What’s the Difference Between a Browser and a Search Engine?
I often encounter confusion between these two completely different tools in conversations with clients. For most people, a web browser and a search engine are one and the same – but they’re not.
This confusion stems from the fact that many web browsers have implemented a mechanism that automatically opens the default search engine when you type a query into the address bar and press enter. This is likely where the association comes from. Unfortunately, this mechanism often leads to phishing scams, as if you type a question like “mBank” in the browser’s address bar, it will open Google’s search results for any webpage that contains the keyword “mBANK”. If the first result happens to be a fake website designed to steal your login credentials, this could lead to data theft. There are many such examples, so we need to be aware of the difference between browsers and search engines.
In a browser like Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Brave, or Firefox (or any other), you should never type in search terms or keywords into the address bar when logging onto a bank or any other website where you enter your login credentials. Always enter the full URL of the institution’s webpage starting with https://www. or www., followed by the domain name, such as mbank.pl.
Since this can be potentially unsafe, use a search engine to look for information and not when trying to log onto a bank. Some mechanisms allow manipulation of Google search results, which can display fake websites that resemble the institution you’re trying to log onto but are actually designed to steal your data.
So, never type keywords or abbreviations into the browser’s address bar when logging onto an institution’s website because scammers use this tactic to steal data. Always enter the full URL of the institution’s webpage in the browser starting with https://www. or www., followed by the domain name.
A web browser and a search engine are two different tools that help users navigate the internet. Here are some key differences between them:
1. Function: A web browser is an application that enables users to browse the internet by entering the URL of a webpage or clicking on a link. A search engine, on the other hand, allows users to search for information related to specific keywords or phrases in the internet.
2. Action: A web browser operates at the client level, connecting to internet servers to display webpages. A search engine operates at the server level, searching the internet for webpages associated with user-entered keywords.
3. Requirements: To use a web browser, you need to install it on your computer or mobile device. A search engine is available directly within a web browser without the need to download or install additional software.
4. Search Results: A search engine displays search results based on algorithms that determine which webpages best match user-entered keywords. These results can include multiple webpages, as well as multimedia content such as images and videos. A web browser only displays the webpage you’ve entered, or links to other websites.
5. Limitations: A web browser may have limitations related to playing certain multimedia content or displaying a website in a specific language. A search engine may have limitations related to the quality of search results or safety concerns if linked webpages are not secure.
In summary, a web browser and a search engine are two different tools with distinct functions and operations. A web browser enables browsing the internet by displaying webpages, while a search engine helps find information related to specific keywords or phrases in the internet.
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