Web Software

Web Software

The most commonly used web software products are web browsers. Web browsers are software that allows users to access the Internet, also known as the world wide web. Web browsers display the text and graphics available on websites as well as allowing users to access audio and video files, and animations. Web browsers allow users to navigate interactive links to move from one web page to another and to open additional windows and web pages.

The most commonly used language for web pages is HTML, or hypertext markup language. Web software such as browsers interprets this language (as well as others that are gaining in popularity) and uses its instructions to determine how text and graphic elements should be displayed. The different web browsers sometimes vary in their interpretation of the information, which explains why the same web page may look different when displayed in different web browsers. It does not usually affect the content, but instead affects the way the information is formatted on the page. For this reason, web developers frequently test their work on different browsers to make sure all of their visitors will see acceptable content and layouts.

Internet Explorer is the name of the web browser built into windows. A version of Internet Explorer is also available for Macintosh computers. It is the most commonly used web browser software. For several years, Netscape Navigator, which has versions available for Windows, Macintosh and Linux, held a strong second place in the browser wars, but recently it has been supplanted by a browser called Firefox. Firefox is an open source software product, which means the source code is available for people who wish to modify it; it is based on a set of tools called Mozilla. The Firefox browser (previously called Mozilla Firebird) is available for Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac OS X, and Linux. Other browsers are available, such as one called Opera, but none have substantial market share. All of these browsers are free and easy to download; which browser to select is largely a matter of personal preference.

For those who like to use their web browser to access email as well as for surfing the net, Firefox is not the best solution since it does not have built-in email. Firefox does offer built-in pop-up blockers, which many people find reduces irritating ads. Internet Explorer has some known security flaws, but Microsoft regularly releases patches for the software. Internet explorer tends to be the market leader for features since it has the most users and has a vested interest in staying current.

Add-ons, often called plug-ins, are available to work with all of the major browser products. Plug-ins such as flash and shockwave enable multimedia Internet and allow users to watch and hear animated sequences, watch presentations and play games. Other plug-ins enable video playback, audio capabilities and special graphics displays.

Regardless of the browser a user selects, it is likely the software will need to be updated periodically. As new software is developed, web pages take advantage of new browser features and require new plug-ins.

By Ann Mcdonald           


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