Internet access

A Netscape Navigator (version 3.x or 4.x) or Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 3.x or 4.x) browser

1-2 minutes to change settings, plus a few more minutes to restart your application and test your modification

Browser: A Web browser is a software application that locates and displays Web pages. Text browsers can only display text, while graphical browsers can display text as well as images. The two most common browsers, Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, are graphical browsers.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The location of a document on the World Wide Web, also known as the document's Web address. For example, Learn2's URL is http://www.learn2.com.

2torial #0502: Learn2 Set Your Browser's Start-Up Page Cut out the middle man with a few simple clicks What's your favorite starting point on the Web? Maybe you consult your astrological forecast every time you get on the Web, or your stocks--or even the latest 2torials at Learn2.com. But if you're like many people, that habitual journey has an unnecessary side trip: to the page that automatically loads whenever your Web browser software starts up. Lots of people don't even realize that the start-up page is a matter of choice--that it's easy to program your browser to go to your favorite page as soon it opens. Best of all, the whole process will take less than a minute, if you follow the easy steps covered in this 2torial. And by the way: if you'd like to opt for making Learn2.com your start-up page...well, we'd be honored. Note: This 2torial covers Netscape's Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer. It applies to both Macintosh and Windows operating systems. Many Internet users consider their browser to be a technological mystery--they just accept its features as a given and don't dare alter them. Actually, you have a lot of control over your web browser, and it's not difficult to adjust its settings. You don't need to be a computer programmer, a hacker, or even technologically savvy to customize a browser to better meet your needs. You can adapt your browser's functions to create a better match with your computer, your modem (or other Internet connection), your professional needs and even your personal tastes. You can change the size and style of your browser's default font for easier readability; turn off images so that pages will load more quickly; or shrink or remove the tool bar so you have more room to view Web pages. And these are just a few of your options. Your browser's start-up page (the first page you see when you open your browser) is a great place to begin the customization process. Each time you open a new window, you'll be reminded that you have the ability to alter--and improve--your browser. You can generally find information on how to customize your browser further by searching through its help index. Making modifications isn't a permanent process: you can always change your settings back to their original form, or to new parameters whenever you like. If the concept of tinkering with software is intimidating to you, just think of it as the equivalent of setting your favorite stations on your car radio. It's really personalization, not programming. Step 1