A browser, or ‘web browser’, is the software you use to view pages over the Internet. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari and Opera are examples of web browsers. The web browser you chose to use is entirely up to you, unless you use an Apple Mac computer and in that case, Safari is usually used. Some people find that certain web browsers suit them better than other as they have slightly different functions or layouts, but generally, they are very similar.
Internet Explorer was once the most popular web browser used and came as the default browser on many computers which meant that many people did not consider using a different browser. In 2002, over 80 per cent of Internet users used Internet Explorer as their browser (All figures come from w3schools.com). As people become more competent and confident using the Internet, people are more likely to explore the use of different web browsers and other browsers have become available and are extremely easy to download. There are now only 25 per cent of internet users who use Internet Explorer.
Firefox is now the most popular web browser and users have steadily risen since its creation in 2005. In January 2005, just 16 per cent of users were using Firefox. That figure rose to 48 per cent in July 2009 where Firefox’s popularity peaked and has remained at around a stead 45 per cent ever since. Firefox’s popularity may be explained through their strong reputation of avoiding viruses on personal computers. As people have begun downloading more from the Internet, the risk of viruses increases and can be a real threat to a computer. Downloading illegal content especially puts a computer at risk and Firefox has become known as the web browser that is best for avoiding this.
Google Chrome is steadily becoming more popular and is currently used by 26 per cent of Internet users. Google Chrome is particularly quick and simple to use and may have the potential to overtake Firefox in popularity in the years to come.
Internet Explorer was once the most popular web browser used and came as the default browser on many computers which meant that many people did not consider using a different browser. In 2002, over 80 per cent of Internet users used Internet Explorer as their browser (All figures come from w3schools.com). As people become more competent and confident using the Internet, people are more likely to explore the use of different web browsers and other browsers have become available and are extremely easy to download. There are now only 25 per cent of internet users who use Internet Explorer.
Firefox is now the most popular web browser and users have steadily risen since its creation in 2005. In January 2005, just 16 per cent of users were using Firefox. That figure rose to 48 per cent in July 2009 where Firefox’s popularity peaked and has remained at around a stead 45 per cent ever since. Firefox’s popularity may be explained through their strong reputation of avoiding viruses on personal computers. As people have begun downloading more from the Internet, the risk of viruses increases and can be a real threat to a computer. Downloading illegal content especially puts a computer at risk and Firefox has become known as the web browser that is best for avoiding this.
Google Chrome is steadily becoming more popular and is currently used by 26 per cent of Internet users. Google Chrome is particularly quick and simple to use and may have the potential to overtake Firefox in popularity in the years to come.
