Comments on: Does the average Joe really need to know what a browser is?

By: JanieH

JanieH — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:39:49 +0000

I have used the same analogy that Cecily uses for the last ten years (browser is a like a tv) — it is the best way to get new users to understand the concept. I then explain that a search engine is like the tv guide as it lets you find what is online. Oh, and when explaining subscription databases versus a search engine I also use a tv analogy in that there is certain content on broadcast tv that anyone can see but to get the extra stuff you need to pay.

By: Why Is This Even a Question? « Tech from the Non-Techie

Why Is This Even a Question? « Tech from the Non-Techie — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:49:40 +0000

[...] have the utmost respect for LibrarianbyDay but I’m going to have to disagree (again) with her latest blog post. She commented on this video too and feels that the average Joe doesn’t necessarily need [...]

By: Bobbi

Bobbi — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:26:02 +0000

I really love the TV analogy I’m going to use it to explain browsers from now on I think!

By: Bobbi

Bobbi — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:25:20 +0000

good point, Cecily, but someone also taught me to drive a car, anyone can walk in and buy a computer

By: Bobbi

Bobbi — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:24:37 +0000

maybe the real question isn’t should they know but how will they learn? who will teach them?

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:15:36 +0000

During a game of Catchphrase, I received the word “Browser”, to which my clue was, “Internet Explorer and Firefox are different types of Internet …” In return, I received blank stares; I cringed a bit.

I think people need to at least know the terms and general definition of basic tech terms. Even if you don’t have an opinion on which browser is best, you should be able to tell a tech which you use. Just knowing basic terms can even enable a user to troubleshoot on their own – there are a lot of good support articles online that can save one from having to pay the geek squad to visit…if you know how to search for them.

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:29:55 +0000

Wow, really? I thought that was pretty standard. I know that my Dad probably couldn’t define a browser, but he gets tripped up on the concept of e-mail sometimes.

I’m curious to know how Google defined “browser” for the purposes of this survey, though. Would: “Y’know, like IE and Firefox? Click on an icon, see the Internet, that kind of thing!” have been an acceptable answer, or did they want something more like: “A browser is a software application used to access text, graphic and video information over a tcp/ip typically located on the World Wide Web or other area network”?

I think it’s … HELPFUL for the average joe to know what a browser is, just so that when I’m trying to help that person remotely, I can say: “Did you try a different browser?” without him saying: “Don’t get all TEKN-ickle on me boy, just fix your goddamn web page!”.

(Yes, I am quite proud of that narrow-minded and stereotypical characterization of any non-tech user as an irritable old man from rural America, thank you!)