Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Going Back, Going Forward, and Refreshing
Suppose that while visiting a website, you've clicked several hyperlinks
to view many different web pages. Or maybe you've viewed additional
websites during the same browser session. Either way, it may be that you
want to revisit a page that you viewed previously. To do so, simply click
the Back button in the upper-left corner of the browser window. (It's the
button with a left-pointing arrow on it.) This returns you to the page
you viewed last. Click the button multiple times to cycle back to addi-
tional viewed pages.
When you click the Back button, the Forward button becomes active
(that is, it turns blue). The Forward button is next to the Back button
and features a right-pointing arrow. If, after clicking the Back button,
you want to return to the original page, you can click the Forward
button.
You can also refresh a web page. You might do so to make sure you are
viewing the most current version of the page. (Sometimes, if you've vis-
ited a web page before, your browser saves it and reloads it the next time
you visit. This helps to speed downloads but may result in an outdated
page being displayed.) To do so, click the Refresh button. It's the clock-
wise circular arrow at the right end of the address bar. Figure 10.3 shows
the Back, Forward, and Refresh buttons.
Figure.10 3
The Back, Forward, and Refresh buttons.
Engaging in.e-Commerce
One of the most important and culture-changing uses for the web is as a means of conducting online financial
business, also known as e-commerce. E-commerce can be business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C),
or consumer-to-consumer (C2C). E-commerce can include a business ordering supplies or materials from another
business, a consumer buying a book from an online bookstore, and a friend sending money to a friend.
From the consumer perspective, e-commerce is a win-win. Thanks to e-commerce, consumers have many more
choices. Because e-commerce is global, people can buy from retailers all around the globe 24 hours a day, with-
out leaving the comfort of their homes.
E-commerce makes economic sense for retailers as well. With e-commerce, there's no need to maintain a brick-
and-mortar storefront. Online retailers can work from one or more large warehouses, selling and shipping a wide
range of items.
With e-commerce, you aren't limited to purchasing goods online. E-commerce covers all aspects of business and
life. For example, many governments now offer services online, enabling citizens to pay their taxes, sign up for
government services, and license their vehicles online.
When engaging in e-commerce, be sure you buy from secure sites. You'll learn more about how to tell whether a
site is secure in
Chapter 11
.
