A Web browser is an important tool for using the World Wide Web. But what exactly is it? And how do you get the most out of its various buttons and menus if you're an absolute beginner?

Here is a quick 12-step guide to using a Web browser. Obviously, if you're reading this Web page, you're already using a browser. You've got this far, and the good news is that the rest of a browser's main functions are quite easy to pick up.

1. What is a Web browser?
2. Menus, buttons and addresses
3. "Back" and "Forward"
4. "Stop" and "Refresh"
5. "Home"
6. The "File" options
7. The "Edit" menu
8. The "View" menu
9. The "Go" Menu
10. "Favorites" or "Bookmarks"
11. The right mouse button, and quitting
12. Getting more help