User:Liaapie

=Introduction=

With the evolution of technology, the Internet is becoming more and more popular. Lots of things can be done in the Internet and the different web browsers play a big part in making the Internet and the users interact with one another. With this, people are confused in which web browser is the best to use. The web browsers have their own strengths and weaknesses. Since the web browsers are very important, it is a must that these web browsers can provide the needs of the users.

=Web Browser=

A web browser can be defined as a software application used on computers and also on other devices such as mobile phones to have an access to the internet. It can be used to acquire and pass information to the World Wide Web.

=The Different Web Browsers=

1. Internet Explorer
a.	Developer: Microsoft

b.	First Release: 1995

c.	Latest Version: Internet Explorer 8

d. Features

-	Stricter security compared to previous versions

-	Protects against malwares and phishing

-	Various Accelerator which offer different functions such as maps, dictionary etc. for faster browsing

-	Web slices which inform the users about the important updates about the site

-	Tabbed browsing

-	Automatic crash recovery

-	InPrivate browsing which prohibits tracks of your browsing history, cookies, usernames and passwords and other essential information to remain in a different computer

-	Domain Highlighting which helps users to keep track what sites they are visiting to avoid malicious websites

-	Smartscreen filter which prohibits malicious sites to be loaded

-	Faster browsing

2. Mozilla Firefox
a.	Developer: Mozilla Corporation

b.	First Release: 2004

c.	Latest Version: Version 3.5

f. Features -	Open source application

-	Add-ons which provide added functionalities for the users

-	Tabbed browsing which can be saved and restored for the nest session

-	Faster loading of websites

-	Good security against phishing and malware

-	Bookmarking in just one click

-	Can be customized depending on desired add-ons

-	Session Restored when unexpected crashes happen

-	Password Managers which records usernames and passwords

-	Private browsing which enables a user to surf without leaving traces of sessions

-	Automated updates

-	Efficient Pop up Blockers

-	Enhanced graphic engine

-	Download Manager which enables the user to stop, pause and resume downloads as well as scan files for threats before downloading

-	Customized themes for personalized touch in browsing

-	Spell checking

3. Google Chrome
a.	Developer: Google Inc.

b.	First Release: 2008

c.	Latest Version: Google Chrome

f. Features -	Open source

-	Occupies less memory of the computer

-	Saves recently open websites as thumbnails so that users will only click on the thumbnails for instant access

-	Fast loading

-	Tabbed browsing which are dynamic and can be dragged to make new windows

-	Crash control feature which runs the tabs independently and does not let other tabs to affected by a crashing tab

-	Incognito mode for private browsing

-	Safe browsing which sends alerts if a malicious site is visited

-	Instant bookmarking

-	Importing settings from default web browser

-	Simpler downloads which is seen at the bottom of the page

4. Safari
a.	Developer : Apple Inc.

b.	First Release: 2003

c.	Latest Version: Safari 4

d. Features

-	VoiceOver Screen Reader which reads aloud what are being flashed in the users screen

-	Zoom text only to only zoom the texts in the screen

-	Custom style sheet which enables a user to customize the web browser

-	Bookmark Library in an iTunes format

-	Saves top sites which are determined by the number of times a user visited the web page. These top sites are easily viewable

-	Merging all windows

-	Reopening of all windows from last session

-	Auto fill of Personal Information which enables a user to automatically fill up information sheets in the web

-	Remembers usernames and passwords

-	Tabbed browsing

-	Spell checking and grammar checking

-	Moveable tabs

-	Reports bugs to apple

-	High-fidelity graphics

-	High standard of security

-	Enables users to view logs

5. Opera
a.	Developer: Opera Software ASA

b.	First Release: 1996

c.	Latest Version: Opera 9.64

d. Features

-	Quick Find which enables the browser to remember not only the titles and addressed but also the contents of the article

-	Opera mail which is a mail built in the browser

-	Browser engine which offers fast browsing

-	Quick and customizable web search for easy searching and browsing

-	Mouse gestures which enables a user to navigate through the web browser while using the mouse

-	Customizable web browser which enables the user to choose skins and applications

-	Trash can which easily reopens recently closed tabs

-	Fast search by typing queries right into the address bar

-	Speed dials which enables the user to quickly browse his/her favorite site

=Ranking Based on the Survey from St. Scholastica's College= Different web browsers are being used by different students. Most of them use Mozilla FireFox more often than the other browsers. Being user friendly is the most common feature the students of St. Scholastica’s College like about their web browsers. Other popular features that they like are fast browsing and tabbed browsing. Some of the students are not even knowledgeable of other web browsers such as Opera and Safari. For Scholasticans, the best web browser according to functionality is Mozilla FireFox.

=How Web Browsers Work= When a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is entered in the URL field of the browser, the computer performs these three steps:

1.	The browser determines what protocol (http, ftp, etc) to use.

2.	It looks up and contacts the server at the address specified.

3.	The browser requests the specific document (including its path statement) from

=How Web Browsers Earn Money= Some web browsers are open source software being maintained by members of the open source community. These web browsers do not make money. Mozilla Firefox, an open source web browser makes money by collecting payments from companies such as Google which pays fees for searches done using the built-in search bar. On the other hand, Internet Explorer is a commercial program which is included in software packages or operating systems such as Windows XP or Vista which is not offered free to the users. Some operating systems have their own web browser such Microsoft which is the Internet Explorer and Mac which is Safari.