I just stumbled upon the funniest video asking the ‘man on the street’: What is a Browser? It’s amazing how many people in the general public don’t know what a ‘Browser’ is.
What is a Browser: a survey of folks in Times Square
Watch this video. It’s short and very funny!
We often take it for granted that people know some of these basics, but in fact, many don’t yet. And it reminds me to remind you not to overlook terminology when you communicate with your audience. It’s okay when you speak to your audience using some basic terms. They will appreciate it and give them an orientation and context for your material.
So… what IS a Browser?
Here is a quick video from Google that explains what a browser is!
And in case you want to read a geekier version, here is the Wikipedia definition of a browser.
In Summary…
- A browser is a ‘software’ that lets you retrieve the information on the web and display it on your computer.
- Popular browsers for desktop computers include Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer (phased out on June 15, 2022), Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
- Popular browsers for mobile devices include Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Samsung Internet, Brave, and Vivaldi.
- Search engines are NOT browsers. Search engines simply let you search for websites/pages by entering keywords/phrases.
- There are many search engines out there. Here are some popular ones:
- To use the search engines, you need to access their sites (like https://www.google.com/ or https://www.yahoo.com/) using an Internet browser. Many modern-day browsers also let you do this seamlessly by entering the search term(s) directly in the address field (where you normally type in a website address). Using a browser extension to add a search engine search box is another option.
Any other terminology you are confused about? Let me know by adding your comment below!
It’s interesting seeing this.
We in this tech world sometimes forget how the non-techies might have a different “grasp” of the world as we see it. I think the key point is that some (many?) in our audience are like this, and we need to make sure we don’t leave them behind.
All they care about is that they can DO whatever they need to do … no matter what applications and search engines deliver what they need.
I think I’m going to ask my MOM this question. 😉
-Doug-
Thanks for sharing this with us, Christina. What a great find! And such a wonderful reminder to understand who your audience is when you speak to them. Great marketing tip!
Yeah, sometimes when I fly, I ask the people next to me if they have heard of blogging and podcasting. It’s interesting to hear the answers that they give.
I think I’ll ask my MOM this question as well!
🙂
This is definitely a question for both my parents. It’s a very good reminder not to overwhelm your audience with jargon and to keep your language simple.
Hey Christina Hill! Nice to meet another one with my name! I have an ‘s’ and you don’t. I like your artwork!
That was interesting. I found myself explaining what a teleseminar was on Facebook the other day because people kept asking where they should go to watch mine!
Yes, I ususally call it a ‘conference call’ to people outside if the internet world. It’s definitly merging with regular civilians
😉
Thanks for sharing this, Christina – very funny! And as others have said, it is a great reminder for those of us whose businesses are on the Internet, there are vast numbers of people who are only minimally aware of our lexicon that we just take for granted.
It’s important that we not make assumptions and do our best to educate our readers, listeners and viewers. That’s a much better choice than treating them like people who think the world is flat!
Can I be honest? Seriously, I was waiting for the funny part in this video… as well as the answer to the question. Believe me, I’m laughing along with you at this point. (But, do I have to know what it’s called for me to use it?)
OK I’ll admit it… I’m a MOM. Be easy on us. We were likely too busy raising you amazing kids while all this computer stuff was evolving.
The greater point — being considerate of your audience and happily explaining what you think is basic — is a skill worth practicing.
Here’s an example from my teaching years you can play with: Imagine how you’d describe ‘place value’ to a room of 5 year olds . . . how a 1 in the ‘tens place’ means more than a 1 in the ‘ones place’ and what’s that zero doing there.
Now for the fun of it, imagine a ‘man on the street’ is filming your explanation. 😉
Yes, it’s very important for those of us who don’t know basic computer stuff, to have knowledgeable people be kind, patient and ready to explain EVERY thing. Break down EVERY thing to the smallest steps.
The computer boom happened while I was busy raising my kids. Now I’m very grateful for people like Christina, who help us Baby Boomers and respect the fact that we don’t know these things cuz we’ve been busy with other worthwhile accomplishments.
That’s also why the teacher in me loves the greater point here… to be considerate of your audience when explaining what you think is simple.
Try this: Imagine how you’d describe ‘place value’ to a room of 5 year olds… how a 1 in the ‘tens place’ means more than a 1 in the ‘ones place’ and what’s that zero doing there.
Now imagine a ‘man on the street’ is filming your explanation. 😉
Love your newbies.
Lissa,
Appreciate your comments!
Yes while I found this video very funny, it was REALLY humbling for me as a teacher to NOT take anything for granted, and do even MORE explaining that I do. (Maybe even have a section in the workshop called ‘Glossary for Newbies’)
I do love my newbies 🙂
Thanks Christina. I noticed that too. 🙂 Thanks also for your comments on my signs. Cardmaking is really my passion but the signs sell better.
Chill
Thank you Christina!
I know you love your newbies (I threw that at the end as a rally cry in defense of kids quizzing their Moms.) I apologize if my post sounded angry, cuz I’m not. I was just being brave and admitting my truth, that I didn’t get it.
You already do such a good job with being patient and careful in your explanations. My favorite is when you are in the midst of a demonstration and say, “Now what does that mean???” and then you walk through the entire sequence. And I love all your circles and arrows. And your patience and calm way of talking. Are you blushing yet?
Anyways, as I remind the engineers in my life….
Knowledge is wonderful, doing something with it is great, but being able to explain it takes talent.
Blessings!
Just goes to show how important it is to avoid all jargon, especially when marketing something to your audience. They only care about “what’s in it for them”…Krishna