Web Browser Basics: Tabs, Bookmarks, Downloads and Privacy

In short

A web browser is the app you use to visit websites. These web browser basics cover the skills that make browsing easier and safer: working with tabs, saving bookmarks, finding downloaded files, using private windows, clearing browsing data and keeping the browser updated. The shortcuts shown work in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, with Safari differences noted.

Before you start

Windows comes with Microsoft Edge, and Macs come with Safari. Many people also install Google Chrome or another browser. They all work in much the same way: an address bar at the top, tabs above or beside it, and a menu (three dots in Edge and Chrome) with settings, history and downloads.

The address bar is where you type a website address, such as a bank’s site, or a search. When you need an important site, type its address yourself or use a bookmark, rather than clicking links in emails or ads.

Key terms

• Address bar: the box at the top showing the current page’s address, where you can type an address or a search.
• Tab: a separate page within the same browser window, so you can keep several sites open.
• Bookmark (Favorite in Edge): a saved link to a website you want to return to.
• Cache and cookies: files and small pieces of data websites store in your browser to load faster and remember you.
• Extension: an add-on that gives the browser extra features. Only install ones you trust.

Lesson 1: tabs and bookmarks

1. Open a new tab with Ctrl + T (Windows) or Command + T (Mac), or select the plus sign next to your tabs.
2. Type a website address or search terms in the address bar and press Enter.
3. Switch tabs by selecting them. Close the current tab with Ctrl + W (or Command + W on a Mac).
4. Closed a tab by mistake? Press Ctrl + Shift + T (Command + Shift + T on a Mac) to reopen it.
5. To bookmark the page you’re on, press Ctrl + D (Command + D on a Mac), or select the star in the address bar. Choose a folder such as the bookmarks or favorites bar and select Done.
6. Show the bookmarks bar under the address bar from the browser’s settings, or with Ctrl + Shift + B in Edge and Chrome.

Checkpoint: close the browser, reopen it and open your bookmark in one click.

Lesson 2: downloads and files

1. When you download a file, the browser shows it in a downloads panel or list. In Edge and Chrome on Windows, press Ctrl + J to open the full list.
2. Select Show in folder (or the folder icon) to find the file. By default, downloads go to the Downloads folder on both Windows and Mac.
3. Open downloads only if you expected them and they came from a site you trust. Many browsers warn about unusual or dangerous files; don’t override those warnings.
4. PDFs often open right inside the browser. Use the browser’s download or save button to keep a copy. See PDFs and file formats for more.

Lesson 3: privacy, clearing data and updates

1. Private window: open one with Ctrl + Shift + N in Edge and Chrome (Edge calls it InPrivate, Chrome calls it Incognito), or Command + Shift + N in Safari. History and cookies from that window are deleted when you close it. It doesn’t hide your activity from websites, your employer or your internet provider.
2. Clear browsing data: in Edge and Chrome on Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete. Choose a time range and what to clear, such as cached images and cookies. Clearing cookies signs you out of websites. In Safari, use History > Clear History.
3. Check for updates: in Chrome, open the menu and choose Help > About Google Chrome. In Edge, open the menu, choose Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. Each checks and installs updates; restart the browser when asked. Safari updates with macOS.
4. Review extensions: open the browser menu’s extensions page and remove any you don’t use or recognize.

Checkpoint: after updating, the About page should say the browser is up to date.

Check that it worked

Open three tabs, bookmark one site, close a tab and reopen it with the shortcut, then download a small file and find it in your Downloads folder. If you can do all of that, you have the web browser basics most people use every day.

If something goes wrong

• A website looks broken or won’t load properly: reload with Ctrl + F5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + R (Mac), or clear cached images and files for that site.
• Pop-ups claim your computer is infected and show a phone number: it’s a scam. Close the tab or browser; use Task Manager to end the browser if needed. Never call the number. See our Windows security basics.
• Your home page or search engine changed by itself: remove unfamiliar extensions, then use the browser’s reset settings option.
• You can’t find a downloaded file: open the downloads list and select Show in folder, or search your computer for the file name.
• No websites load at all: check your connection with our tutorial on connecting to Wi-Fi.

FAQ

Which web browser is best for beginners?

The one already on your computer, Edge on Windows or Safari on a Mac, is a good start. Chrome and other major browsers are also safe choices when downloaded from their official websites.

Does private browsing make me anonymous?

No. It stops the browser from saving your history and cookies on your computer, but websites, your internet provider and network owners can still see your activity.

Will clearing my browsing data delete my bookmarks?

Not unless you specifically choose to. Clearing cookies and cached files signs you out of websites but leaves bookmarks and saved passwords alone by default.

How do I know if a website is secure?

Look for an address starting with https and a padlock or similar symbol in the address bar. That shows the connection is encrypted, but you still need to check you’re on the real website.