What are Web Browsers and the Internet

Web browsers are programs that allow you to have access to the "World Wide Web" of computers.  This is also known as the "Internet."  Computers world wide are connected together in a manner that allows searches, learning, entertainment, banking, and many other tasks.  Do not confuse this with intranet.  Schools, business and other organizations often have intranet to connect only their computers, inside a building or buildings for specialized programs such as calendars, in house email, and other items they do not want on the main internet.  To have internet you must have an internet service provider.  Some providers include Comcast, AT&T, Brighthouse, and others.  A monthly fee is paid to these companies to allow you to connect to the internet.  The amount you pay depends on the "plan" you have with that company.  The faster your service is, the more you pay.  If you are only going to use email, and simple reading of the new on the internet, or "online," you do not need a high amount of speed, or a large "bandwidth."  If you are streaming movies, doing heavy graphical gaming, or downloading large items such as videos, you need a wider bandwidth, and a faster speed.  Bandwidth is like a road where there is traffic.  Narrow bandwidth is like a two lane street.  Wider bandwidth can be like a four lane street.  Very wide bandwidth is like an eight or ten lane highway.  Speed is measured in upload and download speeds.  You might see 314k per second on something like DSL, and 1.5 on something like cable modem.  If you are going to stream and watch online movies, DSL might not be for you.  There is of course the older dial up, but this is generally slow, you cannot watch movies, and it has limitations on some web pages.  Narrow bandwidth equates to slower speed, with speed increasing and the bandwidth becomes wider--remember the "traffic" or other computers on the same bandwidth.  Internet service provider plans can range from $20 per month, into the hundreds.  Think about what you want, and do not overpay on your monthly plan for something you do not need.

NOTE:  Schools, businesses, internet service providers and other organizations have an agreement of proper internet use that you sign for access to their internet service.  Infracting any part of this agreement can lead to you not being allowed to use their internet service.

If you have a table such as an iPad, Android, or Windows, consider a wireless modem or a wireless router connected to your modem.  If you do not have wireless in your home, you cannot access the internet on your tablet.  If you want to access the internet on your tablet, and have no in home wireless, you may need to go to the local library, coffee shop, some fast food areas, just to access the internet.  Some tables and most smart phones have their own built in internet access hardware--you pay the phone company a monthly fee for using this hardware--some companies limit you to so many gigabytes per month, before they begin charging you extra.  If you have a five gigabyte plan and use seven gigabytes in one billing cycle (month), you can expect to pay more on your bill.  You want to keep close watch on how much you have used in gigabytes--if you are only doing simple email and reading the news, there should be no problem.  If you are streaming video or watching movies, or downloading larger items, you need to keep track of how much you are using.  Some phone companies and internet service providers actually have charts which show plans, and what is generally internet uses for each plan.  Ask questions of your provider!

If you use a public place such as a library, coffee shop, fast food restaurant, be sure to set your security settings for a public place, or others might be able to use their phone or tablet to see what you have on your device!  If you have a wireless setup in your home make sure you create your own unique pass phrase for the router, or others can see directly into your computer, and they can use your wireless--this means that if others can see your computer, they can see your information, and if they do something illegal on your wireless, you are legally responsible--be careful!

There are many web browsers.  More common web browsers include Windows Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari.  There are a number of other browsers that can be used, such as Webbie, or content specific.  Most web browsers have items that are common.  Address Bar, search box, menus, security settings, and so on.  The all display content that someone has written.  If you read the news, there will be links to news items, if you use social media, there will be links to posts, or if you shop, there will be links, search boxes, buttons and so on.  You will need to explore the web page to become familiar with its setup.

Web pages are written by people who generally do not have accessibility in mind.  They are not bad people, they simply do not know.  There are now national organizations around the world who have set standards for accessibility, and accessibility of many web sites is getting better.  Understand that you are definitely going to encounter some web sites that are not accessible.  So, you will need to be very good with your screen reader to compensate for web page issues.  Straight away, one thing you can do on some major web sites is to use their mobile web site.  For example, instead of typing in the Address Bar www.facebook.com, type m.facebook.com and you will see a simple web page, with most content going straight down.  

Web pages almost always have text.  There can be links, buttons, combo boxes, radio buttons, check boxes, lists, frames, headings, graphics, and other items.  There are some universal key commands which help you quickly navigate these items.  If you know your screen reader or screen enlarger key commands for the web, you will be able to use most web sites efficiently.  Do not think that all web pages are created the same, or equal.  Each page is a new adventure, some good and some not good.  The more skilled you are, the more web sites you can use.

While the internet is a great tool, it is also a dangerous tool.  Be careful of the web sites you visit because some are illegal, and there are predators on others.  Using "torrent" can be dangerous in many ways--your computer can become infected with viruses, or if you download copyrighted material such as music or movies, there is a $250,000 fine and a ten year prison sentence in the United States.  Use common sense if you are in a "chat room," and be aware of what you are saying to someone you do not know.  If someone offers you can free copy of a program, don't accept it.  If it sounds too good to be true on a web page, then it most likely is not true--there are many different types of criminals and scams on the internet.  If you use your internet service for its intended purposes, and follow the rules, you should be just fine.

If you have a school, bank, or other type of login that you have to use, make sure to log off before you leave the computer, even if it is a simple as going to get a drink of water--if you leave the computer and you are still logged in, someone else can sit down at the computer and see things such as your email, banking information, or other personal items.  Anything they do on that computer, with your login, makes you legally responsible for their actions.  If you log off, you do not need to worry.  Do not ever give your login to other students, close friends, or strangers--no legal company will ever ask you for this type of information.  Only your parent or guardian has the right to the knowledge of your login, and that is strictly for your safety.  Make it a habit to log off of the computer, your email, your social media, and even your bank web site, before you step away from the computer!

BACK