Brian Jenks February, 2012

1. Selecting the Right Web Browser Brian Jenks February, 2012 Begin

2. Navigation To navigate in this tutorial, use the mouse to click on the desired icon, displayed at the bottom of each slide. Estimated viewing time is 10 to 15 minutes. Click underlined text in slides to open web pages, to view additional information (descriptions, images, and video) on browsers and related topics. You will need to navigate back to this tutorial. Navigation icons are listed below: Tutorial Information Quit 1st Slide (Top of Current Section) Home (Returns to Index Page) Previous Slide Next Slide

3. Section Index 1 Introduction and Learning Objectives 2 Web Browsers and Basic Features 3 Considerations when Selecting a Browser Top Browsers: Which one might be Right? 4 Links to Browser Statistics and Tests 5 6 Summary Checking What Was Learned 7

4. 1. Introduction and Learning Objectives This tutorial assists Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac users who would like to learn more about what a web browser is and what it can do, or may be interested in switching to a different browser. • The following information will be presented: • Web Browsers: How they work, and common features • Feature Considerations: What to look for in a new browser • Comparisons Between the Top Browsers: Similarities and differences • Quizzes will be given after sections 2, 3, and 4, to check browser knowledge. • When completed, people should be able to make an informed decision on the selection of a Windows or Mac web browser.

5. 2. Web Browsers and Basic Features There are many brands of web browsers, each with their own specific look, and the way they interpret and interact with web pages. Before selecting a browser, it is helpful to first understand more about what a browser is, and some examples of what it can do.

6. What is a Web Browser? • Web browsers (and this tutorial will use the term “browser”) are computer software programs that access and display content from Internet websites. Browsers interpret Web programming code and present it in a way that is easy to view and (in most cases) support user interactions. • Information on the Web can be stored and accessed from many different physical locations around the World. • How each browser interprets, displays and interacts with web sites is (usually) different. • Web technologies are continually changing, and new technologies added. It is important to use modern, updated browsers in order to successfully and effectively interact with websites built on these technologies. Click on this image to view a YouTube Video on Browsers and The Internet

7. Basic Browser Features Browsers can: • Display text and images (static; not able to be changed). • Read and send E-mail. • Search for information on the Internet (using a search engine). • Play audio and video files, and other presentations (may require a plug-in). • Access and provide social interaction with Web 2.0 websites, and computer-based applications (can add/edit website content). Notes: [1] Most browsers either come included with a computer’s operating system, or they are free to download from their respective vendor. [2] Plug-ins are also referred to as “add-ons” by some vendors.

8. Ready for Quiz 1? Are you ready to assess your knowledge of browser features? • Not Yet, Let’s Review the Topics Again • Yes, I’m Ready for the Quiz!

9. Quiz #1 – Web Browsers and Features Click on the browser statement below that is false: • A browser is a software application that interprets and interacts with a website’s programming code. • Plug-ins add browser functionality, and always cost money to download. • Browsers can access different web information from across the World. • Internet technology changes rapidly, requiring new and updated browsers in order to properly interact with all websites. • Each browser interprets and displays websites a little differently.

10. CORRECT !! Plug-ins do provide additional browser functionality. But because they are primarily developed by competing companies trying to establish a Web standard, they are usually free to download. Click here for more information on plug-ins Plug-in Definition Great! Now lets consider factors when selecting a browser:

11. SORRY - That Answer Is Not Correct The answer you selected is a true statement regarding browsers. Please click the icon below to return to Quiz #1, and select the statement that is false.

12. 3. Considerations when Selecting a Browser These topics are important to both consider and investigate prior to choosing a new Browser: • Compatibility and Capability • Ease of Use • Performance • Security and Privacy

13. Compatibility and Capability • Does the browser display all text and interactive features for any given website? • Does the browser integrate [provide seamless access] with other computer and Web applications/tools? • Can a user perform all Web tasks and functions that they need? In other words, does it work? Summary of “Compatibility and Capability”: A browser should provide access to all websites and functionality that is needed.

