Different Types of Internet Browsers
Web browsers are our window to the information available on the Internet. While you can access several Web browsers, many have small tweaks that set them apart. Some people will choose a particular browser for aesthetic reasons, such as a customizable interface, while others will download a browser for its speed or reliability. No matter the reason, you have several options to suit your preferences.
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Internet Explorer
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Internet Explorer is the Microsoft Web browser bundled with its Windows operating system. Most sites are designed for and compatible with Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer 9, the latest version of the browser as of March 2011, has made a large jump by offering many performance improvements, hardware acceleration and a new combined search and address bar. Internet Explorer remains compatible only with Windows operating systems as of 2011.
Firefox
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Firefox, an extensible, tabbed Web browser created by Mozilla, allows users to install add-ons to add to the browser's functionality. For example, a user can install a weather extension that will show a constant temperature reading or install an extension that proactively blocks advertisements on websites. Firefox is also customizable with different themes and settings. It comes in Windows, Linux, Mac and some smart-phone flavors.
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Chrome
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Chrome --- touted by its developer, Google, as a simplified, speedy browser --- provides tabbed browsing to anyone with Windows, Linux, or Mac operating systems. Chrome introduced the "Omnibox," which allows you to search directly from the address bar or enter an address like normal. Chrome has its own Web store to allow users to install add-ons, extensions and games. Many, but not all, of these add-ons are free.
Opera
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The Opera browser, created by Opera Software, offers the "Speed Dial" feature, which shows the user's top nine favorite sites in thumbnail format. You can customize this list at any time. Updates to Opera have effected performance increases and patched security risks. Opera comes with some built-in tools such as a BitTorrent client and a Really Simple Syndication reader. Opera is available for download for Windows, Linux, Mac and some smart-phone systems.
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