What does a browser do?

How does a web browser work?

A web browser works by using a special protocol that facilitates the transfer of hypertext-based files between local and remote systems (HTTP) to request a specially encoded text document from a web server. The text document contains special instructions written in hypertext markup language (HTML) that tell the browser how to display the document on the user's screen. The instructions may include references (hyperlinks) to other web pages, text color and position, locations for various images contained in the document, and where to position them. Some web pages may use layout instructions contained in separate documents called style sheets.

What is downloading?

Downloading is the transfer of information through the Internet from one computer to another. For example, you can save a program or image from a website. In doing this, you are grabbing information from one computer and sending it over the Internet to yours. In most cases when you check your e-mail, you are downloading it to your local hard drive.

How do I locate a file I just downloaded?

When you start to download, you will be prompted with a dialog box that asks you where you want to save the file. You should note the folder that you select. By clicking on the little down arrow at the top of the dialog box just to the right of the folder name, you can see the entire path to access that folder. If you plan on downloading a lot of files or programs, it is a good idea to make a folder on your desktop and save all downloads to that location.

How do I save a page I like?

If you want your browser to remember a particular location on the web, choose "Add to Favorites" from the Favorites menu (in Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Add Bookmark" in the Bookmarks menu (in Netscape Communicator). Depending on the version of your browser, you can be notified when the sites you've bookmarked change. To save an individual image from a web page, click on it with your right mouse button, and then choose the appropriate command. To copy text from a page, select it with your mouse and press Ctrl-C or select "Copy" from the "Edit" pull-down menu.

How do I get a newer browser?

The latest versions of both Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator can be freely downloaded from the Microsoft and Netscape websites, respectively. These files are large and may take a long time to download on dial-up. For this reason, both companies make their software available on CD-ROM's, usually for a nominal fee. Alternative browsers

What's the difference between shareware, freeware, demos and betas?

Shareware is software that you can download and use for free for a limited period. After that time, if you like the program, you can pay a fee (usually shareware is relatively inexpensive) to keep it forever. If you're not happy with the program or do not want to pay the fee, you must remove it from your computer. Usually shareware programs will let you know when your evaluation period is over with a screen that will pop up and encourage you to register and pay for the software. Freeware is software that a developer offers to the public for free, no strings attached. You can use it as much as you want for as long as you want, and you can even give it to your friends. The one thing you cannot do is sell it. It is copyrighted and does belong to the developer. Betas are software that is still in development. You can download betas for free and test their functionality. Developers usually release them to the public to flush out major bugs and potential program conflicts. Most companies that release beta software welcome feedback from users. You should note that betas are works in progress and can often have bugs that could crash (lockup) your computer.

How do I install a program after I download it?

Double-click on the program icon and follow the instructions in the windows that appear.

What is a virus?

Essentially, a virus is a mini-computer program that was specifically written to harm computers or send email to a users entire address book. Viruses can range from a simple program that causes invalid error messages to appear or sends emails on your behalf, to a malicious virus that destroys your hard drive -- leaving your computer inoperable.

How can my computer get a virus?

In general, a virus must be executed -- which means it must be opened or launched by your action. Sometimes viruses are contained in a Macro (sub program that exists within a program such as Microsoft Word) or they are a stand-alone executable. You can get a virus from an e-mail attachment, a document that has a virus, or from active web content such as ActiveX* controls. *ActiveX is a loosely defined set of technologies developed by Microsoft. ActiveX controls allow web developers to create moving images within web graphics and web pages.

Can a virus be transferred to by computer simply by viewing a web page?

No. Viewing images, filling out forms, and so on will not place viruses on your computer. Most likely you will have no problems after downloading a program from a trusted source.

What steps can I take to protect myself from computer viruses? The following methods can help prevent your computer from being infected with a virus: Avoid downloading e-mail attachments from people you don't know. If you receive an attachment with an extension other than .jpg, .gif, .doc, or any other format that you are familiar with, don't open it until you speak with the sender to verify content. Do not open a file ending in .exe if you do not know what it is. If you are opening a Word document and it asks if you wish to run Macros -- select "no" unless you were expecting a macro. Install and use virus protection software to scan your computer.And email messages and attachments. Keep your virus definitions up to date. Beware-- someone you know may send a virus and not know they have a virus.