14. Ease of Use • Is the browser layout easy to understand and use? • Is a Help feature available? • Are the navigation buttons prominently displayed? • Can the browser’s display and commands be changed/customized? Summary of “Ease of Use”: A browser’s capabilities and features are greatly diminished if it is not easy to understand and use.

15. Performance • How long does it takes the browser to access a web page? • How quickly does it load and play sound or video files? • Does it recover and function properly after it experiences a bad webpage or error? • When interacting with websites, does the browser provide required user security while delivering acceptable response times? • Many external conditions can negatively affect a browser’s performance! Summary of “Performance”: Browser performance is affected by several external factors, such as: computer speed, amount of available computer memory, type of Internet connection (and its bandwidth), security settings, how a specific website is designed (what technology(s) are used, and are they supported by the browser?), and other factors.

16. Security and Privacy • All browsers have some level of built-in security measures, to protect users from threats that can be introduced by popup windows, unsecure browser plug-ins, or erroneously acquired malware. • Check the browser vendor’s website for their security measures, and update your browser version often, to implement new security fixes. It is also important to understand the default security settings that a browser has. • Some computer anti-virus programs offer the benefit of “real-time” browser security, which protects a user while they are interacting with the Internet. • Website access and user interactions are monitored, and cookies are stored on a user’s computer. While cookies aren’t inherently bad, they can be read by many websites, and may be exploited to gain sensitive user information. Summary of “Privacy and Security”:Understand the importance of browser security and how to protect one’s personal information.

17. Ready for Quiz 2? Are you ready to assess your knowledge of browser considerations? • Not Yet, Let’s Review the Topics Again • Yes, I’m Ready for the Quiz!

18. Quiz #2 – Browser Considerations Click on the best answer below: The following security measure(s) best protect against malware while using the Internet: • Use of browser cookies • Using computer anti-virus, with “Real Time” protection • Using the browser’s built-in security protocols • Clicking on an unknown pop-up window • Answers 2 and 3 are correct • Answers 1, 2 and 3 are correct

19. CORRECT !! Using computer anti-virus software along with the browser’s built-in security features is the best way to protect against acquiring malware when using the Internet. It is also recommended to: • Not click on unexpected or unknown pop-up windows • Be aware of browser cookies and how they are being used; these can be deleted from a computer if desired Excellent! Time to Move On:

20. ~ Close, But Not Quite ~ There is a better answer to the Quiz. Click the icon below to return to Quiz #2, and select the best answer.

21. ** Not Correct ** ** No, this option does not protect against malware. ** Click the icon below to return to the Security and Privacy slide. You will need to retake Quiz #2 again.

22. Now Let’s Compare the Top Browsers

23. 4. Top Browsers Which One Might be Right? Chrome This section looks at four of the top browsers on the market today. Review detailed information on each browser by clicking on its logo to the left, or click the Next Page arrow icon below. Firefox Internet Explorer Safari These four browsers (including all their supported versions) have a combined global usage of approximately 98.5% as of January 2012.

24. Google Chrome

25. Mozilla Firefox

26. Microsoft Internet Explorer

27. Apple Safari

28. Ready for Quiz 3? Ready to assess your knowledge of the Top Browsers and their Features? • Not Yet, Let’s Review the Topic Again • Yes, I’m Ready for the Test!

