Browsers and e-mail programs

Browsers

The programs needed for using websites on the Internet are called web browsers. Browsers are included in operating systems, but you can also get one separately. The browser displays web pages to the user in an understandable form with hyperlinks and images.

Some websites recommend specific browsers and some work only with certain browsers. Browsers differ also in terms of security and some other features. Security and user comfort are increased by, for instance, popup blockers that prevent new windows from opening.

Most browsers store information about the visited websites during use and often save necessary images and other files in the cache memory. Browsing history and cache memory make browsing websites easier and quicker, but can also be a risk factor when using shared computers.

The best-known web browsers include Internet Explorer (most common in Windows operating systems), Mozilla Firefox (common in open source operating systems), Safari (Mac OS X operating system) and Konqueror (Unix operating systems).

E-mail programs

E-mail is used through an Internet connection either with a specific e-mail program or a webmail that functions in the web browser.

Outlook Express is an e-mail program that is free of charge and included in the Windows operating system. The Outlook e-mail program is a part of the Microsoft Office software package.

Mozilla Thunderbird is an open source program and available for nearly all operating systems. The program is developed by volunteer authors and is available for free download on the Mozilla Foundation website.

Eudora is an e-mail program that is available for e.g. Windows and Mac. New versions of the program are available on the website of the developer.

The Mac OS X operating system includes the Apple Mail e-mail program which is popular among Mac users. The program is updated with the operating system update tool.

Kmail is included in the KDE desktop environment. The KDE desktop environment can be installed in most Unix operating systems.

Webmail systems are provided free of charge by e.g. Google, Hotmail and the Finnish e-mail service Luukku. Webmails are also provided by Internet service providers, companies and educational institutions. The selection of different webmail applications is wide, and they differ considerably in terms of information security. For example, file attachments may remain on the server in a public directory, accessible to outsiders. The service provider is responsible for the security and updates of the webmail applications.

Site updated 18.11.2008