Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Browser, etc.

Nov 12, 2004 12:24AM PST

Can anyone explain just what a "Browser" is as well as "Outlook Express" and "Explorer"? I mean, AOL seems to do all the work for me with no reference to any of these, and yet in reading all I can find I know I am missing something I should be aware of. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: Browser, etc.
Nov 12, 2004 1:10AM PST

The browser is what you use to access the internet. IE is a browser. As is Netscape, Opera, Mozilla, Firefox, and others.

Outlook Express is an email program used by Windows.

Explorer is what Microsoft uses to view the contents of a drive. It is located in Start, (All) Programs, Explorer.

AOL is designed for the person who has no idea what a computer is or does. Those who graduate to understanding what I mentioned above will dump AOHell. It is the most intrusive and proprietary (this should read predatory) software ever invented.

With AOL you cannot use any other browser or email program, and therefore miss the benefits of learning.

Hope this helps,

Telephony facts, analog/digital explained.
See the CNet faces behind the posts.

I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image. - - Stephen W. Hawking

- Collapse -
Re: Browser, etc.
Nov 15, 2004 12:44AM PST

I guess because I began with AOL on my then-new computer, some five years ago, I never had to get into such topics as I mentioned (in my original post). Perhaps I'd best visit a local library and do some reading to get it straight in my mind. From the standpoint of an obviously still-somewhat ignoramus who thought he was at least a little proficient on the subject, I now do not know where to turn. I know you are not saying that I do not need an internet provider, and yet your post seems to suggest that. Any further help, including informational resources would be appreciated. I need to get my head straight on the subject. Thanks very much.

- Collapse -
Re: Browser, etc.
Nov 15, 2004 3:24AM PST

BB2nite,

AOL is your internet provider, and you sure need it. In fact, at the moment you even need their program.

As long as you're happy with it, and can do with your computer what you want (browse the Internet, mail, write letters or school assignments, play Doom, play mp3's, run Quicken for your finance, IM with all your friends, and what people tend to do with their PC) I wouldn't mind you don't know all the alternatives.

But you're in for a big surprise if you ever decide to buy a new computer or turn away from AOL. I should start with going to a friend or family member who doesn't have AOL and ask for a demonstration of how they do the things you do at home your way. That's much better reading a book if the contents just don't match your view of the world.

Kees

- Collapse -
Re: Browser, etc.
Nov 15, 2004 3:28AM PST

BB2nite,

Just for fun here....AOL users sometimes can use Internet Explorer instead of AOL's browser. Try this: Log on to your AOL internet as you normally would. Once there, minimize the AOL screen so you now see the desktop. (You should be able to do this by clicking on the - sign (minus sign) in the upper right corner). Now double click on the Internet Explorer icon (the big blue "e") on the desktop. It should open Internet Explorer to the default homepage and you can then visit various websites through Internet Explorer.

There are a number of good internet providers that are cheaper and still provide good service and unlimited internet usage but it's your choice to use them or not.. Everyone has their personal favorite, but as an example, I currently use Netzero which charges, $9.95 per month. I believe AOL is about $24 per month. Remember, local access numbers in your area are important and you'll need to check all aspects of the new ISP if you decide to change. A few provide advertising-based limited free access which would allow you to test first.

If you ever decide to "see the light" and change internet service providers, you'll need to download the new ISP's installation program, install it, test it, then uninstall AOL. By the way, completely uninstalling AOL is not always an easy thing, but it's certainly worth doing.

Hope this helps.

Grif

- Collapse -
Re: Browser, etc.
Nov 15, 2004 7:32AM PST

When I first started internet surfing, I purchased a book called "The Complete Idiots Guide to the Internet".

After I got over the insult at being considered a Complete idiot I read the book, (it has pictures as well, Happy ), and it lead me through how the internet works, how email works and what were ISP's, browsers, web pages, links, etc. It did wonders for me. (Now where's that Back button again?).

It's still available at Amazon.com for $13.59, (no, I didn't write it and I don't get a commission).

The web site is;

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0789725231/qid=1100561289/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-0761385-8876839?v=glance&s=books

(sorry for the long link).

Mark