What is a web browser?
A web browser is software used to access and interact with websites and web applications.
Examples include Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.
What happens when you open a website?
- You enter a web address or search for something.
- The browser needs to find the appropriate server, often using DNS to translate a domain name into an IP address.
- The browser connects to the server, usually using HTTP or HTTPS.
- The server sends resources such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images or data.
- The browser interprets those resources and displays the page.
Website, webpage and web application
Webpage
A single document or view on the web.
Website
A collection of related webpages and resources under a domain or set of domains.
Web application
Interactive software delivered through a browser, such as online email or document editors.
Search engine
A service that helps users find information across the web.
Tip: Look for HTTPS and a familiar domain when entering sensitive information, but remember that HTTPS alone does not prove that a website is trustworthy.