When I am online, can someone access the files on my hard drive? Simply browsing a web page will not allow anyone to view the contents of your hard drive. However, you should not accept ActiveX controls not signed with a digital certificate.* You should also not run programs sent to you by people you don't know and trust. Such programs could contain viruses or let the authors view files on your computer. *Digital certificates are issued by a third party certification authority and basically verify the source of the material and provide accountability.

What is a certificate?

A certificate is a digital document from a trusted third party that vouches for the identity of a person or company. Many commerce websites use certificates to assure users they are trustworthy and secure. Certificates are issued by third party certification authorities, such as VeriSignª or Entrust. Basically, certificates verify the source of the material and provide accountability. Your Internet Explorer default settings are such that the browser will not accept any unsigned ActiveX controls and will prompt you for signed ones.

What's a "cookie"?

A cookie is a marker created by some websites and stored by your browser. By using cookies, website creators can keep track of your preferences on their sites, and can see if you are a returning user. They are generally harmless and will contain only the information you provide or the history of your use of a particular site. They will not reveal personal information such as your name or e-mail address.

Can I choose not to allow cookies?

Cookies can be disabled, although sites that rely on them may not function correctly. In Internet Explorer 5.0, you can disable cookies by choosing Internet Options from the Tools menu, selecting "Security," then moving the security level slider up to High. On-line Terms

What is a URL?

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is an acronym that refers to any address on the web. For example, HTTP://www.weiser.com.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is part of the URL and is used to identify a particular web page. For example, in the URL http://www.weiser.com, the domain name is "weiser.com."

Why do some URLs start with http:// and others with www Is there a difference?

Generally, you do not need to type the http:// when you are entering a web address. Almost all the URLs you see are web servers, and it's often easier just to drop the http:// portion of the URL. In fact, if you leave out http://, your web browser will attach it automatically

What is a Search Engine? A search engine is generally a website that you can use to search for other websites by topic or keyword. People who build websites submit their sites to these search engines to be "indexed." The search engine companies "index" the submitted website and categorize it appropriately in their database systems. From that point forward, the site submitted will be returned in the search results of users browsing for topics this site covers.

What is the difference between sites that end in .com, .org, .net and .edu?

The various suffixes in domain names are meant to designate the function of the domain. For example, .com addresses are used for both commercial and general sites; .org for non-profits; .net for companies that perform network-related work; and .edu for educational institutions. Other suffixes include .gov (government) and .mil (military), as well as designations for various countries (for example, .ru for Russia and .ca for Canada). Performance

Why do some web pages take longer to load than others?

The speed at which a web page loads is a function of several factors. The connection between you and the web server, the total size (in kilobytes) of the graphics on the page, the complexity of the page layout, the type of browser software used, and the speed of the computers involved (both serving and viewing the page) can all affect load speed. You can't control all these factors when viewing websites, but you can help by using a current browser. If performance is unacceptably slow, you can turn off automatic image loading (see the Help section in your browser for details).

What does it mean when I get a DNS (Domain Name Server) error?

It can mean a number of different things. The server that houses the site you are attempting to visit may be unavailable, the address may be typed incorrectly, or the connection may have timed-out (server did not respond in a pre-set amount of time). You can check the spelling of the address, or if you're sure of the URL you can go back to it later. The server may be experiencing technical difficulties.

What are "Temporary Internet Files" and why should I clear them?

Whenever you visit a website, the page and the graphics on it are stored in your "Internet cache." When this "cache" gets full, and may slow down your pages views. To clear your cache, select "Tools" from your Internet Explorer menu bar and select "Internet Options." (Some versions of Internet Explorer may locate "Internet Options" under the "View" pull-down menu.) Under the section that says "Temporary Internet Files," select the "Delete Files" button. This should be done periodically -- with frequency determined by how often you browse the Internet. If applicable, you will be asked if you want to delete cookies or subscription content. It is generally OK to delete these files. However, if you have a membership or subscription to a website, they may have placed one of these files (cookie or other) on your PC for some purpose. Deleting it will remove the information stored by that website and perhaps disable access. For any additional information about clearing your "Temporary Internet Files," please see your Internet Explorer On-line Help.

Does Weiser Communications run a news server?

No not at this time.

If you have more questions contact support@weiser.com

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