Web browser
Also known as: browser, internet browser, web browsers
A web browser is an app that fetches web pages from the internet and displays them, letting you search, shop, bank, stream, and use web apps such as Gmail or Microsoft 365.
Popular browsers include Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave. Browsers also store passwords, history, and cookies, and run extensions. While browsers look simple, they're among the most complex and frequently attacked software on any device, so keeping them updated matters.
Web browser, explained at three levels
At home
A web browser is like a car that takes you to different addresses on the internet. You type where you want to go, and it drives you there and shows you the page.
At work
Most business software now runs in browsers, so the browser is central to staff productivity and security.
At home
Browsers update automatically, but you may need to restart them to finish. Keep only extensions you trust, since they can see what you browse.
At work
Most browsers, including Edge, Brave, and Opera, run on Chromium, the open-source project behind Chrome. Safari uses WebKit and Firefox uses Gecko. Test web apps across engines.
At home
AI browsers can summarize pages and take actions, but they may be tricked by malicious web content. In my opinion, keep them away from banking and email until the technology matures.
At work
Manage browsers centrally with policies for updates, extensions, password saving, and safe browsing. Enterprise browsers and browser isolation add controls for unmanaged devices and high-risk sites.
Real-world examples
At home
Thomas noticed his browser showed a 'Relaunch to update' button. He restarted it and saw the update patched a security flaw being actively exploited.
At work
Fatima manages a Halifax insurance office. She used Microsoft Edge policies to block unapproved extensions and force updates on every staff computer.
How it compares
| feature | Chrome | Safari | Firefox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made by | Apple | Mozilla | |
| Engine | Blink (Chromium) | WebKit | Gecko |
| Platforms | Most | Apple devices | Most |
| Known for | Speed, popularity | Battery life, privacy | Privacy, independence |
Browsers differ in engine, privacy approach, and ecosystem.
For analysts
For web app projects, I'd define which browsers and versions are supported. It prevents surprises when a key client uses Safari and testing only covered Chrome.
History & origin
Tim Berners-Lee wrote the first web browser, WorldWideWeb, at CERN in 1990. Mosaic in 1993 added images alongside text, and its creators went on to launch Netscape Navigator in 1994. Microsoft bundled Internet Explorer with Windows and won the 'browser wars' by the early 2000s, leading to a major US antitrust case. Firefox in 2004 and Google Chrome in 2008 revived competition, and Chrome became the world's most used browser. Microsoft rebuilt Edge on Chrome's engine in 2020 and retired Internet Explorer in 2022. In September 2025, a US judge ruled Google didn't have to sell Chrome after finding it held an illegal search monopoly, and AI-powered browsers such as Perplexity's Comet and OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas launched that year. In my view, the browser is now the most important app on most computers.