1.3 Browser

1. Browser Categories

There is no single answer that fits everyone when it comes to browsers. For most ordinary users, Microsoft Edge, built into Windows, is a good choice.

2. Tab Management

Today, many browsers support both horizontal tabs and vertical tabs; you can freely choose according to your preference.

At the same time, some browsers also support tab grouping, pinned tabs, and other features, making tab management more convenient.

2.1 Tab Shortcuts

2.2 Other Common Shortcuts

Try the shortcuts:

• Open any webpage, press Ctrl + T to create a new tab, then Ctrl + W to close it, and finally Ctrl + Shift + T to restore it; if the restore works, the shortcuts are working

3. Address Bar and Search Bar

The address bar is usually located at the top of the browser window and is used to enter URLs or search keywords. It contains the URL (commonly called the "web address") of the current page.

In most browsers today, the address bar can also be used for searching; the two have been merged.

4. Bookmark Management

4.1 Set Up a Folder Structure

The browser bookmarks bar is just like a file system: if you pile things up without categorization, you will inevitably end up in a state of "can't find it, can't bear to delete it". It is recommended to build a two-level folder structure by purpose:

4.2 Regular Cleanup

Every two weeks, spend a few minutes cleaning up your bookmarks: organize or delete the contents of the "Temporary" folder, check for dead links, and remove websites you no longer use. Develop good usage habits.

5. Extensions

5.1 A Few Useful Extensions

5.2 Installation and Management

Chrome extension store: Chrome Web Store Edge extension store: Microsoft Edge Add-ons Firefox extension store: Firefox Browser Add-ons

You can manage installed extensions at chrome://extensions, edge://extensions, or about:addons. Or simply click Settings and go to the extension management page.

5.3 Regularly Clean Up Unused Extensions

Every so often, check your extension list: remove extensions you no longer use, and restrict extensions used only on specific sites to those sites.

6. Efficient Search

6.1 Choosing a Search Engine

6.2 Search Operators

Mastering a few search operators can improve our search precision:

6.3 Combined Usage Examples

• Search only GitHub issues about Vue

  Text

  "vue 3" site:github.com

• Find PDF courseware for an operating system course

  Text

  operating system course filetype:pdf

• Exclude Chinese tutorials on Baidu Knows

  Text

  java tutorial -site:zhidao.baidu.com

Try the search operators:

• Type "segmentation fault" site:stackoverflow.com in the address bar; if only relevant results from Stack Overflow are returned, the operators are working

7. Privacy and Security

7.1 Cookies and Cache

Clearing path (using Edge as an example): Settings → Clear browsing data (shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Del)

7.2 Incognito Mode

Incognito mode (InPrivate / private mode) does not save history, cookies, or form data. Good for:

• Logging into accounts on public computers
• Testing how a webpage behaves without cache
• Searching for content you don't want recorded by recommendation algorithms

7.3 Password Management

The password manager built into the browser can save and auto-fill passwords, which is much safer than writing passwords in a notepad.

You can also use more professional password managers, such as Bitwarden, which supports cross-browser and cross-device sync. If you like tinkering and happen to have your own server resources, you can also try self-hosting a password manager for personal use.

8. A First Look at Developer Tools

Press F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I to open the developer tools (DevTools). This is the core tool for front-end development and web debugging. Given where this chapter is in the curriculum, we only provide a brief introduction here without going into detail.

9. TODO Checklist

• Memorize common shortcuts such as Ctrl + T, Ctrl + R, Ctrl + Shift + T, and Ctrl + F
• Installed extensions such as ad blockers, and reviewed their permissions
• Understand and try combined searches with operators such as site:, filetype:, and -
• When encountering programming errors, copy the English error message and combine tech-stack keywords to search
• Understand the difference between cookies and cache, and know that Ctrl + Shift + Del clears browsing cache
• Understand the limitations of Incognito mode, and try Edge's Microsoft Password Manager or another password manager
• Set strong passwords for important websites and enabled Authenticator 2FA (two-factor authentication)

10. Questions Worth Thinking About

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