Are you trying to to get the most out of your internet browsing?
The internet has become an integral part of daily life. It’s one of the best information resources we have and it can make some complex tasks a breeze! But it can also be a dangerous place, and the ever-changing nature makes it hard to stay on top of it.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for our 10 best tips for browsing the web.
1. Safety First – Install and Run an Antivirus…
Make sure you’ve got Anitvirus software installed and you’ve switched it on. That’s the first way to prevent yourself from online viruses and malware.
This software is able to detect and remove any malicious program on your device. It will also prevent new infections too. Make sure you research the different providers. Pick an Antivirus software that’ll suit your needs and use it!
2. …And Don’t Forget a Firewall
A firewall is a program that prevents unauthorized access to your devices. Be this from hackers or malicious programs. By setting up your personal firewall, you’ll reduce your risk of coming under attack from online threats.
3. Speed-Up Your Computer
If your computer is running slow, it’ll slow down your browser too. Two easy solutions are to either buy a faster computer or add more memory to the existing one if you can. If that isn’t an option, you can consider some of the following:
- Close programs and windows you aren’t using
- Turn off background programs like update checking
- Remove special effects like animations
- Free up space on your hard disk by getting rid of unneeded programs.
- Scan for viruses and malware
4. Speed Up Your Browser
There isn’t much difference between browsers when it comes to how fast they work. You can find tests that will suggest all the major players come out on top at some point.
So, when choosing a browser it’s best to choose the one you’re most comfortable using. And for Mac users don’t who miss Internet Explorer from their Windows PCs, don’t worry! Click for more information on Internet Explorer for Mac.
A bigger issue is running too many browser toolbars and plugins when browsing. You think “oh I’ll add one more” and before long you’ve got 100 add-ons and you don’t remember most of them. Toolbars can help streamline browsing a great deal, but think before you add. And consider having a clear-out while you’re at it.
5. Be More Effective with Your Browser
It’s not all about how fast webpages load. It’s also about how easy it is for you to get your desired information. Consider these methods for making the most out of your browser:
Bookmarks
These let you save or ‘bookmark’ pages you’ve visited and want to visit again later. You make folders to store them in. Or you can use the bookmark bar to pin sites you visit the most often.
Homepage
You can choose what page you set your homepage too and it should provide you easy access to the web. Some people choose sites like Google for quick access to their search engine.
Stop Button
Sometimes, most of a page will load but there are certain elements (like ads) that’ll take their time. In these instances, the stop button comes in handy! It lets you stop the loading and display what is already shown. If you need the information that isn’t loading, try refreshing the page.
Tabbed Browsing
With tabbed browsing, you aren’t limited to looking through a single page at a time. All you need to do is click the + next to the page tab at the top of your screen to add a new one. Be careful though! Having too many open at once can slow down your browser.
6. Be Cautious of Links in Emails
One of the easiest ways for computer viruses to spread is through links sent via social media or email. Even if you know the sender, it could be that they already have a virus and the link sent without them knowing.
So you should always be cautious of clicking links in emails. If you aren’t sure, it’s not worth the risk.
7. In Fact, It’s Good to be Cautious of Links Full Stop
You’ll see popup windows, free toolbars, ads in the sidebar, or links on forum sites. Clicking on these could open you and your computer up to a world of pain. That free trial or other free goodies they’re offering isn’t worth it, so don’t click on them!
8. Speed Up Your Connection
After doing the previous speed-up methods, you might find that your browser is still slow. If this is the case, then you might need to upgrade your internet connection. Many providers will offer packages like HughesNet internet plans that you can tailor to your own personal preference. Remember, the higher your speed, the better your computer’s performance.
Not all providers offer the same deals. You can even get different speeds from the same provider! If you have dial-up or on a cheaper package, you should consider a faster, broadband connection.
9. Save Content for Later by Downloading
Sometimes links will take you to a file as opposed to a website. You can save or download these files to your computer. Some files will download automatically when you click them. Others will open in your browser.
If you want to prevent it from opening in the browser right-click the link. Select Save Link As… In some browsers, the wording might be a little different like Save Target As… but it’s the same thing. This way, you can save the file to your computer for easier access later.
10. Have the Correct Plug-ins
While you shouldn’t have too many plug-ins, some content needs them to function. You might have tried viewing a video only to see something asking you to download Adobe Flash Player. That’s a plug-in.
If you don’t have the needed plug-in, then your browser often provides you a link to download it. Or it will let you know if you need to update any plug-ins you do have. Make sure you have what you need and it’s all up to date so you aren’t missing out on content and wasting your time.
Make the Most Out of Browsing the Web
So there you have it! Follow these 10 tips for browsing the web and you’ll be sure to make the most of your time.
Always be safe when browsing the web and avoid any links you think don’t look right. Whether it’s by email or a pop up on your screen that’s too good to be true, if it smells phishy it probably is.
Making sure you keep plug-in up to date and only keep the ones you use can help speed up your browser’s performance. For further convenience, make use of features like tab browsing and bookmarks.
If you found this article useful, check out our other blog posts!