Web browser

A web browser is the primary mode of internet use for most people. Most operating systems come with some form of internet browser included. There also is a large array of alternative browsers for all operating systems.

Text Mode Browsers

These are very basic, but quite functional browsers that can be used from the command line. By nature they are lightening fast, and low on system resources. On the other hand, they don't support graphics, and have limited support for other web content.

• Lynx - the one everyone thinks of, is small and very basic
• Elinks - Is more advanced. It supports tabs, tables and limited javascript and css.

GUI Browsers

These are the ones everyone is experienced with, they generally all work the same. There is exceptions in compatibility near the fringe for things that nobody uses like SVG.

• Microsoft IE6 - Is the browser that comes with Windows XP. People that are using this are often forced to by IT policies. They also may just be too stupid to be able to upgrade their computers. If you use WinXP and have upgraded to another browser, there's little point in getting a newer version of IE when you only visit windowsupdate. It's earned a reputation for poorly supporting standards and having tissue paper like security.
• Microsoft IE8 - Is the current generation of IE, it's considered an improvement. According to Microsoft it's the fastest [1] and most secure [2] browser out there.
• Mozilla Firefox - Is effectively the official alternative browser. It also is the default browser for most open source operating systems. It has earned a reputation for security and standards compliance. It's most major asset is the extremely wide range of extensions including the 420chan extension.
• Google Chrome - Is a new browser, it leverages the increasing installed base of SMP processors. It is fast, and some claim less resource hungry than alternatives. Large focus on increasing ease of handling lots of tabs at the same time.
• Opera - Is another alternative browser. It is sometimes preferred for being more lightweight and better performing than firefox and others.