Web browser

A web browser is an application used to access and navigate the World Wide Web. It retrieves content via HTTP(S), renders HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and provides tools for security, privacy, bookmarks, and extensions.

Popular browsers

Google Chrome — fast updates, large extension ecosystem.
Mozilla Firefox — open-source, strong privacy controls, customizable.
Microsoft Edge — Chromium-based, Windows integration.
Safari — optimized for Apple devices, energy-efficient on macOS/iOS.
Opera — built-in tools like VPN and sidebar features.

How browsers work (brief)

Networking: connects to servers using protocols like HTTPS.
Rendering: parses HTML, applies CSS, executes JavaScript in a JS engine.
Security: enforces same-origin policy, sandboxing, certificates.
Storage: cookies, localStorage, sessionStorage, cache.

Choosing a browser

Platform: pick a browser optimized for your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux/iOS/Android).
Privacy: review default telemetry, tracking protection, and cookie controls.
Extensions: check availability of required add-ons (password managers, grammar tools).
Performance: consider memory usage and battery impact.
Accessibility: support for screen readers, zoom, reader modes, and keyboard navigation.

Keeping your browser up to date

Enable automatic updates to receive security patches.
Update extensions; remove those you no longer need.
Clear cache if pages look broken after updates.
Verify HTTPS padlock and certificate details on sensitive sites.

Basic features

Tabs and windows: organize multiple pages.
Bookmarks/favorites: save and sync pages across devices.
History: revisit previously viewed pages; use private browsing to limit local history.
Developer tools: inspect elements, console logs, network requests, storage.

Privacy and security

Use private/incognito windows to reduce local traces (not full anonymity).
Manage cookies and site data in settings.
Consider tracking protection and content blocking.
Be cautious with extensions; install from trusted stores and review permissions.
Watch for phishing: check URLs carefully, avoid downloading unknown executables.

Accessibility tips

Zoom: Ctrl/Cmd + +/− to adjust.
Reader mode (where available) for improved readability.
High-contrast and dark modes reduce eye strain.
Keyboard shortcuts:

 * New tab: Ctrl/Cmd + T
 * Close tab: Ctrl/Cmd + W
 * Reopen closed tab: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + T
 * Find: Ctrl/Cmd + F

Troubleshooting

Page not loading:

 * Check internet connection; try another site.
 * Disable problematic extensions; test in private window.
 * Clear cache and cookies for the site.

Layout or scripts broken:

 * Update the browser; enable JavaScript.
 * Turn off content blockers for trusted sites.

Too slow or high memory:

 * Close heavy tabs, remove unused extensions, restart the browser.

Advanced features

Profiles: isolate work/personal sessions, extensions, and bookmarks.
Sync: sign in to sync passwords, history, and bookmarks across devices.
Site permissions: manage camera, microphone, notifications, clipboard access.
PWAs (Progressive Web Apps): install supported sites like apps with offline support.

For editors and power users

Enable copy-paste of rich text carefully; use source view where needed.
Use extensions: dictionary, citation helpers, accessibility checkers.
Developer Tools:

 * Network panel: observe API calls and caching.
 * Performance panel: profile rendering bottlenecks.
 * Lighthouse (Chromium): audit performance and accessibility.