Introducing Tech Tips: Using tabs in your internet browser

Introducing a new digital learning series called Tech Tips. In blog posts and emails, library staff will share digital learning tips in a short, approachable, and easy-to-digest manner.

“We came up with this idea to reach our patrons who often attend our digital learning programs or have computer questions in the library,” says John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology. “Our goal is to demystify some basic tricks and shortcuts that can help make community members’ lives easier.”

First up in the series: In the video below, Gargiulo shares tips on using tabs in your internet browser.

Tech Tips: Using tabs in your internet browser

By Adult Services Specialist John Gargiulo

Do you use tabs when you’re on the internet? Are you interested in learning better ways to manage all of the web pages that you use?

Tabs are a helpful tool that you can use for multitasking while using your web browser. Using multiple tabs can help you leave web pages like your email open while you search for information, stream audio and video, or complete other tasks.

This feature is available with most internet browsers, but may appear slightly different depending on the specific browser that you are using. 

In general, clicking on the “+” icon to the right of a tab will allow you to open a new tab. Clicking on the “x” icon on the tab that you have open will allow you to close that tab. 

Whether you use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari, tabs are a helpful tool for easily switching back and forth between different websites. We have included browser-specific guides below to help you learn more about opening, closing, and toggling different tabs:

Have a tech question?

About John

John is a member of the library’s digital learning team and recent graduate of the University of Illinois MS in Library and Information Science program. He enjoys working with patrons to discover how we can demystify technology and shape it to help us with our different needs. He is also a musician and loves making noise.