29. Quiz #3 – Top Browser Comparisons • Read each of the following summaries on the top browsers, and click • at the bottom of the summary box that hasall correct information listed. Top Browsers - Statement #2 Top Browsers - Statement #3 Top Browsers - Statement #1 Safari is the oldest browser, and the one most in use today; Chrome has fast performance and is quick to feature the newest Web technologies; Firefox releases a new browser version about every 6 weeks, and has the most available plug-ins and extensions; Internet Explorer can be used today on both Windows PCs and Macs. Internet Explorer is the oldest browser, and the one most in use today; Chrome has fast performance and is quick to feature the newest Web technologies; Firefox releases a new browser version about every 6 weeks, and has the most available plug-ins and extensions; Safari can be used today on both Windows PCs and Macs. Internet Exploreris the oldest browser, and the one most in use today; Firefox has fast performance and is quick to feature the newest Web technologies; Chrome releases a new browser version about every 6 weeks, and has the most available plug-ins and extensions; Safari can be used today on both Windows PCs and Macs. Click Here to select #2 Click Here to select #1 Click Here to select #3

30. CORRECT !! Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each of the top browsers can be very helpful with the selection of a browser. If there is no clear-cut winner, download and sample multiple browsers to see which provides the best browsing experience. Outstanding!! Time for Some Useful Links and then a Lesson Summary

31. No, That Statement Is Not Entirely Correct Please click the icon below to return to Quiz #3, and select the correct statement about the features of the Top Browsers.

32. 5. Browser Statistics and Tests Helpful Web Links for Checking Browser Features and Capabilities • Checks for browser and plug-in updates (may have to click “Scan Now” button) • Default browser’s HTML5 capability • Current user’s IP Address, and other Web information • User’s Network Bandwidth/Speed (select a nearby city to begin) • Recent browser Market Share and related statistics (use “Report Filters” to examine further) • 2012 Ranking and Comparison of the Top 10 Web Browsers Reminder: These external links open a new webpage. You will need to navigate back to this PowerPoint tutorial.

33. 6. Summary • An individual’s assessment of a browser can vary greatly; some people vigorously defend their choice of a browser, while others don’t care what they use as long as it functions well and provides a satisfactory level of security. • Sophisticated Internet users tend to want a browser that supports the latest web standards and technologies and is fast; casual and business users tend to prefer ease of use, and stability with the websites they visit. It is common for users to have multiple types of browsers, to meet these different needs. • Browser reviews/tests should be performed on the same PC or Mac, to provide a consistent, accurate comparison of each browser’s strengths and weaknesses. • Once browser(s) are selected for use, regularly check for updates by their respective vendor. Updates can provide increased security measures, adoption of the latest web technologies, and performance improvements.

34. 7. Checking What Was Learned • You should now have a better understanding of the following: • What browsers are, and how they operate • Common browser features and functionality • Similarities and Differences between the top browsers • What browser features are important, and provide desired/preferred • results • Which browser(s) may be right for you to use

35. Quit This Tutorial Are You Sure You Want To Quit? • Click on the Home icon below to return to the Section Index page, or the information icon for author biography and tutorial credits. • Click here to Quit =>

36. Author Biography and Credits Brian Jenks has worked 20+ years in Technology roles in the Finance and Education sectors; and is currently employed by Michigan State University as a Software Testing Coordinator. Brian began working with browsers in 1995; he regularly uses three browsers: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and (his favorite) Google Chrome. This tutorial was created as part of a class assignment for his MAET degree (Learning, Design and Technology focus), that he is currently pursuing at MSU. Image and Sound Credits: • http://www.vanseodesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/browser-logos-30.jpg • http://www.techmadly.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/broadband-world-.jpg • http://www.bealog.net/uploads/avatar/Roadrunner-Running-Fast.jpg • http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/wp-content/images/4477.easy_.png • http://www.appsfuze.com/static/images/apps/3/e/d/3ed69489-47f7-df11-9264-00237de2db9e.png • http://www.webseoanalytics.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/summary-almost-there.jpg • http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/hsc4789l.jpg • http://www.pixmule.com/thinking-smileys/ • http://www.unt.edu/benchmarks/archives/2000/october00/brainupgrade.gif • http://learningsolutionsathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/knowledge-clipart.jpg • http://www.funnyordie.com/lists/30868d6681/gif-guide-clapping • http://www.thesoundarchive.com/simpsons.asp • http://soundfxcenter.com/sound_effect/search.php?sfx=Homer+Simpson Last updated: 2/22/2012