Getting around the ‘Net

This year marks the 34^th anniversary of the Web Browser, and while it’s difficult to imagine the Internet existed without them, the first eight years of the web (The generally accepted birthdate of the Internet is January 1, 1983.) were tricky and exasperating. There was very little regulation and trying to go to a website was frustrating.

The first Web Browser (March, 1991) made a permanent mark on the Internet, as a large number of websites start with “www,” initials for the WorldWide Web. Since then, dozens of web browsers have come and gone to the point where about two dozen web browsers exist today, most of which you’ve never heard of.

As the name indicates, web browsers allow your computer to access the Internet. By entering the address of a website in your web browser (Yahoo.com, whitehouse.gov, cpointcc.com, etc.), the browser will allow you to access the website for its information and programs. In the process, the website will offer your computer a “cookie.” This is basically a password that allows your computer to access the website quicker in the future. However, “cookies” also keep track of websites you go to, allowing websites to determine your interests and browsing habits. Many sites use this information to target you with advertising or offers geared toward your preferences.

Four web browsers currently make up most of the Internet traffic, but most casual users likely know about two of them.

Google Chrome is one of the most recent browsers in use, debuting in mid-2008. It’s also the web browser of choice for most people with approximately 65% of all users. Its one of the easiest to use and is easily the most compatible with websites’ programs. A score of 555 represents perfect compatibility with programs used to power websites; Chrome is rated at 528. Due to its high compatibility, it’s one of the fastest browsers out there, and many competing web browsers actually use Chrome’s base programming to boost their own performance, adding other features to offer a different experience.

Microsoft Edge is both the oldest web browser in use, and the newest. Edge is a revision of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer which debuted in late 1995, but now uses Chromium (Chrome’s base program) as its operating platform. Its main selling point is its compatibility with Microsoft’s Windows 10, the most widely used computer operating system. Edge is a component of Windows 10, but as you might notice, not all Windows users are Edge fans (As a sidenote, while support has ended for Internet Explorer and many websites no longer work with it, there are still millions of Windows users who cling to it.).

Mozilla Firefox had its start in 2004 and carries the distinction of being the most popular Windows web browser not based on Chromium. Firefox is geared toward privacy for its users and a wide assortment of add-on programs which allows its users to fully customize their online experience. For that, it sacrifices compatibility with a score of 491. Since a score of 330 is still a high score, Firefox is still a great browser for those who like customization.

Safari is a browser that is made specifically for Apple Operating Systems. It’s very quick and flexible, and has some customization options that other browsers lack. Safari can be used on Windows computers, but it sacrifices speed to do so.

Which browser is right for you? As always, personal preference is the answer. Google Chrome is the industry standard, while Microsoft Edge is specifically built for Windows 10. Meanwhile, if your confidence in customizing your internet experience is high, Mozilla Firefox is tough to beat.

Celebrating the Cornerstone Award, Ron Borelli

We’re really proud to share that our founder, Ron Borelli, has been named an IVAC Community Cornerstone for 2026!

If you’ve spent any time around Ron, this makes perfect sense. He’s genuinely one of the nicest people you’ll meet, and he’s always cared deeply about the people around him—our team, our customers, and the community as a whole.

Ron helped build Connecting Point on values that still guide us today: take care of people, do things the right way, and stand behind your work. That hasn’t changed.

The Community Cornerstone award recognizes people who make a lasting impact through leadership and service across our area. It’s a great fit for someone who’s spent so many years quietly doing exactly that.

Ron—we’re proud of you, and we’re grateful for everything you’ve built here.

Congratulations!!!

Celebrating Milestone Birthdays at Connecting Point: Honoring Our Team

At Connecting Point Computer Center, we believe our greatest strength is our people. Recently, we had the pleasure of celebrating two special milestone birthdays for valued members of our team.​

We proudly recognized Jeff Borelli’s 60th birthday and Candace Leenhouts’ 40th birthday with a fun office celebration featuring cake, ice cream, and plenty of well-deserved appreciation. These moments allowed our team to come together, share laughs, and celebrate the milestones that matter most.

Celebrating employee milestones is an important part of our company culture. It reinforces what makes Connecting Point unique—not just as an IT and technology solutions provider, but as a workplace built on relationships, respect, and community.

We are incredibly grateful to have Jeff and Candace as part of the Connecting Point family. Their contributions, dedication, and positive energy help drive our success every day.

Please join us in wishing them both a fantastic year ahead!

Ken's Corner - Ken's Retiring

This Ken’s Corner is both hard to write and easy to write. I’ll explain later.

To turn on, or not turn on? That’s a question we’re going to play with today.

In the early days of home computers, common wisdom said if you weren’t using your computer, you turned it off. Otherwise, the images onscreen would “burn” into the display.

Today’s screens are constructed differently, and the possibility of a screen retaining an image is extremely remote. In addition, today’s computers use a lot less power than systems of old, requiring pennies a day to operate. These factors make the act of turning off a computer actually more a choice than a requirement.

Some programs actually require you to leave your system on as much as possible, if not constantly. For instance, we offer an anti-virus program called EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), which requires a system be on 24/7. The reasons for this are manyfold, but it’s mainly because viruses and malware don’t sleep. They’re constantly active and can plant their seeds in your computer even if it’s dormant. EDR searches these problems out and defeats them before they have a chance to do any damage.

Still, it’s very important to restart a computer regularly; once a week or less depending on usage. This gives your memory a chance to clear data it’s no longer using and keep it running at full speed.

It’s also critical you restart your computer or turn it off correctly.

One of the worst things you can do to a computer is turn it off using the start button. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t bad for your computer; but it can be bad for your data. Without going through a proper shutdown procedure, abrupt program shutdowns can damage your data and programs which can cause them to run improperly or, in extreme cases not at all. That’s why holding the power button, sometimes called a hard reboot, should only be done if your system is locked and can’t be shutdown in any other way.

Your best option is always using the OS (Operating System) to turn your system off or restart it. On Windows machines, once you have all your programs turned off, you can either move your cursor over the Windows emblem and click or press the Windows button on your keyboard (Just to the left of the “Space” key.). Doing this opens your control window. In the bottom right corner is a circle with a vertical line through the top. Clicking that will give you four options: “Lock,” “Sleep,” “Shut down,” or “Restart.” “Shut down” will turn your computer all the way off, while “Restart” refreshes your memory by doing a soft reboot with no chance of damaging programs.

Now, that “hard/easy” part I mentioned earlier: This is the last Ken’s Corner. I’ll be retiring on March 6 after ten years of helping some of the nicest people I’ve met. I’ve learned a lot while I’ve been here, but the person replacing me will be a lot more knowledgeable to begin with, and eager to learn and help you with your needs. You’re going to be in good hands.

Thanks for the memories, and have a great life!

K.