How to Update Browser Settings

Web browsers offer a number of settings for users to customize. You can change your homepage, set the default location for downloads, block pop-up windows, change privacy options and much more. Customizing your browser this way can make your Web surfing far more efficient and enjoyable.

Things You'll Need

• Windows 7

Instructions

Firefox

1. Click the "Tools" menu at the top of the browser window, and then choose the "Options..." item. A new window will open.

2. Explore the various settings available by selecting from the buttons at the top of the "Options" window. Each will reveal a different set of options you can adjust.

3. Commit any settings changes you've made by clicking the "OK" button at the bottom of the options window. This will implement your settings changes and close the "Options" window.

Chrome

1. Click the "Tools" button near the top-right corner of the window. It is unlabeled and has the icon of a wrench. From the menu that appears, choose "Options." A new window will appear.

2. Adjust settings by choosing from the three tabs at the top of the window, each of which reveals its own set of options to change.

3. Click the "Close" button when you have finished your adjustments. Your settings are committed.

Internet Explorer

1. Click the "Tools" menu near the top of the browser window, and select the "Internet Options" item. Many of the settings available are also scattered around the interface of Internet Explorer, but this menu is the best place to start.

2. Review the available tabs in the "Internet Options" window. Each reveals a different set of options you can change.

3. Commit changes and close the window by clicking the "OK" button. If you want to commit your changes without closing the windows, click "Apply."

4. Explore other settings in various pop-up menus in the browser interface. For example the "Safety" menu, found near the right side of the window, gives access to private browsing options.

Safari

1. Click the settings menu button near the top-right corner of the window. It is unlabeled and has an icon resembling a gear. From the menu that appears, choose the "Preferences ..." option. A new window will appear.

2. Explore the available settings by clicking the buttons at the top of the settings window. Each reveals a different set of options.

3. Close the window when you've finished updating Safari's settings.

Opera

1. Access Opera's main menu by clicking the red icon in the upper-left corner of the browser window . Choose the "Settings" item to open the preferences window.

2. Choose among the various tabs at the top of the preferences to view and change various settings.

3. Click the "OK" button to commit your settings changes and close the preferences window.

References

• Google: Google Chrome help
• Microsoft: Reset Internet Explorer 8 settings
• Apple: Safari 4 for Windows
• Opera: Finding your way around the Opera browser