A Web browser is software that interprets HTML, which is one of the languages used to code Web page content. Some new technologies use other markup languages with more advanced features. HTML, which is the most common markup language, can display graphics or play sound, movies, and other multimedia files. Hyperlinks that are embedded in a Web page provide a quick link to another location on the same page or a different Internet address.
Two of the most popular Web browsers are Internet Explorer (IE) and Netscape Communicator. These browsers perform the same tasks. However, there are differences between them. Some websites may not support the use of one of these browsers. It is a good idea to have both programs installed.
Here are some features of Netscape Navigator:
- Was the first popular browser
- Uses less disk space
- Displays HTML files
- Performs e-mail and file transfers
Here are some features of IE:
- Is powerfully integrated with other Microsoft products
- Uses more disk space
- Displays HTML files
- Performs e-mail and file transfers
There are also many special, or proprietary, file types that standard Web browsers are not able to display. To view these files the browser must be configured to use the plug-in applications. These applications work with the browser to launch the programs required to view special files:
- Flash – Plays multimedia files created by Macromedia Flash
- Quicktime – Plays video files created by Apple
- Real Player – Plays audio files
Use the following procedure to install the Flash plug-in:
- Go to the Macromedia website.
- Download the latest flash player installer file.
- Run and install the plug-in in Netscape or IE.
- Access the Cisco Academy website to verify the installation and proper operation.
Computers also perform many other useful tasks. Many employees use a set of applications in the form of an office suite such as Microsoft Office. Office applications typically include the following:
- Spreadsheet software contains tables that consist of columns and rows and it is often used with formulas to process and analyze data.
- Modern word processors allow users to create documents that include graphics and richly formatted text.
- Database management software is used to store, maintain, organize, sort, and filter records. A record is a collection of information identified by some common theme such as customer name.
- Presentation software is used to design and develop presentations to deliver at meetings, classes, or sales presentations.
- A personal information manager includes an e-mail utility, contact lists, a calendar, and a to-do list.
