Browsers
A browser is software that accesses and displays pages and files on the web. Browsers require a connection to the Internet (e.g., through a cable modem, a direct Ethernet connection, or a modem). Popular web browsers include Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari. Firefox and Safari are available for both Windows and Macintosh computers. Internet Explorer is no longer being developed for the Macintosh.
Firefox is available to Indiana University users in all of the Student Technology Centers (STCs). Internet Explorer is available in the Windows STCs; Safari is available in the Macintosh STCs. Firefox and Internet Explorer are available via IUware at:
http://iuware.iu.edu/Many alternative browsers are available if you do not wish to use those described above. Alternative browsers include Amaya, Opera, and iCab. For more information, see the Browsers page in Google Directory.
If you have an older computer that cannot run current browsers, you might consider downloading an older version or an alternate browser. Though you won't be able to use certain web services from these programs, they will give you basic access. For a comprehensive resource, visit evolt.org's browser archive of dozens of programs. It includes new browsers designed to be compatible with lower-end systems (e.g., Opera, iCab), as well as programs dating from the web's early days (e.g., Cello, Mosaic).
Lynx is a text-only browser that lets you view web documents, but doesn't support viewing graphical images or playing sound or video files. It is useful if you have a slow or restricted connection to the Internet, or if your computer hardware doesn't support multimedia features. Lynx does not support a mouse; you must enter all your selections with the keyboard, using arrow keys to move through menus and links. Lynx is available at IU on Quarry.
