Web Browsers

The primary way that we access the materials contained on the internet is by using a program called a “Web Browser.”  You’re using one right now in order to read this blog post.  Before I continue to define what a web browser is, I need to clarify some prerequisite definitions.

First, let’s go back to my definition for the internet, which I wrote about in a previous blog post.  The Internet is a vast array of computers, all over the world, connected together through phone lines and other forms of data sharing connections, in order that they can share with each other all of the data, programs, pictures, videos, music files, and other pieces information that they contain.  Those files and pieces of information are grouped together on a web site.  Web sites are given a unique internet address,  just like a house is given a street address.  If you want to find a house, you go to its address, and on the internet, if you want to find a particular web site, you go to its internet address.

This is where web browsers enter in.  When you start up your web browser, across the top of the browser is a place where you can type the address of a web site.  You type in the address and hit Enter (or click “go”) and your browser goes to that address on the internet and displays the web site that resides at that address.

“Yes, but how can knowing about my web browser help me be a better disciple?”
I’m glad you asked.  While most people are using a web browser called Internet Explorer, because it comes already installed on any computer running Windows, which is what most people have, there are other options available to you, and these other options have different kinds of features and abilities.

There are some features that all web browsers have in common, such as the ability to tell the browser what you’d like your home page to be.  The home page is the web site that your browser opens whenever you start the browser.  Very often, the default home page is a very busy looking web site containing lots of pictures and lots of information – usually news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, and things like that – but you can configure your browser to use any site on the internet as your home page.

So let’s bring this into the realm of discipleship.  Perhaps you’re the kind of person that is seeking to simplify your life, trying to declutter, seeking to get rid of the noise you’re surrounded by in order to focus more on God and to listen for the “still, small voice.”  In that case, perhaps your home page shouldn’t be one filled with noise and busyness, and should instead be a very simple page, such as Google‘s page, or maybe your home page should be something like Verse Of The Day (www.verseoftheday.com) so that as soon as you open your browser, you’ll see a verse from the Bible.

Maybe you’re the kind of person that likes to keep up with what’s going on in the world, who looks for the hand of God in current events, and who brings current events into your prayer life.  In that case, maybe one of the usual default pages full of news is perfect for you.  If you can’t make up your mind what site you’d like to use as the home page, some browsers can open multiple pages at once, in separate tabs (think of the tabs on file folders in a drawer).

The internet is full of advertisements vying for your attention, and some browsers can be configured so that they don’t display those advertisements.  Again, if you’re someone seeking a simpler life, or if you struggle with greed and feeling like you never have enough material possessions, or if you have a difficult time focusing your mind on one thing at a time, these ad blocking features can be very helpful.

Or perhaps you’re a very busy person who works hard to make your life highly efficient so that you can have time for everything you need to do.  Some browsers can be configured with features that allow you to very quickly find information on the web by hitting only a few keys, and those features are helpful for people with little time available to them.

Specific Browsers

Internet Explorer (IE)
This is the most common internet browser in use, simply because most people’s computers are Windows based, and Windows comes with Internet Explorer already installed.  While IE does have limited support for add-ons, which allow you to add new features (such as ad blocking), IE is aimed at the everyday computer user, and the add-ons usually aren’t easy to configure.  If you’re just looking for an easy, basic browsing experience, and you don’t need lots of features, IE is a good choice, because you probably already have it.  Compatible with Windows and Mac computers (although there hasn’t been an update for the Mac version in several years).

Firefox (a.k.a. “Mozilla”)
Firefox is the most customizable browser available.  There are literally hundreds of add-ons available, and most are fairly easy to use.  If you’re fairly comfortable with computers, and you would like to have ad blocking and the ability to add lots of features, this is the browser for you.  It’s the browser I use.  Compatible with Windows and Mac.

Chrome
This browser, created by Google, was just made available this year, and it was built with simplicity and speed in mind.  There are very few add-ons available for it, and no ad blocking.  This is a great choice if you’re looking for something that is even simpler than IE, but with a good set of built in features. Currently, it’s only available for Windows, but a Mac version is coming in the next few months.

Opera
Opera is a good choice if you have an older computer, since it won’t slow your computer down too much.  Like Chrome, there are few add-ons available (for Opera, add-ons are called widgets), and no ad blocking.  Available for Windows and Mac.

Safari
Safari is Apple’s browser, and it comes installed on all new Apple computers, though it is also available for Windows.  It allows for add-on support (including ad blocking), and is a fast browser.

Overwhelmed?

Again, if all of this is a bit much, but you’d like to know more, please contact me (musicman@thirstyforjesus.org), and I will be happy to answer your questions or to help you set up one of these browsers.

In my next post, I’ll talk about some specific web sites that can be helpful for you as a follower of Christ.