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Google explains what a web browser is, treats you a bit like an idiot
Google's been pushing its Chrome browser for a while now, and there's no question that it's one of the fastest, simplest web browsers around, if you're a Windows user anyway. But it doesn't have all of the features you'd expect from a fuller fledged browser like Firefox yet, such as stable support for plugins and extensions. And most importantly, it doesn't come bundled with most computers, like Internet Explorer.
Earlier this year Google put together a little video demonstrating that many people don't just not care what browser they use... they might not even know what a browser is. So what's the next step?Telling the world exactly what a browser is.
So Google has put together a followup video that explains that the thing you type web addresses into isn't called the computer or the internet. It's a web browser. And it's "the most important piece of software on your computer" because it handles all web pages. Of course, if you don't actually use your computer for web surfing, the browser might not be that important. But then you're probably living in 1992 and most modern browsers won't run on your machine anyway.
Google has also launched a new What Browser web site to help explain what a browser is, what other browsers are available, and sure, how to download, install, and Tweak Google Chrome. But I can't help but wonder who exactly Google is targeting with this overly-simplistic campaign. Because if you don't even know what a browser is, the odds of you coming across this video explaining it are probably slim to none.
Earlier this year Google put together a little video demonstrating that many people don't just not care what browser they use... they might not even know what a browser is. So what's the next step?Telling the world exactly what a browser is.
So Google has put together a followup video that explains that the thing you type web addresses into isn't called the computer or the internet. It's a web browser. And it's "the most important piece of software on your computer" because it handles all web pages. Of course, if you don't actually use your computer for web surfing, the browser might not be that important. But then you're probably living in 1992 and most modern browsers won't run on your machine anyway.
Google has also launched a new What Browser web site to help explain what a browser is, what other browsers are available, and sure, how to download, install, and Tweak Google Chrome. But I can't help but wonder who exactly Google is targeting with this overly-simplistic campaign. Because if you don't even know what a browser is, the odds of you coming across this video explaining it are probably slim to none.
Comments
50
Subscribe to commentsaddicusrexOct 9th 2009 1:18PM
I'm sorry have any of the people commenting ever, in their lives, worked 1 day of tech support? I'm pretty sure anyone that has worked any kind of IT or tech support job realizes that a) this video is very necessary b) google is not treating You or anyone else like an idiot c) This video is probably not directed at someone who is computer or web savvy.
Books teaching addition aren't treating people like idiots, they're just not for every single level of math.
johnnyOct 10th 2009 11:05AM
The Internet needs more novice-videos on this level. Very well thought out and great for the elderly or people from countries with low computer literacy. A similar video for Linux would do wonders for it. For those who laugh at the video: don't forget where you came from!
Jim SimpsonOct 9th 2009 1:29PM
For those bashing Google for producing this video (including the uninformed writers of this article), watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4MwTvtyrUQ
Get it?
Before you go on a tirade about something, inform yourself.
grimdeathOct 9th 2009 4:23PM
At least put the video in context. The video is aimed at people that do not understand what a browser is or the possible benefits available to them for using another browser besides just whatever comes installed on their OS.....
It would be something I would consider sending to my grandma or parents and could be very useful.
They are NOT talking down to folks....though I noticed this site is owned by AOL....AOL users...now there's a group of people that could stand to be informed of their choices ;)
AaroinOct 9th 2009 8:53PM
Google isn't treating YOU like an idiot. Google is telling the majority of people what a browser is. And yes, the majority of people are idiots.
LuisOct 9th 2009 10:05PM
I have an Internet Cafe in Mexico City and the majority of my customers don't understand the fundamentals of web browser, much less how the Internet works. For example, I get complaints whenever web-based services stop for reasons only the provider of such services would know (ie. G-mail, Microsoft Live, Yahoo Mail, etc.). They don't understand that I am giving them Internet access and the rest is up to them: which browser they use, why they should use a given browser (I keep all major browsers), etc. The reason this article exists is the propensity for people to think that everyone else thinks or knows the things they do, or should.
xmidoOct 10th 2009 6:13AM
opera is the best, i am ashamed how they didnt even mention it
webOct 10th 2009 7:20PM
I tried Chrome and it was faster and kinda cool, but there were ads all over my webpages, and no way to block them. Im back to Firefox now.
ramezquiOct 13th 2009 1:51PM
Obviously there is a need to explain it in these terms as this video shows:
What is a web browser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4MwTvtyrUQ
SilverLinkOct 13th 2009 1:53PM
Talk to someone who works tech support... It's needed more than you might believe.