How to get the most out of Internet Explorer18 March 2005
Internet Explorer or IE is one of the most popular browsers on the market. You may not realise it but knowing how your browser works can not only quicken your online experience but also improve your security and help you manage your business better on a day to day basis.
Here are some top things you should know about Internet Explorer:
Getting the latest browser version helps your security
Updating your browser version and your software to the latest versions can keep you one step ahead of the hackers! Also, the latest versions of IE offer more encryption security settings - thus enhancing your protection.
Setting up your homepage and adding favourites can save time
If you have a particular page you want to see every time you log on - click on 'Tools' on the main menu at the top of the screen, then click on Internet Options. Type in the address of the webpage you want as your homepage or if you're already on it - click 'Use Current'.
Similarly to acess all your favourite webpages quickly -click on 'Favourites' in the menu bar when you're on a page you want to add. Click 'Add to favourites' and the next time you want to visit this page, you will be able to access it from your 'Favourites' list.
Clearing your cache will improve your PC's performance
PCs store a lot of unwanted webpages that slows down your connection - so clearing these out regularly will speed things up.
To clear your cache of cookies and temp files, click on 'Tools' and 'Internet Options'. Then click on 'Delete Cookies' if you want to get rid of unwanted cookies, click on 'Delete files' to clear your cache and you can also click on 'Clear History' to delete the all web pages you have previously visited for a given time period.
You can find things faster using the search
Internet Explorer has a built-in search feature called Search Companion. To access this feature - click on the 'Search' option in the tool bar, the Search Companion will appear on the left side of the browser window. If you do not get the results you want you can try searching with a different search engine by clicking the button next to 'Automatically send your search to other search engines' in the Search Companion.
Keyboard shortcuts will get you there without having to use the mouse
These popular keyboard shortcuts will enhance your online experience with IE.
- CTRL + A - Selects all
- CTRL + D - will let you add to your favourites list
- CTRL + E - will open up the search
- CTRL + F - will open up the 'Find' option
- CTRL + I - will open up your favourites list
- CTRL + O - will let you go to a location on your PC or the web
- CTRL + N - will let you open a new window
- CTRL + S - will let you save a document
- CTRL + P - will let you print
