What is a browser? Easily explained

According to the definition, a browser is software for graphical representation of the Internet. The web browser acts as a web client and makes an HTTP request to a web server, which returns the response as an HTML document. We'll tell you exactly what that means.

What is a browser?

Web browsers are your gateway to the World Wide Web. But how does it work?

• A browser - that is English and means something like "Stöberer" - is a program with which websites are displayed correctly.
• When you visit a website, you don't just open the finished product. Instead, your browser receives instructions, which it then assembles into the website.
• Since not all browsers speak all languages ​​and dialects, i.e. understand the different HTML versions, it can happen that, for example, Firefox displays a website somewhat differently than Google Chrome.
• Likewise, an old version may not understand quite as many languages ​​as a new one. It is therefore important that you keep the browser of your choice up to date.
• However, basic functions are the same everywhere, so most websites should work the same in all browsers. In any case, you will always see text, images and links as intended.
• In the past, it was necessary to install a so-called flash plugin for certain multimedia formats. However, since there have been serious security gaps on a regular basis, flash manufacturer Adobe has announced that it will no longer develop it. Since the introduction of the HTML5 language, current browsers have been able to display such content without a Flash plug-in.
• Incognito mode is also important for many users. And in fact you can surf anonymously in all current browsers.
• You also use browsers on smartphones to surf the Internet. The programs then look a little different and more compact, but they work just like on your computer.

Browser variations and extensions

As mentioned, not all browsers are the same and the market is large. Here is an overview of the biggest competitors. You can find more, less well-known browsers in our download charts "Browser".

• There are numerous developments that are often based on one of the larger browsers. For example, there are Firefox variations that have built-in social media or anonymization functions and thus respond to your personal needs.
• You can achieve these variations via the app or extension that most browsers offer. How to install additional functions that are not available in the browser.

Google Chrome

Among the most popular browsers, Google Chrome is the latest, but also the most used - also because it is preinstalled on most Android smartphones.

• According to tests conducted in recent years, Chrome is the fastest browser (as of August 2019).
• Chrome is especially useful if you already use a lot of Google products. You can connect your account directly to the browser and thus synchronize data .
• In terms of data protection, however, it is questionable to run all services via Google. So think carefully about where you want to leave your data everywhere.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox (or simply Firefox) is very popular with data protection experts.

• The browser was the most popular browser in Germany for a long time, but was overhauled by Chrome in 2017.
• Firefox is an open source browser : its source code is freely available so that anyone can develop it further.
• There are numerous extensions for Firefox that can be downloaded from CHIP.

Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge

Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) is a popular and well-known browser heavyweight that used to fight for the top spot with Firefox.

• The program was included with Windows by default for years, but was heavily criticized for not supporting various HTML functions .
• The latest version of IE, Internet Explorer 11, still works on older versions of Windows, but is no longer supported (and therefore poses a high security risk ).
• Microsoft Edge is the successor to Internet Explorer and has been the standard browser for computers with Windows 10 since 2015.

Apple Safari

Safari is the browser that comes preinstalled on Apple devices. Between 2007-2012 it was also available for Windows computers, but this version is no longer supported by Apple. You should also not install Safari on your Windows PC, as possible security holes could endanger your computer.

Opera

Opera is a browser that focuses on high speed and convenience functions.

• Since it is open source, you can also see exactly what is happening in the code.
• What makes Opera (as of August 2019) unique among browsers: it offers a VPN service.
• WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are also integrated in the browser.

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Popular mobile browser

You don't only need browsers on your computer. You must also have a browser installed on your smartphone or tablet in order to surf the Internet.

• Samsung Internet - standard browser on Samsung Galaxy phones, but can also be installed on other Android devices. (Download: Samsung Internet for Android)
• Firefox Klar (Firefox Focus): A version of Firefox with which you can only surf in private mode. Blocks tracking elements and certain content. (Download: Firefox Klar for Android; Firefox Klar for iOS)
• Dolphin Browser - very clear and comes with many extensions. (Download: Dolphin Browser for Android; Dolphin Browser for iOS)
• Puffin Web Browser - works very quickly and also displays websites on iOS that cannot be opened with the standard browser. (Download: Puffin Web Browser for Android; Puffin Web Browser Pro for iOS)
• Tor Browser - for secure, anonymous surfing on Android (Download: Tor Browser for Android)
• UC Browser - very popular especially in Asia. Comes with numerous additional functions. (Download: UC Browser for Android; UC Browser for iOS)
• Brave Privacy Browser - more private mode is not possible. Blocks advertising and tracking elements. (Download: Brave Bowser)