What is Web browser?

In plain English

A web browser is the program you open to visit websites. When you check your emails online, look something up, do your banking or watch a video, the browser is the window it all happens in. On a Windows computer the one that comes ready to go is Microsoft Edge; other popular ones are Google Chrome and Firefox. On an Android phone or tablet it's usually Chrome.

Think of the internet as an enormous library and the browser as the helpful assistant who fetches any book you ask for. You type in a name or click a link, and the browser goes and brings that page back to your screen — you never have to know where on the shelves it was kept.

Why it matters

The browser is the front door to almost everything you do online, so keeping it healthy and up to date matters. An out-of-date browser can let dodgy websites slip things past you, and a browser cluttered with unwanted "extensions" or pop-ups can run slowly, fill up with adverts, or even try to trick you. Knowing which browser you're using also makes life easier when you ring for help — "I'm in Edge" or "I'm in Chrome" tells us exactly what you're looking at.

What to do

• Let it update. Browsers update themselves quietly in the background — just close all the windows now and then (or restart the computer) so the latest, safest version kicks in.
• Pick one and stick with it. You don't need three browsers. Choose Edge or Chrome and use that for everything so your saved passwords and favourites all live in one place.
• Look at the web address. Before typing a password or card number, check the address at the top starts with https and the website name is spelled correctly.
• Be wary of "add this" pop-ups. If a website nags you to install a toolbar or extension, you can almost always say no.
• Don't panic at scary warnings. A full-screen "your computer is infected, call this number" message is itself a scam — it's just a web page. Close the browser; never ring the number. (See our phishing and scam guides for more.)

How 365 Techies can help

If your browser is sluggish, plastered with pop-ups, or you're just not sure which one to use, 365 Techies can take a friendly look and tidy it up — remotely or in person across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.

Related: Cookies · Cache · App vs program · Malware — or browse the full A–Z jargon buster.