired information resource. Each information resource on the [[web]] is identified by a [[Uniform Resource Identifier]] (URI) and located by a [[Uniform Resource Locator]] (URL). When the URL is entered into the browser's [[address bar]], the browser sends a request to the [[website]]. The request is processed and answered by the [[web server]] running the website, which sends a copy of the corresponding information resource to the brower. | ||
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In addition to accessing resources on the [[web|World Wide Web]], web browsers can also retrieve and read any information sources in HTML format, such as files located on the user's own computer, or on servers in private networks. | In addition to accessing resources on the [[web|World Wide Web]], web browsers can also retrieve and read any information sources in HTML format, such as files located on the user's own computer, or on servers in private networks. | ||
| − | ==Presenting information== | + | ==Presenting the retrieved information== |
The web browser reads the accessed information source, usually written in [[HTML|HyperText Markup Language]] (HTML), and prepares it for presentation on the user's computer. The information may be presented in visual form for viewing on the user's screen (text or images), in audio format for listening through speakers or headsets, or in mixed visual and audio format (videos, interactive games). | The web browser reads the accessed information source, usually written in [[HTML|HyperText Markup Language]] (HTML), and prepares it for presentation on the user's computer. The information may be presented in visual form for viewing on the user's screen (text or images), in audio format for listening through speakers or headsets, or in mixed visual and audio format (videos, interactive games). | ||
